By Deji Osas
A New Chapter Begins for AMG
Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, is officially entering the electric era — but not without a bold, nostalgic twist. Breaking away from the convention of futuristic minimalism that has come to define electric vehicle (EV) design, AMG is preparing its first-ever EV to be a retro-styled electric supercar. This audacious move marries the brand’s motorsport legacy with cutting-edge technology, signaling that AMG’s electric future will not forget its glorious past.
With Mercedes-Benz gradually electrifying its entire lineup, AMG’s leap into the EV segment has been highly anticipated by car enthusiasts and industry analysts alike. But rather than debuting with an understated electric sedan or crossover, AMG is opting for a design that pays tribute to its racing heritage — reminiscent of its 1970s and 1980s sports cars — yet loaded with state-of-the-art battery and propulsion systems. This retro-futuristic concept is poised to redefine performance EVs while preserving the visceral thrill that AMG vehicles are known for.
Heritage-Inspired Design Meets Modern Innovation
Photos and concept sketches teased by AMG suggest a low-slung coupe silhouette, wide haunches, and rounded headlights — a design language unmistakably drawn from the iconic Mercedes-Benz C111 and early SL models, especially the gullwing-door variants. The blend of sharp lines and smooth contours signals a car that reveres its ancestors while preparing to dominate tomorrow’s roads.
However, beneath the vintage skin lies a powertrain unlike anything AMG has done before. The electric supercar will be built on Mercedes’ dedicated AMG.EA platform, tailored exclusively for high-performance EVs. Early reports indicate the car will feature dual or even tri-motor configurations, producing over 1,000 horsepower and delivering instantaneous torque to all four wheels. This setup will likely catapult the vehicle from 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds, putting it in direct competition with rivals like the Tesla Roadster and the Rimac Nevera.
In terms of battery technology, AMG is rumored to be collaborating with the Mercedes-Benz F1 division to integrate high-density, liquid-cooled battery cells derived from Formula One energy recovery systems. This not only promises blistering performance but also efficiency gains and quicker charging times. Range estimates are expected to hover around 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge, striking a balance between speed and endurance.
Performance, Sound, and the AMG Identity
One of the biggest challenges for high-performance EVs is maintaining the emotional connection that comes with the roar of an internal combustion engine. AMG knows this — and is taking steps to ensure its EV supercar still delivers an engaging, multisensory driving experience.
To address this, AMG is developing a signature sound profile for its electric supercar. Rather than faking engine noises, the company is creating an “authentic” electric soundtrack crafted using complex acoustic engineering. This will be tailored to respond dynamically to throttle input, speed, and torque, offering drivers audible feedback that complements the high-voltage performance.
Additionally, AMG engineers are working on refining torque vectoring, regenerative braking, and suspension systems to replicate — and in some cases surpass — the handling dynamics of their gasoline-powered counterparts. The goal is to deliver a vehicle that not only looks stunning but drives like a true AMG: raw, precise, and exhilarating.
Limited Production, Unlimited Hype
Although Mercedes-AMG has not confirmed an official launch date, insiders suggest the retro electric supercar could debut as a limited-production halo car by late 2026 or early 2027. It will serve as a technological and emotional flagship, intended more to showcase what the brand can achieve in the electric space rather than to be a volume seller.
Only a few hundred units may be produced initially, with the vehicle expected to carry a hefty price tag well above the $300,000 mark. This exclusivity ensures that the supercar remains an object of desire and reinforces its role as a collector’s item. It’s a strategic way for AMG to enter the EV market without diluting its brand — a calculated step that puts storytelling, history, and ambition front and center.
Industry observers believe this car could pave the way for a new generation of AMG-badged electric sedans, coupes, and SUVs, using lessons learned from this flagship to inform future products. If successful, this retro EV may one day be remembered as the turning point when AMG’s electrified legacy truly began.
Final Thoughts
Mercedes-AMG’s decision to launch its first electric vehicle as a retro-styled supercar is more than a branding gimmick — it’s a bold declaration. In an era where many automakers are scrambling to chase minimalism and range wars, AMG is doing what it does best: standing out, going bold, and refusing to compromise on emotion.
By blending historical design with avant-garde technology, AMG is creating a bridge between its celebrated past and electrified future. If this supercar lives up to the hype, it could not only carve a unique niche in the EV market but also set the tone for how performance and nostalgia can coexist in a zero-emission world.
