Mercedes-AMG GT SUV: 1,153 hp electric five-seater arrives summer 2027

Mercedes-AMG announced the GT SUV, an all-electric five-seater built on the AMG.EA architecture with three trim levels: the GT 53, GT 55, and GT 63. This is the first SUV developed entirely in-house by AMG, and they're swinging for the fences with power numbers that make most gas-powered performance SUVs look slow.

The GT 63 cranks out 1,153 hp peak power from three axial-flux motors. The GT 55 uses the same three-motor setup and makes 805 hp peak with 1,372 lb-ft of torque. Both run a 128 kWh battery pack and share a continuous output of 711 hp. The GT 53 steps down to two synchronous motors, 536 hp, 590 lb-ft, and a 106 kWh battery.

Charging and Range

The GT 63 and GT 55 support DC fast charging up to 710 kW on their 128 kWh packs, while the GT 53 tops out at 600 kW on the smaller battery. WLTP range estimates run between 385 and 435 miles on the two top trims, and 371 to 415 miles for the GT 53.

The battery uses NCMA cathodes and silicon-containing anodes with cylindrical cells, cooled by electrically nonconductive oil flowing around individual cells. The whole system runs on an 800-volt architecture.

Performance and Weight

Sources differ on the GT 63's 0-60 time, with figures ranging from 2.0 to 2.6 seconds depending on how you measure it. The GT 53 hits 60 mph in around 4.1 seconds. Top speed with the optional Driver's Package is electronically limited to 168 mph on the GT 63.

The GT 63 weighs 5,941 pounds. That's a lot of mass, but the AMG Active Ride Control+ suspension with active hydraulics and rear-axle steering up to 6 degrees should help it handle better than the curb weight suggests.

Inside and Out

Inside, you get a 14-inch center display and simulated engine sounds from AMG V8 and six-cylinder engines piped through the speakers. It's a gimmick, but if you're paying AMG money for an electric SUV, you probably want to hear something other than tire hum.

The GT SUV seats five across two rows.

When and Why

The GT SUV is scheduled to arrive in US dealerships in summer 2027. That's a long wait, and a lot can change in the electric performance SUV market between now and then. But if AMG delivers on the specs and the driving feel, this could be the one that makes the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric sweat.

It's a different world from the gas-powered AMG GT coupe, but the numbers are real, the engineering is AMG's own, and the charging speed is faster than anything else on the road right now. If you can afford it and you're ready to go electric without giving up the AMG badge, this is the one to watch.