The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Mercedes-AMG Develops First Standalone High Performance SUV, “Born in Affalterbach”


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Nov 7, 2024
  • Full-size SUV marks second vehicle on now all-electric AMG.EA platform
  • High performance SUV nearing first test drive
  • Vehicle takes AMG's successful SUV legacy to a new level

For the first time in its 57-year history, Mercedes-AMG is developing an SUV entirely in-house.. For the first time in its 57-year history, Mercedes-AMG is developing an SUV entirely in-house. The high performance SUV, "Born in Affalterbach," is built on the company's new proprietary AMG.EA electric high performance platform. Development vehicles are set to undergo initial test drives this winter.

High performance SUVs have long been a cornerstone of the AMG portfolio. Over 25 years ago, the performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach pioneered this segment with the launch of the ML 55 AMG. The high performance SUV segment quickly captured customers' hearts, achieving robust growth ever since. Today, Mercedes‑AMG boasts six SUV model lines, including AMG GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS and EQE SUV. The iconic Geländewagen Mercedes‑AMG G 63 is the crown jewel of the performance SUV lineup.

In this latest SUV project, Mercedes‑AMG is designing the entire vehicle architecture for the first time. This full-size SUV will be the second model built on the new all-electric AMG.EA high performance platform. It also represents the sixth vehicle fully developed by the performance specialists from Affalterbach, joining the first AMG.EA model currently in testing, as well as the AMG GT, SL, previous generation GT, and SLS models.

"SUVs have been among our most popular models for many years. With the 'Born in Affalterbach' SUV, we are responding to this trend by offering our customers a truly captivating high performance off-roader based on the AMG.EA platform. Our new high performance architecture follows a clear philosophy: 'AMG First, EV Second.' This means the vehicles not only excel as electric vehicles but also embody the
core AMG qualities of emotion and performance."
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach divisions