Mercedes-AMG’s Next High-Performance EV: First Ride Experience
▼ Summary
– Mercedes-Benz covered travel and accommodation for Ars to preview the AMG.EA prototype and GT XX, maintaining editorial independence.
– Early high-performance EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid relied on straight-line acceleration, which loses appeal over time for enthusiasts.
– Mercedes-AMG aims to create more engaging and technologically advanced EVs, with at least two vehicles confirmed on the AMG.EA platform.
– The test drive focused on the car’s feel rather than power, with Mercedes-AMG incorporating simulated gearing and noises for a dynamic experience.
– In Sport+ mode, the AMG.EA prototype transformed from a typical EV to a lively performance vehicle on back roads.
Mercedes-AMG is redefining high-performance electric vehicles by focusing on driver engagement rather than just raw acceleration. While early EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid impressed with blistering straight-line speed, the thrill often wears thin. The German automaker aims to change that with its upcoming AMG.EA platform, promising a more dynamic and immersive driving experience.
During a recent demonstration in Affalterbach, engineers showcased a prototype that hints at the brand’s electric future. Though Mercedes remains tight-lipped about specifics, the vehicle appears to share design cues with a next-generation AMG GT four-door. The real story, however, isn’t about looks, it’s about how the car feels behind the wheel.
Unlike conventional EVs that rely solely on instant torque, Mercedes-AMG has taken inspiration from Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N by integrating simulated gearing and performance soundscapes. These features come alive in Sport+ mode, transforming the driving experience from sterile to exhilarating.
On winding backroads outside Stuttgart, the prototype initially behaved like any other quiet, smooth electric car. But once the driver switched to Sport+, the character changed entirely. The system mimics the sensation of gear shifts, complete with accompanying engine-like noises, making the drive far more engaging.
This approach signals a shift in philosophy. Instead of chasing headline-grabbing acceleration figures, AMG is prioritizing tactile feedback and emotional connection, elements that have long defined its combustion-powered models. While full technical details remain under wraps, the early impression suggests Mercedes-AMG is determined to make its EVs as thrilling as their gasoline counterparts.
The AMG.EA platform will underpin at least two future models, with the GT XX concept offering a glimpse of what’s to come. If this prototype is any indication, enthusiasts won’t have to sacrifice driving enjoyment in the transition to electrification.
(Source: Ars Technica)
