Mercedes-AMG GT SUV Packs 1,153 HP but Only 21.4 Cu Ft of Cargo

Mercedes-AMG built a 1,153-horsepower electric SUV that can drift and sprint to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds. It also gave the vehicle 21.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

That is less trunk room than a Honda Civic sedan. The front trunk holds another 2.8 cubic feet, barely enough for a duffel bag. For a full-size luxury utility vehicle expected to start well into six figures when it reaches U.S. dealerships in summer 2027, the packaging represents a stark engineering trade-off. Affalterbach prioritized the 800-volt AMG.EA platform and its battery architecture over the utility that defines the segment.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT SUV arrives in three trims: GT 53, GT 55, and GT 63. The base GT 53 uses two permanently excited synchronous motors for 536 horsepower. The upper tiers deploy three axial flux motors. The GT 55 produces up to 805 hp. The GT 63 delivers 1,153 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque, managed through torque vectoring. A one-foot rollout calculation puts the 0-124 mph run at 6.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 168 mph.

Axial flux technology, heavily championed by Mercedes following its acquisition of Yasa, allows these motors to be significantly lighter and more compact than traditional radial flux units. That density helps explain how engineers stuffed this much output into a chassis while retaining all-wheel drive, a decoupling front motor on the base model, and a two-speed transmission on the rear axle. Steel brakes are standard on the GT 53. Carbon-ceramic rotors are optional on the GT 55 and standard on the GT 63.

Power comes from directly cooled cylindrical cells packaged in either a 106 kWh or 128 kWh battery. WLTP testing suggests up to 435 miles of range, though EPA estimates will likely land closer to 400 miles. The electrical architecture supports extreme charging speeds. The larger battery accepts up to 710 kW DC fast charging; the smaller one peaks at 600 kW. A 10-to-80 percent charge takes as little as 12 minutes on compatible hardware. Because public infrastructure capable of delivering 710 kW remains virtually nonexistent in North America, the system automatically steps down to 400-volt mode at standard stations. Plugged into a 400 kW charger via the U.S.-standard NACS port, the 128 kWh pack goes from 10 to 80 percent in 16 minutes, recouping up to 279 miles of range in 10 minutes.

To keep the heavy battery box planted, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL+ (standard on the GT 63, optional on the GT 55) pairs three-stage adjustable air springs with hydraulically interconnected dampers. This eliminates conventional anti-roll bars entirely. Multi-link suspension setups at both ends work alongside standard rear-axle steering. The body-in-white mixes aluminum, steel, and fiber-reinforced composites to manage weight.

The exterior styling abandons the smooth aerodynamic profiles typical of recent EVs. A concave center grille sits above vertical air inlets and a narrow duct. Headlights feature three-pointed star-shaped graphics. An active AEROKINETICS roof spoiler deploys on the GT 55 and GT 63. The rear fascia uses gloss black paneling flanked by triple-star light clusters inspired by the AMG GT XX Concept. Buyers can select from more than 60 MANUFAKTUR paint options, including color-accented forged wheels available for the first time.

Inside, physical switchgear returns for drive modes, hazard lights, and volume control. A 10.2-inch driver display connects to a 14-inch central touchscreen infotainment setup. A secondary 14-inch screen is available for the front passenger. AMG Performance seats and quilted upholstery are optional. The Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System broadcasts synthetic engine audio through the cabin. The GT 53 plays recordings of AMG inline-six engines. The GT 55 and GT 63 simulate V8 exhaust notes sourced from the C 190 AMG GT-R. Through the AMGFORCE Sport+ drive program, haptic feedback vibrates the seats during simulated gear changes triggered by steering paddles. Pulling both paddles simultaneously engages a temporary performance boost and tightens the seatbelts.

Software includes the AMG Track Pace app for recording lap and sector times, plus a Predictive Performance Manager that optimizes energy deployment around a circuit based on RACE or SPRINT settings. A dedicated drag race mode and launch control are standard across the lineup. SKY CONTROL, an opaque, transparent, or illuminated panoramic glass roof, covers the cabin. The rear bench seats three passengers and features folding seatbacks with power-folding headrests.

Under the front hood, where a hand-built V8 once sat under AMG’s “One Man, One Engine” philosophy, there is now a signed plaque reading “Born in Affalterbach.”