Porsche’s Next-Gen 911 EV May Already Have a Mercedes-AMG Rival on the Way

Porsche’s highly anticipated all-electric 911 may be a long way away but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes-AMG from conceptualizing its own rival.

According to Britain’s AutoCar, which recently spoke with AMG’s head honcho at the Munich Auto Show, the luxury automaker’s performance division is conducting research for an all-electric sports coupe. And its sights are aimed directly at Zuffenhausen.

Mercedes-AMG

While Mercedes-Benz and its AMG branch recently backtracked on their hard electrification initiatives due to slow demand and a lukewarm EV market, the Three-Point Star isn’t quite fully giving up on the prospect. In response to the weak demand for electric vehicles, the German automaker decided to keep internal combustion power around.

But despite the about-face, Mercedes-AMG believes electric vehicles still have a place in its lineup, and the best way to champion its efforts is to produce a performance halo car.

Before any true commitments can be made, AMG’s chief, Michael Schiebe, said they first need to “justify the investment” and see if it’s worth the cost and effort.

Mercedes-AMG Still Wants EVs In Its Portfolio

“There is an emotional discussion and a rational discussion,” Schiebe told reporters during the automaker’s press conference at IAA last week.

“Emotionally, yes, we should do that. The question is whether there is a market that is big enough to justify the investment that is necessary. At least from a technology point of view, we know how to do that.”

Mercedes-AMG

Schiebe reportedly elaborated that the supposed new sports car would essentially take form as an all-electric variant of the next-gen AMG GT sports coupe. Thus, performance will be a key focus, while product planners also acknowledge that its intended market will be “those who love driving” and most likely use the car as a second vehicle.

He didn’t divulge any further specifics as its viability is still dependent on market demand and the evolution of EV powertrain and battery technologies. Today, electric vehicle still face major challenges with weight, driving ranges, charging times and available infrastructure.

While automakers have proven that electric vehicles work as cars and performance benchmarks, weight and limited driving range compared to conventional internal combustion-powered cars still inhibit their true performance potential.

Mercedes-AMG

“We want to be, in terms of technology and performance, successful but also economically successful. We do whatever is, let’s say, worth investing the money,” Schiebe continued.

“And at the moment, I would say we are more successful investing into our two-door combustion-engine platform than doing this on the electric side. But here we are flexible, so flexible because we are constantly reviewing our portfolio and looking into that.”

The Recent Concept AMG GT XX Hints at This Future EV Sports Coupe

Mercedes-Benz debuted its Concept AMG GT XX back in June, highlighting the automaker’s latest and most advanced electric vehicle architecture, called AMG.EA.

It also hints at the first model based on the platform and destined for production, boasting specifications such as an output of more than 1,000 kilowatts (1,360 peak horsepower) and an estimated driving range of around 400 kilometers (248.5 miles), with fast-charging capabilities.

Mercedes-AMG

Should this supposed electric AMG GT sports coupe reach production, speculation suggests it could utilize this AMG.EA architecture, but in a more advanced form. It would also be sold side-by-side with the ICE-powered model.

Related Topics