Electric or not, Mercedes-AMG’s latest concept makes a strong first impression. The AMG Concept GT XX doesn’t just aim to keep up with combustion-powered predecessors; it wants to make sure you hear and feel every bit of its presence.

Strongly hinting at a production car that may launch in 2026, it boasts 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW), four doors, and a top speed of 223 mph (359 km/h). That’s not all, though, because we know it’ll also come with fake sounds. Now, in a new interview, we’re learning more about that and new insights on how AMG will evoke emotion from its drivers.

More: AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

From the outset, Mercedes-AMG confirmed that the production car, likely the next AMG GT 4-Door, will have speakers to make engine noises. Sure, placing them at the front of the car in the headlights does seem a bit odd, but we digress. We’ve actually heard the fake engine noises already, too. They’re the main feature in a new Instagram post from Mercedes.

Engineering Emotion

That said, tech chief of Mercedes AMG, Markus Schäfer, is still dropping new information in an interview with Autocar. There, he says that evoking emotion is a paramount concern for AMG.

“How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift?,” he asked. “It has to touch the emotional side of you. And if it doesn’t, it doesn’t do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that’s exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX.”

Apparently, Mercedes is taking this lightly. “It has to be authentic when it comes to power and drivability and track performance,” Schäfer remarked, “but the AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that’s exactly what you should expect in this car as well.”

At this point, it’s fair to expect the first all-AMG EV to rumble, shake during simulated gear shifts, and deliver a soundtrack that mimics the drama of a combustion engine. That actually sounds pretty promising. Interestingly, it’s also not far off from what Hyundai has already achieved with the well-received Ioniq 5 N.

Ultimately, this shouldn’t be all that shocking. Whether electric vehicles end up taking over or not (ed’s note: they likely will, since automakers have already invested too much and will want to recoup it), they’re a part of the auto industry for the foreseeable future. It’s also pretty clear that they have enormous performance potential. Still, a brand like AMG would be putting itself at great risk by not at least planning for what EV models would look like. By extension, that same logic applies to how an AMG EV would sound and feel.

Thankfully, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves that an EV can indeed be genuinely fun. If a Korean automaker, mostly known for everyday people carriers, can manage it, surely AMG can too. We can’t wait to see and, more importantly, experience whatever it dreams up. 

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High-performance EVs aren’t just for flagship models and six-figure price tags. AMG’s next move brings some of that top-shelf energy to something a little smaller and a bit more within reach.

This week’s big AMG news is the Concept GT XX that’ll morph into the all-new 2027 GT, a slippery production EV targeting the Porsche Taycan. But when that lands, the GT won’t be the only fast four-door electric coupe with AMG badges. It’ll be joined by the smaller, slightly more affordable CLA 45 with EQ Technology.

Related: Mercedes Will Fix New CLA EV’s Charging Crisis From Next Year

Though not as exotic as its big brother, the CLA 45 EQ will still have some similar performance tricks up its sleeve, including an active rear spoiler, which our spy photographers snapped in detail for the first time during a recent Nurburgring test.

Hidden Aero Tricks Come Into View

The disguise on earlier prototypes made it look like the cars were fitted with a fixed, ducktail rear wing to help keep their rear tires pressed into the pavement. But now we have confirmation that what they’ll actually have is an electrically or hydraulically operated rear wing that moves up into the airflow automatically at speed or can be manually operated by a button on the dashboard.

Personally, I preferred the ducktail idea, though being able to retract the spoiler so it fits flush when not needed is vital to cut drag and maximize efficiency. Some reports have also suggested the wing might function as a mini air brake, an idea AMG has used before on cars like the SLR.

SHProshots

Another bit of tech the CLA 45 EQ will inherit from the AMG GT and the upcoming GT SUV is axial flux motors developed by Mercedes-owned British brand Yasa. These motors are much lighter and more compact than the conventional units used in the regular CLA unveiled this year, and Autocar’s sources say there’ll be three of them onboard the baby AMG to give true torque vectoring capability.

The same reports suggest a power figure upwards of 500 hp (507 PS), which doesn’t sound like much by modern EV standards, but does represent a healthy improvement on the 349 hp (354 PS) of the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. However, Yasa’s motors generate lots of torque and don’t weigh much, meaning AMG might have come to the conclusion it doesn’t need to match the circa-641 hp (650 PS) of Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 6 N to beat it on the road.

Charging Woes, Soon to Be Solved

Non-AMG CLAs feature fast-charging 800-volt electrics but are currently unable to use 400-volt charging stations. Even so, Mercedes should have fixed that ludicrous situation by next year, so CLA 45 EQ buyers will have more charging choices. Not that it will have to plug in very often. A range of at least 400 miles (644 km) seems plausible based on the 479-mile (771 km) legs of the dual-motor CLA 350.

That kind of practicality, plus organ-pulverizing straight-line speed, a drift mode, and a V8 soundalike digital backing track could make AMG’s baby sedan one of the best enthusiast EVs around when it goes on sale next year.

SHProshots

When the first pictures of Mercedes-AMG’s new Concept AMG GT XX landed yesterday, the headlights seemed the least interesting thing about it when there was so much else to grab our attention. But those rather ordinary-looking headlights are hiding one of the XX’s most interesting features, and it’s got nothing to do with LEDs and light beams.

Because in the rush to check out the eye-catching rear lights, the digital display board mounted between them, the glass-free rear end and the aero wheel covers that can move in and out, it was easy to miss a mention of an unusual addition to the front light units designed not to help the concept see, but be seen – or heard.

Related: You Won’t Recognize AMG’s Cars Two Years From Now

Each of those lights has a loudspeaker fitted to its side surface to project fake engine sounds. The small speakers use the body of the headlight units as a traditional speaker cavity to amplify the bass frequencies, something essential if, like AMG, you want to replicate the growl of a classic V8.

Those riding in the car, which previews next year’s production AMG GT, a rival to the Porsche Taycan, will also hear sounds, though they’ll be delivered through the cabin speakers. The ones at the front are designed to be heard by people outside the XX, which is essentially Mercedes admitting that EVs’ naturally silent personalities are too dull.

But the noises also serve another purpose besides letting the driver show off. EVs are required by law to make some external noise to warn pedestrians of their presence, and giving the XX a moody growl seems like a more appropriate way of doing that in a 1,341 hp (1,360 PS / 1,000 kW) EV than some random bings and bongs.

AMG says the concept’s three Yasa motors deliver a 224 mph (460 kmh) top speed, and the 114 kWh battery could theoretically charge at more than 850 kW, which would add 249 miles (400 km) of range in just 5 minutes. Although there are no public chargers that fast in Europe or America, the Chinese have developed some, and Mercedes is confident they’ll become the norm in the future.

Mercedes AMG

Mercedes-AMG is going electric and they’re doing it in a big way with the GT XX concept. It’s an insane four-door coupe with three axial flux motors producing a combined output in excess of 1,341 hp (1,000 kW / 1,360 PS).

Designed to preview the redesigned AMG GT 4-Door, the concept is a huge departure from its predecessor. Besides going electric, the model has an odd exterior that will undoubtedly attract a mixed reaction.

More: 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV Is The Cure For Boring Jelly Beans 

The fish-like front end is dominated by a massive grille that spans nearly the entire width of the vehicle. It’s so wide that designers had to incorporate the auxiliary lights into it.

Further above, there are stacked headlights and a motorsport-inspired hood with split air outlets. Elsewhere, we can see a subtle splitter that flows into the outside edges of vertical air curtains.

Designers gave the concept a rakish windscreen, which meets a coupe-like roofline. This results in a compact greenhouse, which is notable for eschewing a rear window like the Polestar 4.

Aside from gun slit windows, the model has flush-mounted door handles and 21-inch aero wheels. The latter have sections that open and close to balance aerodynamics with brake cooling. They’re joined by sporty side skirts that have “luminescent paint segments,” which “emit light in response to an alternating current.”

The rear end is a little plain, but features muscular haunches and an active airbrake. They’re joined by a carbon fiber diffuser and six circular LED taillights. However, the concept is more notable for being equipped with an MBUX Fluid Light Panel, which has more than 700 programmable RGB LEDs. This enables communication with the outside world via text or animation.

Rounding out the highlights are exterior speakers tucked into the headlights, designed to “emit driving sounds”. Mercedes hasn’t shared any specifics, but a recent teaser showed a prototype of the production car pumping out fake engine noise that sounded like a V8.

The concept, finished in a vibrant Sunset Beam orange paint, also boasts an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.198.

A Minimalist Interior Lacking In Luxury

While Mercedes used to be all about leather and wood, the interior of the GT XX resembles a racing simulator. This feel is amplified by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a compact steering wheel inspired by the AMG One.

Elsewhere, there’s a unique center console with illuminated orange tubes that are designed to recall voltage cables. The concept also has carbon fiber seats, an exposed carbon fiber roof, and a floor covering made from 100% recycled materials.

Designers gave the car a minimalist dashboard and metal components that are part computer, part Back to the Future. They’re joined by lightweight door panels that have integrated bars as well as orange pull loops.

A Powertrain That Hints At The Future

While the styling will undoubtedly draw attention, the most important details are hiding under the skin. That’s clear as the concept rides on the new AMG.EA platform and features a high-performance battery developed from scratch.

The three axial flux motors come from Yasa and offer a high output in an extremely compact package. They’ll go into production next year and be found on an assortment of upcoming AMG models including the new GT 4-Door and SUV.

Mercedes didn’t reveal many details about the motors, but confirmed one is mounted up front while two reside out back. This gives the concept a fully variable all-wheel drive system as well as a combined output in excess of 1,341 hp (1,000 kW / 1,360 PS). That’s enough to enable the car to hit a top speed of more than 223 mph (359 km/h).

The motors aren’t the only interesting development as the concept has a high-performance NCMA battery that has an anode with silicon content. Mercedes said It offers an energy density of 300 Wh/kg as well as a long lifespan.

Delving a little deeper, the battery has cylindrical cells and a laser-welded aluminum cell housing. These developments promise weight savings as well as rapid heat dissipation. Speaking of the latter, the battery also has a “high-tech coolant” that “flows around each individual cell to maintain the optimum temperature.”

Fast applies to more than just acceleration as the concept can gain approximately 249 miles (400 km) of range in around five minutes.  That’s impressively quick and this was made possible thanks to a “very high average charging power of more than 850 kW.”

Since that’s many times higher than traditional DC fast chargers, Mercedes teamed up with Alpitronic to develop a prototype charging station. While the production model likely won’t be nearly as impressive, the company said they’ll expand the Mercedes‑Benz Charging Network with next-generation chargers that deliver “extremely fast charging times.”

As for the AMG.EA platform, it uses a mix of aluminum, steel and fiber composite materials to offer lightness and “exceptional rigidity.” Mercedes also noted the electric skateboard architecture enables the battery to be centrally integrated into the structure to offer a high level of crash safety.

A new Mercedes-AMG is coming, and while it remains shrouded in mystery, photos of it have been leaked online, following the official teasers. Painted in a bright shade of orange, it appears to be the long-awaited electric sedan, set to rival the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT.

The automaker first teased this new model earlier in the month, releasing an image of the hood and the roof. These looked similar with the Vision One-Eleven concept from back in 2023, which also featured a bright orange paint scheme.

Read: AMG Teases Something Wild And Orange But There’s No Rear Window In Sight

In April, a different teaser was released, showing the silhouette of a sleek four-door sedan, lending credence to the earlier spy shots of a Porsche Taycan rival. This has already been previewed by the Mercedes Vision AMG Concept from 2022, although the production version appears to have evolved in terms of styling.

The latest teasers are a lot more revealing, confirming the absence of a rear window, just like the Polestar 4 and the Avatr 12. The tail boasts six circular taillights, positioned much higher than the concept. Between them, there is a pixel LED panel similar to a Hyundai Ioniq 5, which might be configurable to display custom messages.

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A set of leaked photos that surfaced online earlier today show a large grille which appears to be illuminated. The model has a sharp nose and fender-mounted LED headlights that bring to mind the SLR Stirling Moss from 2009.

The interior looks like it came straight out of a concept car, with a yoke-shaped steering wheel and a digital cockpit that looks different from other production Mercedes-AMG models. We can also see orange ambient lighting and straps instead of door handles.

More: Mercedes Won’t Let Its Cars Look Like Appliances On Wheels, Thinks This Concept Proves It

The company hasn’t said when it will unveil this car, only stating that “something is stirring in the Mercedes-AMG garage.” It adds that “a new dimension is about to unfold.” However, the leaked photos suggest that the debut is imminent.

The production model is expected to be underpinned by the AMG.EV architecture, which includes an 800-volt system. Thanks to the trick axial flux electric motors, it could deliver over 1,000 hp, posing as the fully electric equivalent of the AMG GT 4-Door.

Mercedes-AMG

How does an enthusiast-focused brand like Mercedes-AMG create an electric vehicle that genuinely excites drivers and buyers? Well, if you’re AMG, you apparently take a page out of Hyundai’s book, injecting a combustion engine-inspired soundtrack and throwing in a simulated dual-clutch transmission. Love it or hate it, this electric AMG promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen from the brand before.

Read: AMG Teases Something Wild And Orange But There’s No Rear Window In Sight

The brand has been testing and teasing its all-electric Porsche Taycan rival for months now and will unveil it later this year. While one could argue that AMG is a little late to the party in offering a Taycan and Audi e-tron GT rival, it will launch this vehicle before BMW and Audi enter the race with an electric M3 and an electric RS6.

Familiar Soundtrack

Teasers, as well as a concept from back in 2022, have provided us with a good idea of what to expect from the new AMG’s design, but it’s not until now that AMG has previewed what it will sound like. A teaser shared on Instagram first shows a heavily camouflaged prototype doing some high-speed donuts, all while its powertrain remains completely silent, just like most EVs. However, the video then cuts to a second and more interesting clip.

It shows the electric sedan accelerating towards the camera, and we can hear the simulated gearbox going up through the gears, before downshifting when the car comes to a stop. Accompanying the fake shifts, and what sounds like someone pulling paddle shifters, is a deep bellowing soundtrack, inevitably inspired by some of AMG’s fabled V8 engines.

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AMG’s Electric Future

It doesn’t necessarily sound bad, but there are plenty of folks who want EVs to be EVs, rather than EVs trying to mimic a combustion-powered car.

Regardless of how AMG customers respond to the electric sedan and its fake sounds, we don’t expect to hear any complaints about its performance. Power is expected to come from as many as three axial electric motors, each capable of delivering roughly 480 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. That means it could easily surpass the 1,000 hp mark, delivering truly insane performance stats.

To keep up with the Taycan Turbo S and RS e-tron GT Performance, AMG’s new sedan will need to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in around 2.5 seconds, all while remaining comfortable and doubling as an excellent cruiser.

AMG has come a long way from the days when it only built modified versions of Mercedes-Benz models. Nowadays, it has its own sedan in the form of the GT 4-Door, an F1-powered hypercar, and soon, it will have an electric sedan and an electric SUV. As it turns out, it also appears to be preparing a second supercar, or hypercar, inspired by the Vision One-Eleven concept from 2023.

Earlier today, AMG released two teaser images of the new model, revealing that “something big is right around the corner.” No further details were provided about what exactly we are looking at, but it does share some obvious similarities to the 2023 concept, which itself was inspired by the classic Mercedes C111.

Read: Mercedes-AMG Readying Innovative Electric Supercar With Trick Batteries And Motors

First is the paint. The unique shade of orange is very similar to what was found on the C111 and the Vision One-Eleven concept. One of the teaser images also appears to show a painted hood with a black element, a large air vent, and strakes that are very similar to those of the C111 and the concept.

The second teaser image is slightly more mysterious but appears to show the roof of the car, including a large ‘AMG’ logo and the notable absence of a rear window.

There’s a slight chance that the teased model could also be AMG’s long-awaited four-door electric sedan. However, prototypes of that car featured traditional rear windows and did not have complex hood vents as shown in these teasers.

Mercedes-AMG has been known to be working on an all-electric hypercar since at least last year, positioned as a direct rival to the Porsche Mission X. This model is thought to be based on the Vision One-Eleven and will use the new AMG.EA architecture with an advanced 800-volt architecture.

Late last year, Carscoops reported that the new car will use a lithium-ion battery pack with cylindrical cells from Sila Nanotechnologies in the US. It may also feature complex axial flux electric motors developed by Yasa, a British company Mercedes acquired in 2021. Each of these motors produces up to 489 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque while weighing just 53 lbs (24 kg).

AMG dropped a set of teaser images for its new EV sedan earlier this month, officially starting the countdown to a full reveal later this year. There’s plenty about the still-unnamed four-door to get us excited, including the new AMG.EA architecture and axial flux electric motors from Britain’s Yasa that should deliver a four-figure power output.

Related: AMG’s First Super Sedan Looks Ready To Fire Off Its 1,000-HP

Each of those motors packs a serious punch, cranking out around 480 horsepower and 590 lb-ft (800Nm) of torque, which is pretty impressive given their compact size weighing in at just 53 lbs (24kg). With up to three motors on the table, it’s not hard to imagine a performance version blasting well past 1,000 horsepower.

A Closer Look at the Exterior

But now we’ve got something even better than speculative specs: new spy shots. For the first time, we get to see the EV in daylight without its bulky front-end camouflage. Does the design match the promise of those numbers? Well, sort of.

Though this prototype is still covered from head to toe in a distracting camouflage wrap, we can finally see the shape of the front fenders, hood and headlights, and I can’t help feeling a little disappointed. Mercedes has a bit of form for over-promising and under-delivering when it comes to concept cars and the production vehicles they morph into – think gorgeous Vision EQS and boring soap-bar EQS – and this EV looks to be no different.

It misses out on the sexy peaked fenders of 2022’s Mercedes Vision AMG Concept, which paved the way for way for this year’s Porsche Taycan rivaling production car. Instead, it has a fairly flat hood, though one that does at least reach down towards the road, resulting in a sportily narrow grille area.

And while it has DRLs in the shape of a Mercedes star, it looks like they’re just set into regular light units, not embedded directly into the bodywork, as on the concept. Porsche’s production Taycan wasn’t identical to the original Mission E concept, but the changes were so subtle that no one ever felt short-changed. AMG fans might be on this occasion.

Of course we have to reserve judgment until the full disguise comes off, and we really do hope the finished car is a knockout. What do you think? Does it look like AMG has missed an opportunity to really make its mark in a new segment, or is this EV going to deliver a killer blow to the Porsche Taycan?

Images: Baldauf, Mercedes AMG

The new Mercedes CLA EV hasn’t even launched in many regions outside of Europe, including North America, yet development is already well underway for the upcoming AMG variant. As a debut nears, the camouflage is starting to come off and reveal more about the high-performance model.

Starting up front, we can see a unique front bumper with large intakes. They’re joined by a new central opening, which features a unique mesh pattern. Additional details are hard to make out, but the model has a fully enclosed grille as well as starry headlights.

More: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Could Be A 500+ HP EV With Fake V8 Sounds

The styling makeover continues with sportier sides skirts and lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The latter are backed up by a beefy braking system, which sports red calipers up front. We can also see what appears to be AMG-specific badging on the front fender.

The rear end doesn’t look too remarkable at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals an active spoiler. We can also expect a modified bumper and diffuser to help distinguish the AMG variant from the regular model.

SHProshots

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin should have a minimalist interior with a sport steering wheel and a handful of special touches. We can also expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

Mercedes has been tight-lipped about powertrain details, but previous reports have suggested the car will have axial flux motors developed by Mercedes’ Yasa subsidiary. There could be a total of three motors altogether, giving the car a combined output in excess of 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS).

Also: The New Mercedes CLA EV Can Only Use 800V DC Fast Chargers

That should put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which delivers 510 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, along with a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).

Rumors have also suggested the AMG variant will have a unique battery pack and a “V8 Mode.” The latter reportedly replicates the sound of a roaring V8, as even Mercedes appears to be acknowledging that’s what people actually want.

SHProshots

Mercedes-AMG has stripped away some of the body cladding and camouflage of its long-awaited electric sedan, giving us our best look at the car yet. The car will push AMG into a new market and serve as a rival to the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT. So, is it worth getting excited about?

These new teasers show a prototype with a sleek and low-slung design that shares unmistakable similarities with the Mercedes Vision AMG Concept from three years ago. Like that car, the new electric sedan from Affalterbach has striking LED daytime running lights mimicking the shape of the Three Pointed Star. Similar DRLs are featured on the new CLA and will be added to other new Mercedes models, but AMG has enlarged them for this car.

Read: AMG’s New V8 Isn’t Just Coming Back It’s Coming For Everything

There’s no sign of a traditional front grille, although we can see some slats towards the base of the bumper that will provide some cooling.

The side profile of the car is certifiably sexy and has been paired beautifully with tightly-spoked wheels that should also aid in aerodynamic performance. At the rear, this prototype ditches the ugly temporary lights of other recent testers and gets a pair of circular LED taillights, which again have the star motif. There will also be an active rear wing.

The Good Stuff

While both the Taycan and RS e-tron GT represented dramatic departures for both Porsche and Audi, both cars are excellent, and AMG had better be at the top of its game to make a compelling rival to them. All the signs point towards it being just that.

Underpinning the all-electric cousin to the AMG GT 4-Door will be the new AMG.EA architecture with a battery pack from Sila Nanotechnologies in the US and electric motors from British firm Yasa. Mercedes-AMG is reportedly pursuing a four-digit horsepower figure, giving it enough power to compete with the flagship Taycan and RS e-tron GT models.

Fortunately for those who still want a thunderous engine, Mercedes-AMG will continue to sell this new EV alongside the ICE-powered AMG GT 4-Door.

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Even as the auto industry lurches toward electrification with all the grace of a three-legged shopping cart, Mercedes-AMG is reminding everyone that the V8 still has a pulse. The German brand copped a lot of flak for turning the C63 into a four-cylinder hybrid, and raised plenty of eyebrows when it confirmed a pair of high-performance EVs for production. However, enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the AMG V8s we all know and love aren’t going anywhere, at least for the time being.

In fact, fans of AMG’s signature V8s can breathe a little easier, at least for now. According to AMG boss Michael Schiebe, there’s still a future for combustion engines, thanks in part to regulatory breathing room. With the European Union’s combustion ban not taking effect until 2035 and no firm ICE cutoff in the U.S., there are “some years to come with the V8,” he says.

Schiebe didn’t specify how many years the current engine might hang on, but it sounds like AMG isn’t just keeping the lights on. They’re actively working on a new generation of the V8.

Read: New Flat-Plane V8 Coming To Mercedes-AMG CLE 63, But It Won’t Sound The Same

Speaking with Car and Driver, Schiebe explained that the next-gen V8 could find its way into multiple future models. That’s opened the door to speculation, some hopeful, some wildly optimistic, that the engine could even make its way back into a revised C63.

“We are in the midst of developing our next generation of the V8 and I see a lot of positions within our existing portfolio, or maybe even new ones, where we could actually imagine to have a V8,” he said.

We’ve known about the next-generation V8 from Mercedes-AMG for several months now. According to reports, it will ditch the cross-plane crankshaft of the current V8 family in favor of a flat-plane crank. The company is also developing the engine to work with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that could incorporate a starter motor into the gearbox, while also adding some extra power and better efficiency.

Schiebe reinforced the idea that AMG won’t go all-in on hybridization with this engine. In his words, they don’t “necessarily need to go that far on hybridization,” suggesting this new V8 will stay closer to its roots than some feared.

That strategy could also extend the life of models like the AMG GT 4-Door, which many assumed would quietly exit stage left as AMG’s all-electric performance sedan comes to market. But according to Schiebe, that might not be the case, at least not yet.

“Let’s see how long we continue with a GT 4-Door,” he said. “Maybe there is a successor, but I don’t want to speculate about that.”

So while AMG’s future is undoubtedly electric, the V8 isn’t on the chopping block just yet. If anything, it looks like the automaker is doubling down on its combustion credentials, if only for a little while longer.

Mercedes is working on a baby g-Class, aiming to bring the spirit of the original G-Wagen into the compact SUV market. But for those who can’t wait, an even smaller version of the iconic off-roader is already out there – well, sort of. This replica features a tiny electric motor and lacks any real off-road capabilities, but it still manages to carry the G-Class look.

Meet the Bodo G-Wagon. Technically, it’s a golf cart, so you can’t exactly take this one for a spin down the highway, but you can cruise around golf courses or gated communities, places where an actual G-Class would probably be overkill, both in size and fuel consumption.

More: Mansory’s Garia Supersport Golf Cart

Recently, a 2024 model of this golf cart variant went up for sale at Mecum’s Glendale auction and, surprisingly, it fetched a decent amount. It’s not hard to see why.

The exterior is a dead ringer for the popular off-roader, but the tiny wheels and cartoonish proportions quickly give it away. No matter how many Mercedes badges you slap on the grille, it’s clear this is no true G-Wagen. Still, the seller insisted that this is “infinitely more stylish” than your average golf cart, claiming it will help you stand out from the crowd. Well, sure, it definitely will.

Mecum

Inside, the Bodo G-Wagon tries to mimic luxury in its own way. The saddle-colored plastic on the seats looks vaguely like leather from a distance, but up close, it’s clear you’re sitting in something closer to a toy car than a luxury SUV. The listing claims it comes with “the amenities of a full-size car,” if you count things like a fully digital cockpit, rear screens for passengers, A/C, and a rear-view camera as top-tier features.

There’s also the usual golf cart fare, like power steering, turn signals, running lights, and power windows, things that might seem surprisingly high-tech for your average golf cart.

Zero-Emissions, Zero Thrills

Despite the AMG badges, the Bodo G-Wagon doesn’t hide a roaring V8 under the hood. In fact, it doesn’t even have a combustion engine, as this is a zero-emission vehicle. A single electric motor delivers a modest 20 horsepower (15 kW), pushing this mini G-Wagen to a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). No 0-60 times here, and don’t expect any high-speed thrills either.

It runs on a 10 kWh lithium battery, giving it a range of up to 80 miles (129 km) between charges. Considering the largest golf course in America is only 4.7 miles long, this EV has plenty of juice for its intended use.

A Pricey Toy

And that brings us to the price tag. The Bodo G-Wagon sold for $31,900 at the Glendale auction on March 21st, falling within the estimated range of $30,000 to $40,000.

For that kind of money, you could pick up a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class from the 2010s – like a real G-Class, not this golf cart impersonator. Or, if you’re after something more compact, a Suzuki Jimny with a G-Wagen body kit might scratch the itch, though good luck finding one in North America.

Mecum