The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is here, with AMG plowing ahead with electrification at a moment when most of the industry is walking it back. The super sedan replaces the original GT 4-Door Coupe, which in its final form paired a twin-turbo V8 with a hybrid system for up to 831 hp. The new one drops the engine entirely.

Underpinned by the AMG.EA architecture, the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is based heavily on the Concept AMG GT XX from last year. The design has changed quite a bit since that concept, although the road car is equally as dramatic and will no doubt trigger controversy.

Read: AMG’s New Electric GT Fakes Its V8 Noises Better Than Dodge’s Charger Daytona

Designed to rival the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, there’s no denying that those competitors have the upper hand when it comes to design, and by a significant margin. Indeed, the new all-electric AMG sedan looks like the Hunchback of Notre-Dame compared to the Audi. What the Mercedes does have going for it is performance and features designed to make it feel like a true AMG from behind the wheel.

Big Power, Big Weight

Underpinning the sedan is a 106 kWh battery pack, an 800-volt electrical architecture, and three advanced axial flux motors. As we had suspected, power is outrageous, sitting at an absurd 1,153 hp and up to 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm) of torque when using launch control in the flagship GT 63 4Matic+. Mercedes-AMG will also sell the car in GT 55 guise, which itself delivers up to 805 hp.

The sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) is completed in just 2.1 seconds, including a one-foot rollout, or 2.4 seconds without it. The Mercedes will storm past 124 mph (200 km/h) in 6.8 seconds and, when equipped with the Driver’s Package, top out at 186 mph (300 km/h). Both the GT 63 and GT 55 weigh 5,423 lbs (2,460 kg).

Of equal importance for a vehicle like this is how quickly it can charge. Supporting DC fast charging speeds of up to 600 kW, the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in 11 minutes, adding 285 miles (460 km) of range in just 10 minutes. With a full charge, the GT 63 is good for up to 432 miles (696 km) over the combined cycle, or up to 435 miles (700 km) for the GT 55.

Other technology has been crammed into the car to make it engaging to drive. On the console is a Response Control switch to tweak powertrain responsiveness, while there’s also an Agility Control dial to adjust how the car behaves in corners, thanks to variable torque distribution. The car also offers nine different levels of traction control. Of more interest is the AMGFORCE S+ system.

A Little Bit Of V8 Drama

This piece of tech aims to mimic the sound of the V8-powered AMG GT R that works in tandem with a system designed to provide synthetic gear shifts, just like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. In addition, seven drive modes will be offered, including Comfort, Sport, Race, Slippery, Eco, Individual, and the AMGFORCE Sport+ system, which is enabled when shifts and V8 sounds are enabled.

Elsewhere, the car is equipped with advanced AMG Active Ride Control air suspension with semi-active roll stabilization and adjustable rebound and compression shocks. There’s also rear-axle steering, turning the rear wheels opposite to the front wheels at up to 50 mph (80 km/h), and in the same direction beyond 50 mph. Also fitted as standard are carbon-ceramic brake discs at the front and steel brakes at the rear.

The Interior And Pricing

The car’s cabin is also a radical departure from the old combustion-powered AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, although that’s not a bad thing. It includes a 14-inch infotainment display, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and an optional 14-inch screen for the passenger. Plenty of carbon fiber is found throughout, as is an intricate ambient lighting system and the Sky Control panoramic glass roof, which can display various colors.

Mercedes-AMG says “pricing for the models will be based on comparable predecessor vehicles,” although it’s not yet ready to reveal final figures.

Mercedes design is having a moment, and not a good one. The electric era has not flattered the brand’s studio, where pebble-shaped sedans and wall-to-wall screens have landed flat with buyers. Independent designer Lukas Wochinger has put forward an alternative. His digital concept marries quieter exterior surfacing with a cabin built around analogue dials and proper switchgear.

Wochinger is not a hobbyist with a render engine. He was Lead Exterior Designer at NIO from 2021 to 2025, which means he has spent the past few years thinking seriously about what a premium EV ought to look like.

More: Mercedes Just Lost The Man Who Shaped Its Entire Design Language For Nearly 30 Years

The Munich-based designer published a set of high-fidelity renders on LinkedIn. The brief he set himself was a “more constructed and clearly defined form language” with the 1990s as touchstone. Think R129 SL, W124 E-Class, C215 CL-Class coupe. Cars that did not feel the need to shout.

The digital concept is perfectly timed for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, combining clean surfacing with simple lines and balanced proportions. The biggest difference with the EQS is the elongated hood that gives it a proper Mercedes stance.

The face wears a new closed-off grille, which is an enormous improvement over the fussy treatment of the facelifted EQS or the illuminated panels on the electric C-Class and GLC. Boxy LED headlights, deep bumper intakes, and a pronounced splitter complete the front.

More: Mercedes’ Electric C-Class Is The BMW i3’s Neue Nightmare

Star-shaped alloys dominate the side view, along with flush door handles and sculpted rear shoulders that echo the AMG GT Four-Door. The arched greenhouse is pure CL coupe, and the two-tone paint stretches the visual length. At the back, a subtle ducktail spoiler sits above horizontal LED taillights set into a black panel, with a clean diffuser-integrated bumper below.

Analogue Dials And Physical Controls

The exterior is sharp, but the cabin is where this concept earns its keep. The much-maligned Hyperscreen is gone, replaced by a more sensible infotainment display along the lines of previous-generation Mercedes models, paired with analogue dials behind the wheel. They look like high-end watches, with the speedometer finished in white.

More: 144,000 Mercedes Owners Just Remembered Why Analog Gauges Were So Great

Another highlight are the physical controls on the center console, door cards, and steering wheel, providing the much-needed haptic feedback. The cabin features high-end materials like mint-green leather, dark wood, and metal, while the posh seats have inserts with the Mercedes emblem.

The powertrain is left ambiguous. No cooling intakes and no tailpipes suggest an EV, but Wochinger imagines a hybrid, which is presumably why there is an rpm dial in the binnacle.

Either way, this independent concept makes a quiet but convincing case that Mercedes doesn’t need more pixels to reclaim its premium throne. It just needs a little more soul, and a few honest references to its past.

Lukas Wochinger

Just after unveiling its all-new electric C-Class, Mercedes-Benz confirmed a key piece of its future EV strategy. The next generation of its electric models will draw power from battery cells supplied by South Korea’s Samsung SDI.

The agreement, signed earlier this week, secures a steady flow of nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NMC) battery cells. Samsung claims these packs will deliver strong energy density, long service life, and the kind of sustained output and range figures premium EV buyers have come to expect, at least on paper.

Read: Mercedes’ Electric C-Class Is The BMW i3’s Neue Nightmare

Mercedes has yet to put a firm date on when these NMC batteries from Samsung will make their debut. Still, industry insiders point to models built on the upcoming Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) from 2028 onward. That would cover a wide spread of compact and mid-size SUVs, along with a handful of coupes that, for now, remain unnamed.

German Cars, Asian Batteries

The German brand already offers several of its EVs with NMC batteries, including the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic, sourced from China’s CATL. In addition, the all-electric Mercedes VLE uses a 115 kWh NMC battery pack, while the newly-revealed electric C-Class uses a 94.5 kWh NMC battery, promising a range of up to 472 miles (760 km).

“This partnership brings together the innovative DNA of both companies,” Samsung SDI said. “It is meaningful in that SAMSUNG SDI has secured a battery order aimed at strengthening its position in the global EV market.”

There are trade-offs between nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NMC) batteries and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs, the two chemistries currently dominating the EV space. NMC’s headline advantage is energy density, which means more range from a similarly sized battery, something premium brands tend to prioritize.

LFP, on the other hand, takes a more pragmatic approach. These packs are typically more durable over time and can be charged to 100 percent far more frequently without accelerating degradation. That makes them well suited to daily-use scenarios, even if they cannot quite match NMC’s outright range potential.

The auto industry is at a crossroads with EVs, and this is becoming increasingly evident. Nearly every automobile manufacturer has been forced into some level of self-reflection as far as electric cars are concerned. Some are forging ahead in hope, while others are slowing down and reassessing their plans as market demand fluctuates and prices rise.

Also: These Are The Best-Selling EVs In America This Year So Far

The recent developments in the industry portray the picture of how fragmented everything has become. Some have already abandoned or delayed EV projects since it has emerged that the growth they were envisaging was not that imminent. Others are in the process of doubling down and are taking this as a chance to leapfrog, as competition takes a breather.

Slow And Steady Wins The Race?

Toyota is one of the companies that continues to go on the offensive. It will launch four electric models in the U.S. towards the end of the year, including the bZ, bZ Woodland, C-HR, and a three-row Highlander EV.

Speaking to Automotive News, analysts from iSeeCars and Edmunds expressed positivity on Toyota’s approach. Toyota had attracted criticism for its slow approach towards EVs, but its measured approach seems to have left it in good standing. The ratio of hybrids, gas cars, and EVs the company has had over the years is finally starting to pay off because it will be able to be flexible as the market readjusts.

Pull Backs And Uncertainty

One of the biggest shifts in EV planning has to have been from Honda. The Japanese company has scrapped a number of future electric models and is shifting to hybrids. This move comes with a financial hit, but the company believes that it is a more prudent short-term decision since EV demand has not yet evened out.

Read: Toyota’s bZ Outsold The Prius, And Now A Second US-Made Electric SUV Is Coming

Stellantis is taking the same route, scrapping its electric Ram pickup and delaying other EV plans in Europe. Ford and General Motors are not giving up on electric vehicles, but instead, they are streamlining their production to suit demand rather than overloading it too soon. It is not about quitting but timing things.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen has canceled its production of the US-made ID4 electric crossover. Besides the ID Buzz minivan, there are no plans to expand the VW EV lineup stateside for the next couple of years. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz still plans to introduce more EVs to the US, but their approach will continue to incorporate gas and hybrid options too.

See Also: A 96% Sales Collapse Is Why VW Just Killed US ID.4 Production

These different avenues are reduced down to the situation of the firms, according to industry analysts. Some have the financial cushion to keep on investing, but others are choosing to save and avoid incurring more losses.

Mercedes-Benz is not stepping back from electric vehicles, despite competitors scaling back amid slower adoption rates. The news comes as US demand for EVs cools following the rollback of federal tax credits.

Instead, during the next three years, Mercedes will introduce a number of new electric models to the United States, including three AMG performance EVs and battery-powered versions of popular models such as the GLC crossover, E-Class and the C-Class sedan that was previewed today.

The Global Need To Go Electric

The update to Mercedes’ plans came from Adam Chamberlain, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, speaking to AutoNews, who explained the company’s position. Mercedes is sticking to its EV plans due to the requirement from global markets, said Chamberlain. Strict international regulations, especially in China and Europe, mean that for a brand selling worldwide, it is impossible to turn its back on EVs.

Also: Mercedes Heard ‘Too Many Screens’ And Built A New C-Class EV That’s One Giant Screen

However, unlike other manufacturers, they won’t be pushing electrification on consumers, hoping they’ll switch. Instead, Mercedes has moved to flexible vehicle platforms. Rather than their initial approach of offering a separate line of EVs, Merc’s current plan is to design cars compatible with gasoline engines, hybrids, or full battery-electric power.

American Demand For EVs Remains

Mercedes predicts pockets of demand among US consumers for EVs in the foreseeable future, despite the loss of federal incentives. While the company predicts EVs to constitute approximately 5 percent of its retail sales in the U.S. this year, that’s partly down to limited production and strong demand from Europe and China.

On the national scale, approximately 14 percent of consumers indicate that they would give serious consideration to an EV next time. In California, it grows to 28 percent. So, there is demand, but it is unevenly distributed. In fact, according to the report, Mercedes US have only been able to allocate around 200 electric CLA’s for customers, all units of which have been spoken for.

Read: Mercedes’ Future EVs May Be More Chinese Than You Think

Chamberlain thinks the U.S. EV sales would rise to 10 to 15 percent in the year 2021, with the supply increasing and more mainstream electric models coming into the market, such as battery versions of the GLC and C-Class. Nevertheless, profitability is still its focus. He made sure it was evident that Mercedes is not going to produce tens of thousands of vehicles without confirmed demand in its bid to achieve market share.

Mercedes is getting ready to reveal its all-electric C-Class on April 20, but the interior has already made an early appearance. Front and center is a massive MBUX Hyperscreen stretching almost the full width of the dashboard, uninterrupted and unmistakably similar to what we have already seen in the GLC EV.

The company describes the new interior of the electric sedan as a “driver-oriented refuge”, though it reads more like a rolling digital billboard from where we’re sitting. The display appears to mirror the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen from the GLC EV, which makes the recently updated EQS and S-Class flagships feel either a step ahead or already behind, depending on your perspective.

More: Mercedes’ Electric C-Class EQ Is Running Out Of Camouflage

With approximately 10 million pixels, the giant display aims to reduce the need of menus, having everything within reach. Even so, experience keeps reminding us that glass can’t replace the certainty of a proper button or dial. There are at least a few holdouts here, with physical controls still present on the center console and steering wheel, the latter seemingly lifted straight from its SUV counterpart.

Besides the attention-grabbing Hyperscreen, Mercedes also mentions the Superscreen, which is a more conventional triple-screen layout reserved for lower trim levels of the sedan. Both setups offer the option between ten ambient styles with different colors to fit your mood.

More Space And Comfort

The company promises that the electric sedan will be the best and sportiest C-Class yet, while offering more space than ever before. It will also bring “exceptional” long distance comfort thanks to the new seats, the optional star-shedded panoramic sunroof, the sophisticated climate control system, and the extensive sound insulation.

The front seats come with electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support, 4D sound, massaging and ventilation functions. These are coordinated with the Energizing Comfort programs designed for “mental and physical rejuvenation” while on the go. Furthermore, the climate system features a multi-source heat pump that can heat the cabin twice as fast as a combustion vehicle while using 50% less energy.

More: C-Class Facelift Mirrors A Direction Mercedes Has Already Taken Elsewhere

The electric C-Class will also offer a vegan-certified interior with soft-touch surfaces. Other options include the Softtorino leather grain, the Twisted Diamond Nappa leather, and the 3D-relief stainless steel speaker grilles for the Burmester 3D sound system.

In terms of exterior design, we already know that the model will adopt a large illuminated grille flanked by aggressive headlights with star-shaped LED graphics.

Recent spy shots have also revealed the sleek surfacing of the profile, looking like an evolution of the EQE and EQS sedans albeit with more pronounced front and rear volumes to avoid an egg-shaped silhouette. Expect sportier bumpers and different wheels for the AMG Line trims.

Any Specs?

Mercedes has yet to announce the technical specifications of the electric C-Class, but the model will most likely ride on the same 800-volt MB.EA platform with the GLC. The SUV produces 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque from dual electric motors, with a 94 kWh battery offering a WLTP range of 673 km (418 miles).

More: AMG Built A Sedan That Growls, Revs, And Shifts Like It Has A V8. It Doesn’t

In terms of the chassis setup, the company claims that the sedan “raises performance and driving dynamics”, making our appetite for future AMG-branded versions.

We will learn everything about the new model at its official debut in South Korea on April 20. The EV will be joined by a facelifted version of the ICE-powered C-Class, also expected to be unveiled later this year. It’s biggest rival is the new BMW i3 Neue Klasse sedan that debuted last month.

Mercedes-Benz has already decided the EQS won’t get a second generation. Instead, the next S-Class will carry the load, offered in both combustion and all-electric forms. Even so, the EQS isn’t done just yet. The brand has rolled out a comprehensive second facelift, packing in a slew of new technologies that might finally persuade a few more buyers to give the polarizing blob a chance.

Four versions have been confirmed at this stage, known as the EQS 400, EQS 450+, EQS 500 4Matic, and EQS 580 4Matic, the latter three of which are all equipped with 800-volt electrical architectures and 122 kWh battery packs that promise improved energy density. The news EQS 400 has a smaller 112 kW pack.

Read: Mercedes Is Betting On A Yoke To Save The Disastrous EQS

Mercedes has also improved the charging abilities of the EV, as it now supports DC charging of up to 350 kW, meaning 199 miles (320 km) of range can be added in 10 minutes. This has been achieved by implementing software that virtually divides the battery pack into two parts, charging each with 400 volts at up to 175 kW.

In addition to the new battery, Mercedes has incorporated new electric motors for all versions. The base EQS 400 delivers 362 hp (270 kW), while the EQS 500 4Matic ups this to 469 hp (350 kW), and the EQS 580 4Matic delivers 577 hp (430 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm).

Range figures haven’t been announced for all models, but we know the EQS 450+ has a WLTP-rated range of 575 miles (926 km) with claimed energy consumption of between 15.4 kWh/100 km and 19.3 kWh/100 km. All models are also equipped with a two-speed transmission with the first gear focused on providing quick acceleration and the second kicking in at high speeds to boost efficiency.

Perhaps the most significant change made is the implementation of steer-by-wire technology, as pioneered by Lexus and Tesla. The steering ratio has been set at 4:1 at low speeds, allowing drivers to make low-speed maneuvers without needing to repeatedly cross their hands over the steering wheel.

Even More Tech-Focused Than Before

Speaking of the steering wheel, it has morphed into a Tesla-like yoke – which is bound to be controversial. Crucially, Mercedes will continue offering it with a more traditional wheel and electro-mechanical steering, rather than the fancy steer-by-wire system. In addition to the new system, Mercedes has further developed its air suspension system to improve comfort even further.

Visually, the updated EQS is distinguished from the old model thanks to a revised front fascia with a new blacked-out grille complete with dozens of three-pointed stars, and new headlights with star-shaped DRLs.

With the exception of the yoke wheel, the interior is mostly familiar. With that being said, there’s now Mercedes-Benz’s latest Operating System (MB.OS) and the new MBUX Virtual Assistant. The massive Hyperscreen remains, while found in the new 13.1-inch entertainment screens are found in the second row.

US pricing has yet to be announced, but in Europe, we know prices kick off from €94,403 ($111,000) for the EQS 400, €108,635 ($127,700) for the EQS 450+, €123,285 ($145,000) for the EQS 500 4Matic, and €134,732 ($158,500) for the EQS 580 4Matic.