Mercedes-AMG’s electric SUV begins cold-weather testing

AFFALTERBACH (Germany): The first prototypes of Mercedes-AMG’s high-performance electric SUV have started cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, signifying a major step in the vehicle’s development.

They are subjected to punishing conditions near the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can drop to as low as -40°C.

These trials are meant to evaluate the vehicle's components under extreme cold and ensure the new high-performance drive system still operates properly.

The new SUV is going to be the second vehicle to use the AMG.EA platform; the first was the four-door coupe that has already undergone similar testing.

Both vehicles represent Mercedes-AMG’s shift to bespoke electric offerings, with the SUV being the brand’s first fully unique SUV model.

This is a departure from AMG's previous strategy of modifying existing Mercedes-Benz products for its high-performance lineup.

The SUV is expected to debut in 2026, with a powerful performance suite powered by axial-flux motors and an advanced high-performance battery system. These motors, which are more compact and lighter than traditional radial-flux motors, offer significant power density, with one unit reportedly generating up to 480hp.

The innovative battery system, based off Mercedes' Formula 1 expertise, is expected to deliver advanced energy discharge and cooling capabilities.

As with the four-door coupe, due for release in late 2025, the SUV will also have AMG's F1-inspired technology, to amplify its performance and efficiency.

The vehicle’s styling, as shown here, is described as sleek and curvaceous, and points to a car with a lower ground clearance compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Mercedes-AMG is aiming for hefty power outputs for its electric models, with earlier reports suggesting the four-door coupe could surpass 746kW/1,000hp, pitting it against the likes of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.

Similarly, we can expect the AMG SUV to dial in a more impressive output than the AMG EQE 53 SUV, which now delivers 460kW/617hp.