Mercedes AMG-GT five-door to stand against Porsche Panamera

KUALA LUMPUR: At this year’s Geneva motor show, the performance wing of Mercedes, AMG, showcased a five-door coupe to rival the segment leader, Porsche Panamera. In a recent report, it has been revealed that the production version of the concept will be revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with availability at the dealerships from September 2018. Sources have also hinted that the Mercedes-AMG GT will be sold with a range of EQ Power-branded petrol-electric hybrid drivelines with a range of battery capacities, outputs, and ranges. The decision of making AMG GT available with different battery capacity will help AMG to target the particular market segment precisely as the customers will have a choice to pick their power and range capabilities in the car.

 

At the initial phase, the coupe will be launched with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo, V8 petrol engine with a maximum power output of 612 hp with transmission duties handled by nine-speed automatic gearbox. The engine will be also coupled to a fully variable four-wheel drive system that is also a part of E63 S 4Matic. The manufacturer is planning to make the hybrid versions available from 2019 onwards.  It is expected that the range-topping Hybrid variant will have the capability of pumping out a maximum power output of 816 hp with a similar 50km electric range as seen in the GT concept.

The other versions that are in the development phase will be able to deliver 680 hp of maximum power with 30 km electric range and 748 hp with a 40 km range. According to the manufacturer, these hybrid versions will be equipped with extremely light batteries that are developed by the British-based AMG’s sister company, which is also helping in the production of 1014 hp Project One Hypercar.

Further details of the car are still under wrap and the market ready model images are likely to surface on the internet by early 2018. Let’s see how the upcoming GT coupe manages to take on the Panamera and other models in the segment.