Mercedes-AMG GT E Performance PHEV Spied Testing With Steelies

Mercedes-AMG has already displayed the potential of a PHEV powertrain on the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance, and it’s about to do the same in the upcoming SL and the new AMG-GT. The latter made its spy debut in electrified form at the Nürburgring.

The second generation of the AMG GT has been spied in both 53 and 63 variants, but this is the first time we see a plug-in hybrid model. Unlike the previous camouflaged prototypes, the PHEV is wearing special steel wheels, fitted with testing equipment. While it would be cool to see this type of unconventional wheel design on a sports car, they were clearly made to assist in development so don’t expect to see them in production.

The charging port on the right side of the rear bumper – a typical placement for Mercedes – shows that this AMG GT is ready for the plug. Mercedes has been tight-lipped about the new generation of the AMG GT but we expect it to share the E Performance plug-in hybrid powertrain with the SL roadster.

The most powerful AMG ever – the four-door GT 63 E Performance – is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 831 hp (620 kW / 843 PS) and 1,400 Nm (1,023 lb-ft) of torque. As for the SL, it is rumored that Mercedes-AMG will offer two PHEV variants, an SL63e with 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS) and an SL63 E Performance with the full 831 hp (620 kW / 843 PS). This strategy could be mirrored by the sportier AMG GT, although nothing is official yet.

The debut of the Mercedes-AMG GT is expected towards the end of 2022, while the plug-in hybrid variant – which will likely be the most powerful of the bunch – could follow in 2023. The sportscar will compete with the Porsche 911, which is also getting a hybrid version in the upcoming facelift.