Following a recently published walk through the ranges of current and future Denza, smart, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz cars and Mercedes-Benz SUVs, it is now the turn of Mercedes-AMG. An exploration of EQ electrified models to be published later in August will be the last in the Daimler series.
Cars
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By GlobalDataThe successor to the A 45 AMG is due to be announced soon. It is expected to have a 294kW (400PS) version of the turbo 2.0-litre engine. The model name is rumoured to be A 50. The five-door hatchback would continue to be a rival for the Audi RS 3 Sportback.
There will also be a lower-power Mercedes-AMG A-Class. This, the A 35, will compete with the S3 Sportback. The power output would be in the range of 300-350PS. Expect both five-door and sedan body styles.
The next generation C 43 and C63 Sedan, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet should be released from 2021.
There is no AMG version of the B-Class, so the next model up is the C-Class. The current C 63 sedan and wagon were revealed at the Paris motor show in October 2014. The base cars are powered by a 350kW (476hp) biturbo 3,982cc V8, but there are also 375kW (510hp) S versions.
The sedan’s German market introduction was in February 2015 with the estate following two months later. The C 63 Coupé had its world premiere at the Frankfurt IAA in September 2015 and went on sale in Germany six months later. It is available with the same two engines as the sedan and wagon. The same applies to the C 63 Cabriolet and C 63 S Cabriolet. These two convertibles were world premieres at the New York auto show in March 2016. In North America, the Cabriolets were new for the region’s 2017 model year.
Facelifts for the C 63 and C 63 S sedan, Coupé and cabriolet were world debuts at the New York auto show in March. The wagon also gained the update but as it is not sold in the USA it was not at the show. There was no increase in power for the C 63 or C 63 S but the former seven-speed transmission was replaced by a nine-speed gearbox.
Supplementing the C63 cars, is the lower-power C 43. The C 43 4MATIC Coupé had its public debut at March 2016’s Geneva motor show. Unlike the V8-engined C 63, this model was originally powered by a 270kW (367hp) 3.0-litre biturbo V6.
Facelifted versions of the C 43 4MATIC sedan and estate were revealed at this year’s Geneva salon. Their power rose to 287kW (390hp). The standard transmission remains a nine-speed automatic. The facelifted C43 4MATIC sedan is new for Mercedes-Benz USA’s 2019 model year. Equivalent updates for the Coupé and Cabriolet premiered a few weeks after the sedan and estate at the New York auto show.
No further changes for the Mercedes-AMG C-Class are expected. The next generation C 43 and C63 Sedan, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet should be released from 2021.
Above the D segment, Mercedes-AMG has three cars, the first of which is the E-Class, although even that isn’t the full story as there are multiple body styles and several variants.
The current E 53 4MATIC+ replaced the E 43 4MATIC. It had its world debut as a Coupé and a Cabriolet at the Detroit auto show in January with cars due to reach German dealerships later this month. Unlike the former E 43, the 53 is a hybrid. M 256 is the code for the cars’ 2,999cc in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. This produces 320kW (435hp) and 520Nm. To this are added 16kW (22hp) and 250Nm from a motor. the E 53 is also available as a sedan or estate.
The E 63 4MATIC and E 63 S 4MATIC were announced in October 2016 ahead of their debuts at the Los Angeles auto show. Both are powered by a biturbo 4.0-litre V8. Power and torque outputs are 420kW (571hp) and 750Nm for the E 63 and 450kW (612hp) and 850Nm for the S. The only transmission for both is Mercedes-Benz’s own Speedshift nine-speed automatic. The E 63 and E 63 S were in European dealerships from March 2017 and on sale in the US from mid-year for the 2018 model year. There are wagon versions too, the E 63 4MATIC Estate and E 63 S 4MATIC Estate having been world premieres at the Geneva motor show in March 2017.
Two further variants should be added in 2019: the CLS 63 S 4MATIC and CLS 63 S+ 4MATIC.
In the E segment, it is not clear why, but there are two further models, the Mercedes-AMG CLS and the equally new GT Coupé. The first of the pair, the CLS 53 4MATIC+, had its public debut at the Detroit auto show in January. Powering this four-door car is a 2,999cc in-line six-cylinder petrol engine codenamed M256. This produces 320kW (435hp) and 520Nm. To this are added 16kW (22hp) and 250Nm from a motor. It is interesting that Daimler does not use the word hybrid. The same powertrain is fitted to the GT 53 4MATIC+ version of the GT Coupé (see below).
All versions of the CLS come down the same line at the Sindelfingen plant as the E-Class sedan and estate. The first cars are due in German dealers from this month. Two further variants should be added in 2019: the CLS 63 S 4MATIC and CLS 63 S+ 4MATIC.
A facelift for the CLS is expected in 2022. A CLS successor should be on sale in 2025.
The GT Coupé is the newest model for Mercedes-AMG, the car being due to arrive at German dealerships during September. There is one six-cylinder variant and two V8s:
- GT 53 4MATIC+ [320kW (435PS) & 520Nm 2,999cc turbo straight six + 16kW (22PS) & 250Nm starter-alternator, nine-speed torque converter automatic]
- GT 63 S 4MATIC [430kW (585PS) & 800Nm 3,982cc biturbo V8, nine-speed dual clutch gearbox]
- GT 63 S 4MATIC+ [470kW (639PS) & 900Nm 3,982cc biturbo V8, nine-speed dual clutch gearbox]
The doors of the GT Coupé have no window frames and there is a conventional bootlid, even though the car has the appearance of a fastback.
In the GT 53 4MATIC+, the so-called EQ Boost system adds extra power and torque but the car cannot be driven on electrical energy alone.
Daimler will likely facelift this model in 2022 and launch a GT Coupé replacement in 2025.
The S-Class is the largest four-door Mercedes-AMG model. There are two variants, the S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65. In April 2015, the cars’ names were changed from the original Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG to Mercedes-AMG S 63 and S 65.
So as not to destroy the back tyres, the S 65’s monumental torque output of 1,000Nm is only available from fourth gear upwards. In first, second and third, the output is electronically governed to 700Nm. It has a V12 boosted by two turbochargers, whereas the S 63 is powered by a bi-turbo V8.
The next S 65 will, like the current and next S 63, be powered by a 4.0-litre V8.
A facelifted S-Class range premiered at the Shanghai motor show in April 2017, as did updated versions of the S 63 and S 65. Mechanically, the S 65 did not change but the S 63 received a new model name, a new engine and four-wheel drive. It is now the S 63 4MATIC+ and the engine is no longer a turbocharged 5.5-litre V8. This was replaced by a 20kW more powerful 4.0-litre turbo V8. The output is 450kW (612PS) and a nine-speed automatic replaced the seven-speed gearbox.
The S 65 is likely to be discontinued later in 2018: Daimler is phasing out V12 engines from the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG brands, and limiting their use to Mercedes-Maybach vehicles. That means that the next S 65, due for release in 2019, will, like the current and next S 63, be powered by AMG’s biturbo 4.0-litre V8. It should come with standard 4MATIC four-wheel drive.
Above the S-Class sedan sit the S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. There are two Mercedes-AMG variants of each.
Daimler revealed the S 63 AMG Coupé at the New York auto show in April 2014. It was powered by a 430kW (585hp) 5,461cc biturbo V8, while the S 65 AMG Coupé had its debut four months later at the Moscow show. Its 463kW (630hp) 5,980cc biturbo V12 also produced 1,000Nm of torque. The S 65 AMG Coupé was announced in July 2014 ahead of its August debut at the Moscow show.
These cars’ names were changed to Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupé and S 65 Coupé during 2015, while the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet was added to the range during the second quarter of 2016. This derivative had its global debut at January 2016’s Detroit auto show and was new for North America’s 2017 model year. The S 65 Cabriolet joined the S 63 Cabriolet, the latter having had its global debut at the Frankfurt IAA in September 2015.
Facelifted cars premiered at the Frankfurt IAA in September 2017. As well as the styling changes, the 5.5-litre engine in the S 63 was replaced by a more powerful 4.0-litre V8. The four-car range is now as follows:
- S 63+ 4MATIC Coupé & S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet (450kW/612PS & 900Nm 3,982cc bi-turbo V8, nine-speed automatic)
- S 65 Coupé & S 65 Cabriolet (463kW/630PS & 1,000Nm, 5,980cc bi-turbo V12, seven-speed automatic)
No further changes are expected. The S 63+ 4MATIC Coupé, S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, S 65 Coupé and S 65 Cabriolet replacements are due for release during 2021 or 2022.
Sports cars
A new SL 63 and a V8-engined SL 65 successor are both expected in 2019.
There are two Mercedes-AMG versions of the SL-Class. After three years of having been sold as the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG, the names changed in 2015 to Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 65. The updated cars, which were also facelifted, premiered at the 2015 Los Angeles auto show. Now, only the SL 63 remains, production of the V12-engined 65 having ended in May.
A new SL 63 and a V8-engined SL 65 successor are both expected in 2019. Coded R232, the new SL-Class will be based on Daimler’s Modular Sports Architecture (MSA).
The GT is a front-engined supercar range and the effective replacement for the SLS AMG GT. Production started in early 2015. It had been revealed to the media in September 2014, with its public debut following a month later at the Paris motor show. Cars arrived in LHD market dealerships in March 2015 and in the US and RHD EU countries one month later.
Mercedes-AMG’s naming system with this range can be confusing. Basically, there is the GT, which is a coupé, and the GT Roadster. Each can be ordered in different states of engine tune, including base, S, R and C.
The should be a second facelift in 2020. The first was in early 2017. The next generation GT is due in 2023.
In a few short weeks, AMG will announce the name of its first hypercar with build to follow soon after. The car will be a hybrid and use Formula 1 technology. The public debut was at the Frankfurt IAA in September 2017, where a prototype wearing the label of Project ONE was presented.
The engine will be based on the Mercedes-Benz 1.6-litre V6 used in its Formula 1 car and there will be MGU-K and MGU-H motor generator units too. The gearbox will be an automated manual unit. The range on electricity will be around 30km and the car will run on ordinary 98 octane unleaded, AMG says. The top speed will be in excess of 218mph.
Daimler is yet to announce where the hypercar will be built. It may well be made in England. That would potentially make sense as already, it is known that the monocoque, body panels and suspension systems will be sourced from Mercedes’ F1 facilities in Brixworth and Brackley. Production will be limited to fewer than 275 cars.
SUVs
The Mercedes-AMG model line-up is by no means limited to cars. The margins on crossovers and SUVs are if anything, even juicier. A prime example is the GLA.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 4MATIC AMG, a high performance version of the GLA-Class, had its world premiere at the Detroit auto show in January 2014, having been previewed two months earlier in concept form at the 2013 LA auto show. The original vehicle’s 265kW (360hp) turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was codenamed M133. It is not built at AMG’s Affalterbach works, but rather at Daimler’s four-cylinder assembly plant at Kölleda.
Like other AMG vehicles, the GLA 45 has its suspension, powertrain and other components fitted by AMG at Affalterbach after delivery from the Rastatt plant which makes all versions of the GLA-Class.
Daimler is expected to sell two variants of the GLA 45’s successor. These should be called GLA 35 4MATIC and GLA 50 4MATIC.
This model went on sale across Europe from August 2014 and in North America for the 2015 model year one month later. As expected, Daimler announced more power and torque for the car in July 2015. It also changed names to Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. The revised car gained the engine from the facelifted and renamed Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC, together with an improved seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
A facelifted GLA 45 4MATIC had its world premiere at the Detroit auto show in January 2017. It has the same outputs from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine: 280kW (381hp) and 475Nm. In North America, the facelifted car was new for the 2018 model year.
No further major changes are expected. Daimler is expected to sell two variants of the successor model. Dut out in 2021, these should be called GLA 35 4MATIC and GLA 50 4MATIC.
The GLC 43 4MATIC, which is the least powerful of two versions of AMG’s GLC-Class, has a 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine. Its public debut was at the New York auto show in March 2016, deliveries in relevant markets commencing from three months later.
Two additional variants premiered at the New York auto show in April 2017: the GLC 63 4MATIC+ and the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+. Both are powered by AMG’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8. The + has outputs of 350kW and 650Nm, while the S + produces 375kW and 700Nm. These variants went on sale worldwide from June 2017.
Facelifts for the three variants should appear in 2019. The second generation Mercedes-AMG GLC is due in 2022.
The second generation GLC Coupé is due out in 2023.
Supplementing the GLC is the GLC Coupé. This model was announced in March 2016. The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé went on sale in relevant markets from the fourth quarter of 2016. The standard 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine has a claimed output of 270kW (367hp).
Two additional AMG GLC Coupé variants premiered at the New York auto show in April 2017: the GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupé and the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé. Both are powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8. The + has outputs of 350kW and 650Nm, while the S + produces 375kW and 700Nm. These went on sale worldwide from June 2017.
Facelifts for all GLC Coupé variants should be on sale in early 2020. The second generation GLC Coupé is due out in 2023.
The GLE 63 started life as the ML 63 AMG, its global debut having been at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2011. The engine was a turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 that in standard form produced 518hp. A performance package saw the output rise to 550hp.
A facelifted model had its world premiere at the New York auto show in April 2015. It also changed names to Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 (2016 model year in North America). The model range now consists of the GLE 63 4MATIC (410kW/557hp) and the GLE 63 S 4MATIC (430kW/585hp). Both will be replaced in 2019 by models of the same name but with a new engine: standard and even higher output versions of the AMG 4.0-litre biturbo V8.
There are also two Mercedes-AMG versions of the GLE Coupé. Their 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engines are identical to those of the GLE 63 and GLE 63 S. That means 410kW (557hp) for the GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé and 540kW (585hp) for the GLE 63 S 4MATIC Coupé (430kW/585hp).
The next generation GLE Coupé is due for release in 2019. The 5.5-litre V8 will be replaced by AMG’s 4.0-litre V8.
Daimler wasted no time in releasing a Mercedes-AMG version of the new G-Class. The G 63 premiered at the Geneva show in March.
Above the GLE sits the GLS 63 4MATIC. This big 4×4 is now in the last full calendar year of production. It will more than likely be replaced by a fresh take on the same name from late 2019 with even more power than the current model’s 430kW/585hp. Expect the engine to be a biturbo 4.0-litre V8.
Daimler has wasted no time in releasing a Mercedes-AMG version of the new G-Class. The G 63 (G63 in North America and new for the 2019 model year) had its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March. This came two months after the world premiere of the non-AMG versions of the second generation G-Class at the Detroit auto show.
The G 63’s engine is the same 4.0-litre biturbo V8 which powers the G 500/G550 but with more power and torque. Outputs are 430kW (585PS) and 850Nm compared to 310kW (422hp) and 610Nm.
A replacement for the old-shape G 65/G65 is expected to be added to the range in 2019, and there might also be a G 73/G73.
Future model plan reports for other manufacturers can be viewed in the OEM product strategy summaries section of just-auto.com.
Future product program intelligence
More detail on the past, current and forthcoming models for every division of Daimler AG can be found in PLDB, the future vehicles database which is part of QUBE. Project codes for the many cars mentioned in the above feature are listed in PLDB.
