We spoke with AMG head Michael Schiebe regarding the forthcoming AMG.EA platform, which is set to serve as the foundation for two upcoming high-performance electric vehicles. Schiebe explains that AMG aims for its electric vehicles to deliver the same level of performance as its gasoline-powered cars, emphasizing the importance of consistent and dependable performance. He also emphasized that the V-8 engine will continue to be a part of AMG’s lineup and that it won’t necessarily require hybridization. Strong versions of Mercedes’ current electric cars, like the Mercedes-AMG EQS53 sedan, already have the AMG name on them, but with the launch of the standalone AMG, the German performance brand will make a bigger change. The EA electric design will be out next year. Two fast electric cars (EVs) will be powered by AMG. EA platform; in 2026, a low-slung car and SUV are set to come out. We talked to Michael Schiebe, CEO of AMG, during the Miami Grand Prix about how the performance brand would make sure that its electric cars continue to be as exciting to drive as its gas-powered cars. AMG Embraces Electrification Schiebe emphasized, “When we launch our first high-performance electric car, we were clear that it had to truly deliver on high performance. I always say that it should be an AMG first and an electric vehicle second.” At this point, not much is known about the AMG. The EA platform uses light but strong axial-flux motors and high-voltage batteries that can be charged quickly. Schiebe says that the platform will create EVs that are “not different from any other electric car on the market right now” and will “play with all of your senses.” Some hints were dropped by Schiebe, but he wouldn’t say how AMG plans to make the electric car fun to drive. “It’s the sound, it’s the feedback that you get from the car,” he said. “Presenting consistent performance is something we value highly.” A very large number of electric cars on the market can speed up very quickly. You can try anything once or twice, but most things quickly lose their appeal if you do them again. AMG’s main goal is to provide consistent efficiency. EA platform, and the German company wants to reach the top level by going around the famous Nürburgring course. “If you’re behind the wheel of a high-performance AMG car powered by gas, you have the opportunity to take it to the Nordschleife, where you’ll be constantly accelerating, braking, and repeating that process,” Schiebe explained. “This is exactly the kind of experience that the AMG.EA must provide.” Schiebe was also asked if AMG plans to use fake shifts in its electric sports cars, like the “N e-Shift” mode on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Schiebe made it clear that its electric cars (EVs) will get the same amount of input as its gas-powered vehicles. He also said that the company would not reject the idea, but it would not confirm it either. In the end, he said something positive. “Recently, we had some U.S. dealers who were given the opportunity to drive those cars, and when they stepped out of the vehicles, they were all grinning,” Schiebe shared. They said that this is completely changing what they thought about electric cars.” The V-8 Lives On Schiebe also said that the V-8 engine would still be used, even though plans are in the works for electric cars made just for AMG. The company said, “We just released the GT [coupe] last year.” “So there are some years to come with the V-8.” Schiebe made it clear that the US doesn’t have the same rule, and there isn’t a set end date for eight-cylinder engines, even though Europe wants to get rid of combustion engines in new cars by 2035. Because Mercedes is committed to the V-8, the AMG GT 4-Door model will likely be phased out over time. Sedans based on the EA aren’t always right. “Let’s see how long we continue with a GT 4-Door,” I heard him say. “There might be a successor in the future, but I don’t want to make any assumptions about that right now. Regardless, the current GT 4-Door and the electric vehicle will be able to coexist for some time.” It goes without saying that AMG will have to improve its V-8 in the coming years to meet stricter rules, especially in Europe. Schiebe thinks that its eight-cylinder engines can be made even better, which could mean that they are used in new AMG family models. The engineer said, “We are in the process of making our next generation of the V-8.” “And I see a lot of positions within our existing portfolio, or maybe even new ones, where we could actually imagine having a V-8.” Does this mean that the C63 sports car will get the V-8 engine again? Schiebe won’t say for sure, so we’re crossing our fingers. When Mercedes first discussed its next-generation V-8 engine, it called it a “high-tech electrified” powerplant. “I see there is a lot of technological advancement coming in the future,” Schiebe said. He did say, “I don’t say that we necessarily need to go that far with hybridization,” though. It’s important to note that race car drivers like the pure-gas GT63 Pro better than the heavier but more powerful GT63 S E Performance hybrid. Mercedes will keep using V-8 engines, even if they have electric help, because that’s what its buyers want. Schiebe mentioned that the demand is still evident. And my target is to fill customers’ dreams.”
