The Mercedes-AMG Performance Tour at Kyalami recently provided insight into the way the automaker's performance brand is approaching the transition from gas-guzzling, evocative-sounding road burners to the coming EV revolution, which is fast gathering a silent whoosh of momentum at the very core of this premium luxury brand.
The question that needed to be asked was: How can the AMG division differentiate its new breed of specialist enthusiast-focused models from the vast range of more luxury-focused models in the Benz line-up? This is especially given that in the past nine months, there has been a statement of intent to transition the Mercedes range to EV (Electric Vehicle) models far quicker than we would have imagined.
"There is a place for both Electric Vehicles and internal combustion models in the AMG scheme of things," says MBSA's vice-president of Sales and Marketing, Alex Boavida. "We've introduced many ICE models to our AMG range and several EVs.
"If you are familiar with the AMG brand, you know we always push the boundaries. So our AMG electric engines always give you that extra level of power and torque, and in terms of style and handling.... making it look and perform like an AMG car in all aspects. So there will always be a clear differentiation."
Mercedes-AMG took the opportunity to introduce some significant new models at the premier racetrack. These included the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL 43 two-seater roadster and the two new compact models, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.
The A 35 is available in both hatchback and sedan formats. The automaker also took the opportunity to showcase the limited edition (just 35 examples are being released) Mercedes-Benz GLB 35 AMG, a cosmetically enhanced version of the small SUV.
On hand for fast laps around the Kyalami track were examples of the recently-introduced all-electric performance models from Mercedes-AMG, the EQE 43 and the EQS 53. And to titillate the die-hard petrol-heads, we were given a quick preview of the four-door version of the AMG GT sports car, the AMG GT 63. This car, introduced globally this year, is currently undergoing homologation for its South African introduction early in 2024. It was good to hear the rumble of a traditional V8 echo in the pit area of the famous Kyalami venue.
According to Mercedes-Benz Cars SA Co-CEO Mark Raine, who previewed the car to the media, the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 has been tuned to produce an astounding 620kW and an even more gut-tightening 1 400Nm of torque! The 0-100 km/h time is a claimed 2.9 seconds.
