Mercedes will soon launch an 600kW-plus plug-in hybrid powertrain for the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, set to arrive later this year as part of a mid-life facelift for the brand’s Porsche Panamera rival.
These latest spy shots all but confirm the new plug-in hybrid powertrain will be fitted to the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.
Most obviously, there’s an extra filler flap on this mule’s rear bumper, which hides the system’s charging socket. There’s also a new “E Performance” badge on the car’s front wings, which we already know is the branding reserved for AMG’s upcoming electrified models.
Mercedes-AMG’s new ‘73 e’ powertrain will be based on the same 476kW twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine as the brand’s current 63 S flagship, albeit supported by a 6.1kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle.
The electric part of the powertrain adds 70kW to the GT 4-Door’s total output. However, the system also can temporarily deliver up 150kW with ten second blasts of overboost, which is managed by an additional two-speed gearbox on the rear axle. Combined maximum output can reach as high as 600kW.
The plug-in 73 e powertrain shares the same nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system as the petrol-only 63 S model. Mercedes says the GT’s powertrain management system can re-route the electrical boost to the front wheels, if the added power overcomes the limits of grip at the rear axle.
Performance specifications for the new plug-in hybrid system are yet to be confirmed, but Mercedes has also hinted that the powertrain will enable more than 100 kilometres on electric power alone.
Despite the extensive mechanical upgrades, Mercedes hasn’t fiddled with the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe’s styling too much, based on these spies. The only noticeable change is the new front bumper, which features more intricate slatted intakes and a larger lower grille. Buyers will likely also be able to choose from a few extra paint finishes and a couple of new alloy wheel designs.
As the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is closely related to the recently revised AMG E 63 S, we expect it’ll receive the same sports steering wheel and a similar range of trim and upholstery revisions. The coupe should also adopt the latest version of Mercedes’s 12.3-inch dual-screen infotainment system.
Like the current car, Mercedes will continue to offer the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe with either a 320kW 3.0-litre straight-six mild-hybrid or 476kW twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine alongside the new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Luke Wilkinson