What is Mercedes-AMG?

Mercedes-AMG has become one of the most famous performance brands ever.

The sub-division of Mercedes-Benz focuses on cramming big performance into its cars and competes with the likes of BMW’s M division and Audi Sport’s S and RS models.

What is Mercedes-AMG though, and what cars do they offer? This guide details all.

Mercedes-AMG meaning

Founded in 1967, AMG was founded by two former Mercedes-Benz engineers. The company would go by their surnames – “Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach.”

Initially, AMG tuned and built engines for racing – but soon got into the business of tuning road cars. By the 1980s, AMG had become well-known for the work it did for Mercedes road cars.

One of its most famous of the time is the AMG Hammer – based on the Mercedes E-Class – which became a cult hit thanks in part to its 360hp, 5.6-litre V8 engine.

Despite focusing mostly on Mercedes cars, AMG was yet to be officially owned by the manufacturer. It’s a little-known fact it had tuned some other cars too, including the Mitsubishi AMG Galant of 1989.

That changed in 1993 when it officially joined forces with Mercedes, resulting in the Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG.

Since then, AMG has solidified itself as one of the greats in performance cars. As well as providing monstrous versions of Mercedes’ own models, it was given the right to produce some models of its own — starting with the SLS AMG in 2010.

It still produces engines for other cars as well. The Aston Martin Vantage uses an AMG-built V8, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder from the AMG A45 S available for the Lotus Emira as well.

How are AMG cars different from non-AMG cars?

Mercedes-AMG models may share the name and look a little like regular Mercedes models, but there are huge amounts of change under the skin.

AMG has become synonymous with huge power from its engines, and are always the most powerful versions in their respective model line.

To help cope with that power, AMG models also tend to receive a host of mechanical upgrades. These include firmer suspension, improved chassis stiffening and massive breaks.

Plus styling comes into it as well. AMG models will get aggressive new bodywork with snarling great intakes and aerodynamic enhancements. There’s often a sprinkling of carbon fibre and Alcantara for a racy interior, too.

Mercedes-AMG range

Mercedes-AMG offers high-performance versions of virtually all Mercedes models, plus some of its own bespoke cars. Current range highlights include:

Mercedes-AMG A45

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 421hp
Torque: 500Nm
carwow price from*: £56,770

A 421hp hot hatch? It can only be the work of AMG. The Mercedes-AMG A45 packs that punch into a reasonably dinky chassis, with monstrous results.

There’s a host of chassis improvements too, including the addition of a drift mode that’s sure to leave a smile on your face.

Mercedes-AMG GLC63

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 510hp
Torque: 700Nm
carwow price from*: £91,853

If you’re keen on a hellishly fast SUV, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 will be up your street.

Despite being pretty hefty, it’ll crack 0-60mph in under four seconds and a grippy four-wheel-drive system gives it some serious cornering ability too.

Mercedes-AMG E63

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 612hp
Torque: 850Nm
carwow price from*: £100,765

Powerful saloons are the bread and butter of Mercedes-AMG, and the E63 is one of its most iconic.

This executive car can crack 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds in supreme comfort too. It can be driven hard with ease too, especially in track-focused race mode.

Mercedes-AMG G63

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 585hp
Torque: 850Nm

AMG is no stranger to 4x4s either. Over the last few decades, the division has worked its magic over the Mercedes G Class too.

In its current iteration, the AMG G63 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 kicking out 585hp and 850Nm of torque. It’s still seriously capable off-road, too.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 639hp
Torque: 900Nm
carwow price from*: £141,885

One of AMG’s homebrew models is the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door. Naturally, it’s seriously fast — with 639hp and 900Nm of torque.

Without the constraints of a usual Mercedes model, AMG has been able to design the GT 4-Door to be ultra-aggressive from the get-go, too.

*prices correct at the time of writing

What about Mercedes AMG Line trims?

Mercedes also offers a selection of AMG Line trims across its models. These cars get some racy visual upgrades and interior bits inspired by full-fat AMG models.

However, they don’t get the performance upgrades of AMG models — rather using the same engines and mechanical bits you’ll find in the regular range.

FAQs: Mercedes-AMG

Are Mercedes-AMG cars petrol or diesel?

All Mercedes-AMG cars with internal combustion engines currently on sale are petrol-powered. AMG has had a crack a diesel before however, with the C30 CDI AMG of 2002.

Where are Mercedes-AMG cars built?

AMG builds its cars in Affalterbach, Germany.