Hybrid, 800bhp+ Mercedes-AMG GT 73 4-door coming in 2020

Mercedes-AMG’s super-powered answer to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is caught with its bonnet up
by Lawrence Allan
31 May 2019

Mercedes-AMG is preparing to launch its most powerful model yet next year: a plug-in hybrid version of the AMG GT 4-door Coupe.

Likely to be dubbed ‘GT73 4Matic+’ after a trademark application for the name was applied for, the petrol-electric range flagship is expected to put out around 800bhp, if not slightly more.

New spy shots show what initially looks like just another AMG GT 4-door prototype being put through its paces by engineers. However, a view under the bonnet reveals a complex electrical system - almost certainly that used by an electrified powertrain. The photographers who took the images also claim the test mule drove away silently on electric power.

AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed to Autocar at the Geneva motor show that the model will launch in 2020. He also revealed the powertrain will remain largely faithful to that of the GT Concept shown at the 2017 Geneva motor show.

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That made use of AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with an electric motor on the front axle, giving a combined system output which Moers claims is “up to 600kW” - or 805bhp. That compares strongly to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which makes do with a mere 671bhp. 

Despite a not insubstantial increase in weight that goes along with the hybrid system, the GT73 should be capable of breaking the three-second barrier in a 0-62mph sprint. The GT63 S manages the same sprint in 3.2sec. Yet it’s not all about fast launches - the system will allow an all-electric range of up to 31 miles and, as a result, far greater claimed economy than any other AMG GT. 

The ’73’ branding has only ever been reserved for a select few of AMG’s most powerful models throughout history. The last was the SL73, a super-rare spec of the R129 SL-Class of the nineties that used a 7.3-litre V12. That motor then went on to power the Pagani Zonda supercar. 

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