Currently reading: Mercedes-AMG GT 73: 800bhp plug-in hybrid prepares for launch

Mercedes-AMG readies super-powered answer to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

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

Likely to be dubbed GT 73 4Matic, for which a trademark was recently applied, the petrol-electric flagship is expected to produce around 800bhp, if not slightly more.

New spy shots show what appears to be a restyled version of the GT 4-door Coupé being put through its paces by engineers, but a close-up shot of the rear end reveals a charging port hidden under the camouflage. Last year, a view under the bonnet revealed 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.

Ex-AMG boss Tobias Moers revealed in 2019 that the powertrain will remain largely faithful to that of the GT Concept shown at the 2017 Geneva motor show.

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 671bhp. 

Despite a fairly substantial increase in weight that goes along with the hybrid system, the GT 73 should be capable of breaking the three-second barrier in a 0-62mph sprint. The GT 63 S manages the same sprint in 3.2sec. Yet it’s not all about fast launches; the system will also allow an all-electric range of up to 31 miles and, as a result, far greater claimed economy than any other GT 4-door Coupé

The '73' branding has only ever been reserved for a select few of AMG’s most powerful models throughout history. The last was the SL 73, a super-rare version of the 1990s R129 SL that used a 7.3-litre V12. That motor then went on to power the Pagani Zonda supercar. 

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Peter Cavellini 1 February 2021

 Even looks like a Panamera, Mercedes need a new design, this shape has been around long enough, I kind of always looked forward to a new Mercedes coming out,and the AMG variants especially, but now there all snarly toothed roller skates, plus, with the advent of Ev's and hybrids, big Horsepower and daft top speeds are kind of pointless,no real barriers anymore, so this Merc will get the faithful but necessarily any new customers.

jonboy4969 16 January 2020

cant wait to get invited to

cant wait to get invited to the launch.

Speedraser 31 May 2019

This. Is. Just. Stupid.

This. Is. Just. Stupid.