Mercedes and AMG: What does it mean?

Mercedes-AMG

We have always heard the name Mercedes and AMG together. So, what does the name Mercedes-AMG actually means?

What is AMG

‘Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach’, you can only pronounce this name correctly if you are good in German or you are a German like the company. AMG is a German company which is founded by ex-Mercedes Benz engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Under the name AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH  (AMG engine production and development Ltd.), a company was established in Burgstall, Stuttgart as a racing engine forge. Currently, headquarters of AMG is in Affelterbach in Germany.

AMG is an independent body which only customizes Mercedes-Benz vehicles under the brand name Mercedes-Benz AMG. In 2005, Daimler-Benz AG took over AMG ownership and now it is a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz or Mercedes-Benz.

The AMG powered cars of Mercedes-Benz are more like a high performance, Better handling and stability, aggressive looks, and tougher than regular Mercedes-Benz models.

The significance of AMG in Mercedes-Benz was mainly in the motor racing until the late 1980s.

Mercedes-AMG 80's car
Image Courtesy: 80’s model of Mercedes AMG

AMG and Motor Racing

In 1971, Mercedes along with AMG entered spa 24 hours and the European touring car championship. Mercedes-Benz W201 cars were jointly designed by Mercedes and AMG for the 1988  Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM, German Touring Car Championship).

Working together from years, Mercedes-AMG is competing in competitions such as FIA GT3 European Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series, Blancpain sprint series, Australian GT championship, British GT Championship, Super GT and many more with the SLS AMG GT3 series.

AMG designed models

AMG GT
Image Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz GT roadster

There are many models that have a brand name Mercedes Benz AMG, but to give a glimpse, all the Mercedes A, C, CLA, CLS, E, GLA, GLC, GLE GLS, GT, S, SLC, Sl models have at least one variant powered by AMG. But the more aggressive and popular models are of AMG GT series and AMG SLS

Alongside hatchbacks, sedan, SUV;  the Cabriolet and Roadster models of Mercedes-AMG is quite thrilling to drive imbibed with the most advanced technology

The special Black series of AMG includes the following models:

  • SLK55 AMG Black series
  • CLK63 AMG Black series
  • SL65 AMG Black series
  • C63 AMG Back series
  • SLS AMG Black series

The AMG Black series models get upgrades such as weight reduction, bucket seats, exterior alterations, high power, greater traction, interior alteration, handling etc.

For more detail of AMG models visit the page on Wikipedia

AMG in electric segment

In 2013, Mercedes-AMG announced its model SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive, which was the first AMG’s electric drive car and was the fastest electric car of that time with 740 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.