Mercedes-Benz is renowned for their subdued approach to luxury: smooth and quiet, with a focus on cosseting driver and passengers. However, their AMG performance branch takes all that and turns it on its head. AMG cars are defined by muscular engines which possess a savageness unbecoming of standard Mercedes\u2019 relaxed nature. When combined with the plush appointments of Mercedes models AMGs are based on, the result is a blend of luxury and speed<\/a> that\u2019s equal parts stately and hooligan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AMG started in 1967 as an aftermarket Mercedes-Benz tuner. The name stands for the founders and their hometown: Aufrecht and Melcher, of Gro\u00dfaspach, Germany. It operated independently until 1990, when it began to co-develop cars with Mercedes for sale in corporate showrooms. In 1999 Mercedes purchased controlling rights to AMG and officially integrated it into their lineup, placing AMG models at the top of each vehicle\u2019s range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n From the beginning, AMG has focused on optimizing standard Benzes for higher performance, using aerodynamic body kits, modified suspension, bigger brakes, and transmission upgrades. But the centerpiece of any AMG is the engine, and over the decades they\u2019ve created motors in a variety of configurations to fit nearly the entire Mercedes product range. AMG engines are distinguished by the two numbers in a vehicle\u2019s badge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, \u201c55\u201d badged cars used a supercharged V8. Produced in the early 2000s, these were the first models after AMG\u2019s full integration into the Mercedes corporate structure; perhaps the beginning of AMG\u2019s modern era. Supplemented by a \u201ckompressor,\u201d these engines produced up to 510 horsepower, a nearly unbelievable amount for the era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n \u201c63\u201d badged cars followed, but it gets confusing here. The number has no relation to the displacement or power output of three completely different engines that have been associated with the badge: first a 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8, then a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8, and most recently (and simultaneously) a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8. Regardless, each is a mighty powerplant with its own unique character, and in the case of the turbocharged units, capable of over 600 horsepower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n V12 engines are the pinnacle in smooth power and luxurious refinement, which is why AMG reserves them for its absolute highest-end models. \u201c65\u201d badged cars feature a hand-built 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 that generates over 600 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of tire-shredding torque. While on paper these numbers might seem close to V8 AMGs, the driving experience of a 65 is truly unique. The V12\u2019s intoxicating wave of power must be experienced from the driver\u2019s seat to be fully appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Mercedes\u2019 lineup has expanded so has AMG\u2019s engine development, and it\u2019s created some interesting powerplants to supplement various models. \u201c45\u201d badged cars pack a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder that\u2019s known for being slightly rough and laggy \u2014 but that\u2019s part of its charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \u201c43\u201d AMGs may be the entry level, but that doesn\u2019t mean their turbocharged six-cylinder engines are any less fun to drive. \u201c53\u201d cars have AMG\u2019s newest and most advanced drivetrain: a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-six combined with an electric motor. While not as powerful as higher-numbered engines, this setup allows the electric motor\u2019s instant torque to fill in for the gas engine as its turbo power builds, plus fuel efficiency gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n While most AMGs are based on standard Mercedes<\/a>, in recent years they\u2019ve developed bespoke cars that brilliantly showcase the brand\u2019s abilities. First came the SLS AMG, which packed the 6.2 liter V8 and shared the striking gullwing doors of the timeless 300 SL. Currently it makes the AMG GT<\/a>, a long, low, and wide coupe that\u2019s equally at home on the racetrack as it is boulevard cruising. Adding to the range is the AMG GT 4-Door, a sleek sedan that shares the style and performance of the GT coupe, plus space for friends in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n From bolting on aftermarket parts to producing some of Mercedes\u2019 most iconic vehicles, AMG has come a long way in its 50-year history. Regardless of model, the myriad engines it\u2019s created have always been about making Benzes more powerful, thrilling, and fun. As AMG\u2019s popularity increases, expect to see new hybrid and all-electric drivetrains, and continual strengthening of the muscular engines it\u2019s best known for.<\/p>\n Check out our other performance sub brand features: Lexus F-Sport<\/a>, BMW M<\/a>, and SRT<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sorting through Benz’s AMG branch Mercedes-Benz is renowned for their subdued approach to luxury: smooth and quiet, with a focus on cosseting driver and passengers. However, their AMG performance branch…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":12832,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gearheads"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
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