Mercedes-AMG ONE Review: F1 - Now For EveryONE

It took years of development before Mercedes-AMG could finally deliver the first ONE hypercar early in 2023. Adapting the ONE's F1-derived powertrain for road use was a monumental engineering challenge. Still, the combination of a 1.6-liter V6 with four electric motors - producing 1,049 horsepower combined - eventually helped the ONE shatter multiple lap records, including a time of just over six minutes and 30 seconds along the Nurburgring's shorter course. Besides its phenomenal hybrid system, the AMG ONE's arresting design and active aerodynamic systems catapult it into the same arena as poster-worthy performers like the Koenigsegg Regera and Aston Martin Valkyrie. Unfortunately, local regulations mean it won't be sold in the USA, so the only way to acquire one is under the conditions of the Show or Display legislation. With only 275 examples planned for production, getting hold of the ONE will be a major challenge, but everything suggests the effort will be worth it.


2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE

A new arrival for the 2023 model year, the ONE is the zenith of AMG performance. It has an enormously complicated electrified powertrain that combines a 1.6-liter V6 with four electric motors. The AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system includes an electrically-driven front axle, and the ONE can be driven on electric power alone for short distances. Only 275 examples of the new Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar will be produced at a price of around $2.7 million, but Americans can only acquire one via the Show or Display regulation since the car doesn't meet the criteria for being road-legal in the USA.

Specs and Trims: Mercedes-AMG ONE Models And Configurations

2023 Mercedes-Benz One Coupe
Model
One
Model Year
2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE
Year
2023
MSRP
$2,800,000
Engine
1.6L Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
Horsepower
1,048 hp
Transmission
8-Speed Semi Automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Front Tire
285/35ZR19

ONE Exterior

AMG's performance goals are responsible for many of the captivating styling details found on the ONE. Like most hypercars that can easily surge past 200 mph, the ONE has minimal ground clearance and a low height. The mid-engine layout is evident in the extended rear end, while the large rear spoiler assists with downforce. The headlights are fairly simple in their design, overshadowed by aspects like the upward-swinging doors, and the taillights have diamond-shaped elements that follow the form of the AMG logo. The forged aluminum wheels measure 19 inches in front and 20 inches at the back. Covering them are tires designed specifically for this car: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 rubber.

It's the AMG ONE's array of aerodynamic features that most strongly hint at its great performance potential. It has a vertical shark fin that enhances lateral stability at high specs, active louvers above the wheel arches in front, NACA air inlets, and an F1-style intake above the roof. Active aerodynamics, including the rear wing, have various settings. Track mode will lower the car and fully extend the rear wing, while Race DRS (Drag Reduction System) closes the louvers, and Highway retracts the wing.

A center exhaust outlet screams a distinctive note, and a large diffuser arrangement joins it to elevate the rear view of the car.

Dimensions

In terms of its dimensions, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is longer and taller than a Bugatti Chiron, but narrower. It has a length of 187.2 inches and a width of 79.1 inches. The height is 49.6 inches, and the wheelbase comes in at 107.1 inches.

With its four electric motors and various hybrid components, keeping the weight of the Mercedes-AMG ONE down must have been challenging, but the carbon-fiber monocoque helps. A DIN curb weight of 3,737 pounds has been quoted by the manufacturer.

Exterior Colors

There are quite a few interesting colors available for the Mercedes-AMG ONE. The AMG website shows that customers can choose several colors with either Magno or metallic colors. They're Patagonia Red Bright, Hightech Silver, Graphite Grey, Brilliant Blue, or Diamond White Bright. Motorsport Stylingpaket STAR or WAVE is essentially silver with Star or wave-like graphics along the body.

ONE Performance

There is much to unpack here, such is the complex nature of the Mercedes-AMG ONE's engine and entire powertrain. The main ingredients are the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine and four electric motors. Together, they produce 1,049 hp.

The potent powertrain requires the use of a single-clutch automated manual transmission instead of a more common dual-clutch unit. Power is then directed to all four corners via the AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The system is capable of torque vectoring, and the ONE has an electrically-driven front axle and a hybrid-drive rear axle. The driver is mostly unaware of all the madness going on beneath the skin. The Mercedes-AMG ONE completes the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 2.9 seconds, and it doesn't stop going after that. The 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) run takes seven seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 15.6. The top speed is just over 218 mph.

Besides its straight-line performance, the AMG ONE's incredible traction and balance make it a monster on track. In November 2022, it was confirmed that the AMG ONE set a new Nurburgring record for road-legal production cars with a time of 6:35.183 on the longer course and 6:30.705 on the shorter one. It followed that up with a lap of the Monza circuit in 1:43.902, beating the quickest GT3 car, the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The manic V6's sounds and weighty steering make the ONE an exciting, exhilarating drive. The car is surprisingly supple in its more relaxed driving modes, and the electric-only mode is entirely at odds with the chaos that erupts when the V6 is in full song.

Engine and Transmission

A 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers peak power is zany enough, but the addition of four electric motors creates an exceptionally powerful system that delivers 1,049 hp. Three electric motors make 603 hp combined alone, while the fourth drives the electric turbocharger. The V6 can rev all the way to 11,000 rpm, making an unbelievable, eardrum-shattering noise as it does so. As with many single-clutch transmissions, the seven-speed automated manual in the ONE isn't always as smooth or quick as a dual-clutch unit, but AMG was forced to go this route because of the powertrain's prodigious outputs.

Throttle response is instant, thanks to the motor inside the turbo. There are six drive programs - Race Safe, Race, EV, Race Plus, Strat 2, and Individual - and the firmest modes will be intolerable yet allow the ONE to handle with exceptional precision at high speeds.

ONE Gas Mileage

Since it isn't officially being sold in the USA, there are no EPA ratings for the AMG ONE. The manufacturer claims a combined weighted gas mileage of 8.7 liters per 100 km. That works out to roughly 27 mpg, but this is likely an overly optimistic figure and EPA standards will differ. Still, it's remarkably efficient for such a high-performance machine, and an 11-mile all-electric range is claimed.

A 3.7-kW onboard AC charger can replenish the 8.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, but no charging times have been indicated.

ONE Interior

As close to an F1 experience as most mere mortals are likely to experience, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG ONE has a distinctly racy design. While the dual digital displays are conventional enough, the F1-style square steering wheel certainly isn't. It houses controls for the driving modes and suspension. The seats are integrated into the monocoque and have minimal adjustments, and materials include microfiber and carbon fiber. The central compartment between the seats contains a fire extinguisher, another sign that this is no ordinary AMG.

Seating and Interior Space

There is sufficient interior space for two adults inside the Mercedes-AMG ONE. The bucket seats have AMG Motorsport seat pans that can be adjusted in two positions - 25 or 30 degrees - but if you want to spend all day fiddling with backrest angles or height adjustments, get an S-Class. Fortunately, the powered steering column and pedal box are adjustable, the latter in 11 steps, to help you find the optimal driving position. While the seats hold you in place, legroom can feel a bit cramped for taller individuals due to the nature of the seating position, but headroom - even with a helmet - is sufficient for average-sized adults. The passenger's footrest can be adjusted, too, an unusual feature.

Visibility is impeded by the vertical rear wing and various engine components, so there is a rear camera mirror to give you an idea of what's happening behind the car. Ingress and egress are affected by the low ride height and seats, but it's not as challenging to get into as the Aston Martin Valkyrie.


Interior Colors and Materials

Black is the color that dominates the interior, which is generally built to the high standards expected of the ultimate Mercedes-AMG model. That said, the electric window switches seem to be borrowed from far cheaper Mercedes compacts, which is a little disappointing. Instead of glossy surfaces and wood, the ONE comes with carbon fiber and other motorsport-inspired materials. The bucket seats have a black Dinamica microfiber material, along with Magma Grey inserts. Elsewhere, there is yellow and blue contrast stitching, while Nappa leather has been applied in strategic spots.

ONE Trunk and Cargo Space

Cargo space specs have not been published for the Mercedes-AMG ONE, not that this will be a concern for prospective customers. It does have storage spaces behind the seats for small items, but the center compartment that could have been used for more storage is taken up by a fire extinguisher. A small covered storage space lower down and in the center can be used to store the ONE's key or a wallet.

Features

The AMG ONE is no S-Class, with most of its features catering to the driving experience and the car's many settings. The seats are mostly non-adjustable since Mercedes-AMG wants every driver to be positioned optimally in the car. To get around this, the pedal box can be adjusted for taller or shorter drivers, while the steering wheel has electric adjustment. Speaking of the steering wheel, it has a dial to change through various driving modes, a volume controller, and much more. The car also has push-button start, climate control, a rearview camera mirror, and shift paddles.

Infotainment

Two ten-inch displays provide access to all infotainment settings and a mountain of information about the powertrain. One is a digital driver's display and the other is a center touchscreen. The graphics are unique to this model, and the car can connect to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The center touchscreen can also be used to access navigation plus information on the energy flow, the temperature of the electric motors, and the various active aerodynamic features.

While the specifics of the AMG ONE's sound system have not been shared, it'll have a hard time drowning out the car's engine noise. For this reason, AMG ONE drivers will be able to enjoy Momentum True Wireless earbuds from Sennheiser in their hypercars. Sennheiser says these noise-canceling buds provide optimal sound quality even in noisy environments, so they're a good solution for the loud ONE's interior.

ONE Problems and Reliability

Since it cannot officially go on sale in the USA, there is no reliability data for the Mercedes-AMG ONE in this region. Even if some cars arrive here under the Show or Display regulation, we're unlikely to hear about potential issues. There could be many, though, based purely on the complexity of the powertrain, but Mercedes will surely take care of customers who've spent almost $3 million on a new car.

At the very least, we expect the manufacturer's normal four-year/50,000-mile warranty to be applicable to the 2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE. We also know that the V6 engine will require a major overhaul after - wait for it - just 31,000 miles, so maintenance costs will be prohibitive.

ONE Safety

No safety or crash-test review has been done for the Mercedes-AMG ONE, but this is no surprise for a high-priced, highly exclusive exotic.

Key Safety Features

The ONE comes with advanced traction and stability control systems, though, along with airbags to protect occupants if the worst happens. Besides the rearview camera mirror, parking sensors, and normal cruise control, it does without the advanced driver assists of other Mercs.

Verdict: Is The Mercedes-AMG ONE A Good Car?

The ONE is Mercedes-AMG's most ambitious project yet, which shows in the car's protracted, challenging development period and the company saying it will never attempt something similar again. That elaborate powertrain will require careful and likely costly upkeep, and that's assuming an American who can afford one will go through the fuss of bringing it here through the Show or Display regulation. Is the ONE a disappointment, then? Not by a long shot. Its F1-derived powertrain delivers plenty of sweaty-palmed, eardrum-shattering thrills, and the lap records it's crushed underline its well-sorted chassis and extensive active aerodynamic technologies. It looks and feels like the halo car it is, and its rarity guarantees it'll remain exclusive. Mercedes-AMG's unhinged peak is generally believed to be in the 2010s before downsizing took over, but the ONE reminds us this is still a true enthusiasts' brand.

What's the Price of the Mercedes-AMG ONE?

The price of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE is around $2.7 million, an MSRP that makes it the most expensive Mercedes-AMG model by far. That's only the starting point, and the price will increase with any options, not to mention the cost involved in importing one under the Show or Display rule.

Additional Packages

Besides the ability to choose from numerous colors for the exterior and interior, the full list of available options hasn't been divulged, but we're sure there are a few extras that Mercedes-AMG will provide if customers pay for them.

What Mercedes-AMG ONE Model Should I Buy?

There is only one trim available, and with under 300 examples earmarked for production, you should buy any AMG ONE you can. It won't be brand new, either, as all 275 examples of the car have been sold out.