The Mercedes EQC is just the start of the German automaker's electric onslaught. Within the next year, the electric EQ family will expand with the launch of the EQS Sedan and the EQA and EQB crossovers. While these models focus on luxury, we've been hoping AMG will cook up a hot high-performance EQ variant.
According to a report by Car Magazine, AMG is reviving the forgotten R-Class for the first time in 20 years as an electric coupe SUV with hypercar levels of power as part of a product plan outlined by former AMG boss Tobias Moers.
The publication claims the high-performance SUV is currently known as the Mercedes-AMG GLR, but its electric powertrain means the final model could be badged as the EQR.
Originally, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class launched in 2005 as a large luxury minivan. It was discontinued in the US in 2012 amid slow sales, but lived on in China where there's a high demand for luxury minivans. Topping the range was the AMG R63 packing a 6.2-liter V8 producing 503 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. According to the publication's sources, the new electric GLR will have twice as much power thanks to a 105-kWh power pack with a 20-kWh overboost feature and three 250-kW electric motors.
Combined, this setup will reportedly produce 1,006 hp and 996 lb ft of torque, but it remains to be seen how the performance will affect the electric driving range. Like the Porsche Taycan, the GLR is expected to use a two-speed automatic transmission at the rear axle and a single-speed direct-drive motor for the front wheels.
As for the proportions, the GLR will allegedly look like a super-sized GLC, allowing room for up to seven seats. The all-electric Mercedes-AMG GLR is expected to arrive by 2025 according to the publication. Before then, the two-row EQS SUV will launch in 2022.