Mercedes-Benz has built their reputation upon plush interiors and comfortable driving experiences, and this DNA is clearly reflected in their current lineup. You’d be excused for developing the notion the Benz’s are tame luxury vehicles made for accountants and C-suite executives.
However, Mercedes has long had another side to themselves, one that has produced numerous vehicles that would quickly put a smile on anyone’s face. You may have even seen these unassuming vehicles on the road, sporting the famous (or infamous, for BMW drivers) AMG badge.
History of AMG
AMG, which derives its initials from co-founders Hans Wener Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher along with Aufrecht’s birthplace of Großaspach, began as a manufacturer for racing engines in the late 60’s. At this point, AMG was completely independent from Mercedes-Benz, and solely developed high-performance engines for motorsports customers.
By 1993, AMG had developed a reputation for tuning factory Mercedes vehicles into performance weapons. That same year, Mercedes’ parent company Daimler-Benz would enter into a cooperative agreement with AMG to jointly develop performance versions of Mercedes models.
The tuning company’s first foray into these co-developed vehicles was the C36 AMG, a hyped-up version of the regular W202 C-Class sedan sporting a hand-built straight-six producing a punchy 276 HP.
By 1999, Mercedes would purchase a majority 51% stake of the performance brand, essentially turning AMG into their own in-house tuning arm. From here, AMG would add their special touch to various popular Mercedes models, turning many relatively tame luxury models into unruly performance machines known for their ability to break the tires loose and make people rethink their perception of Benz’s.
What Sets AMGs Apart?
Beyond the added price tag, what does AMG really add to these otherwise normal Mercedes vehicles? Some of the most common upgrades you’ll see on these models include:
- Upgraded Powertrain & Increased Performance
- Performance Suspension Upgrades
- Aggressive Styling
- Hand-Built Engine
Sharing a name with Mercedes’ top-level motorsports ventures in Formula 1 and other series, you can expect AMG models to incorporate a good amount of racing DNA in their consumer vehicles as well. Advancements in hybrid technology, forced induction, and dual-clutch gearboxes have all made their way into Mercedes vehicles after having been developed and debuted in motorsports.
AMG Today
In the quarter-century that AMG and Mercedes have worked cooperatively, AMG models have become the pinnacle of Mercedes’ performance offerings, and compete against the other German giants such as BMW’s M Division or Audi’s RS models.
Today, AMG offers performance oriented versions of some of Mercedes’ most popular vehicles, including their entry-level A-Class sedans, G-Class SUVs, and top-level S-Class executive sedans. Currently, AMG offers tuned-up versions of over 20 Mercedes models.
The Wrap-Up
Born through the competitive atmosphere of motorsports, AMG has provided us with some of the most raw driving experiences on the market. There’s a reason that the addition of these three letters can make an otherwise boring Mercedes model into some of the most sought after performance vehicles out there.
So next time you see that small AMG badge on a Mercedes, you’ll know that you’re likely looking at something pretty special.
Mercedes Services at Alex’s Autohaus
No matter if your Benz is an AMG model or not, the Mercedes experts at Alex’s Autohaus in Midvale, Utah have the experience and equipment to properly provide your vehicle with the highest level of service. Don’t let an untrained hand make the service process difficult, schedule at Alex’s Autohaus today!
