Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled the updated A-Class family with a facelifted appearance and the latest iteration of the MBUX Infotainment system.
The A 200 Progressive Line, A 250 4MATIC AMG Line, and AMG A 35 4MATIC are the three locally built variations of the A-Class saloon that are still available. The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is still offered as a Hatchback in a limited number of units as AMG Street Style Edition.
The renowned roadster classic of Mercedes-AMG, the new, special Mercedes-AMG SL 43, has been unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today with a sportier and more opulent appearance.
The SL has undergone a transition over the course of its 70-year development history from a thoroughbred racing car to an open-top luxury sports car, and this represents another significant turning point for the brand.
It is the first car in the world with an electronic exhaust gas turbocharger. This technique, which originated in Formula 1, resolves the trade-off between a big supercharger with high peak power but slow response and a compact supercharger with a fast response but relatively low peak power.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today unveiled the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, the most powerful production vehicle ever produced by Mercedes-AMG.
Bettina Plangger, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & SEA II introduced the car by saying, “We are excited to announce the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE to our esteemed patrons in Malaysia. The stunning AMG GT 4-Door Coupé effortlessly showcases its sporty and elegant persona, setting a new benchmark in the world of luxury automobiles. Its seamless blend of purebred sports car performance and remarkable practicality for daily usage is a true testament to its engineering excellence.”
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As the teams begin their phased unveiling of the new cars for the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship, the FIA has also confirmed that 6 manufacturers have registered as Power Unit Suppliers for the 2026 – 2030 seasons of the championship.
The manufacturers that will supply the F1 power units are Alpine Racing, Audi, Ferrari, Honda Racing Corporation, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and Red Bull Ford. It’s interesting that Honda has signed up to be an engine manufacturer after 2025 when Red Bull Racing, which will use its engines until then, will switch to a new power unit jointly developed with Ford (and so will Scuderia AlphaTauri).
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Mercedes-AMG is the first car manufacturer to run a production hypercar on Nurburgring Nordschleife – and it has also set official records there to become the absolute fastest road-legal car on the circuit.
The record-breaking drives were set on October 28 in conditions that did not look suited to set sizzling times. But it was on the last attempt of the day, as conditions improved, that racing driver and AMG brand ambassador Maro Engel clocked his best lap time to set the new official record of 6:35.183 minutes. Engel’s run was just in time as about a minute after completion, it was the official closure time for the track.
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The V8 that has always been the engine most associated with the high-performance brand. It was a 6.8-litre V8 in the AMG 300 SEL, nicknamed ‘The Red Pig’, that powered AMG to fame at the 1971 24 Hours of Spa.
Up till now, the top-selling C63 S has had V8 power with the current version developing up to 503 bhp from its 4-litre engine. But the V8 tradition looks like it’s coming to an end with the new C63 S E Performance that has what some might see as a ‘lowly 4-cylinder powerplant’. And to add to the despair of enthusiasts, the powertrain in this new C 63 S is a plug-in hybrid unit.
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For its 55th anniversary this year, AMG has been celebrating in various ways and one more is the production of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EDITION 55. This will be a very exclusive edition because there will be only 5 units in the world, so it will be a much-coveted collectors’ model.
To guarantee and to document the minimal production run, a specific range of numbers (“GT3.190-55”) was created for the chassis numbers of the cars. Each car will have an ex-factory price of 625,000 euros (around RM2.8 million).
While this has a GT3 designation, it is not FIA-homologated so it is not subject to the stringent regulations of the racing class. This has allowed the engineers at AMG to raise the power output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine to 650 bhp, around 100 bhp more than in the homologated version that can be used for racing. Appropriately, the performance exhaust system made of Inconel comes without a silencer, generating an even more characteristic sound pattern as a result.
Maximum exclusivity is also assured as the colour is a special finish in MANUFAKTUR alpine grey uni with red accents. This perfectly complements the matte finish of the aero components in visible carbonfibre (front diffuser, rear diffuser, rear wing including end plates, flicks, louvre, radiator grille, side skirts).
The Affalterbach crest has been painted on the doors, while next to the AMG logo, the 55 year anniversary logo can also be seen on the rear wing.
In the functional racing cockpit, the GT3 EDITION 55 has exclusive details such as the anniversary symbol on the seat embroidery and plaques with ‘EDITION 55 – 1 OF 5’ inscription can be found on the centre console and the carbonfibre seat.
The matte Anthracite metallic is characteristic for the AMG interior with the high-quality visible carbonfibre elements harmoniously blending in, from the door sills, door covers and centre console to the dashboard. Another exclusive feature in the interior are the seatbelts with silver accents.
As a technical highlight, the cockpit of the includes a Data Display Unit (DDU) of the latest generation. The Bosch DDU 11 has a high-resolution graphic display that shows relevant information like speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times, gear and shift indication, among others. The 55 year anniversary logo makes its appearance each time the car is started.
Besides a tailor-made and specially designed car cover, each owner will also receive an exclusive watch. IWC Schaffhausen has created a limited EDITION 55 box that contains a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition ‘AMG’ with each watch matched to the specific unit by the Mercedes-AMG car’s chassis number engraved on the back of the watch case made of grade 5 titanium.
Since 2006, the Black Series High-Performance Cars from Mercedes-AMG have never failed to impress. From the puristic SLK 55 AMG Black Series to the latest GT Black Series, the exclusive range from the specialists at the carmaker’s high-performance subsidiary has been synonymous with a very special type of car.
The GT Black Series launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today continues with uncompromisingly sporty and expressive design, with the most consistent technology transfer from motorsport to a production car. It is designed for the racetrack but is road-legal too.
Improved V8 biturbo engine
The AMG GT Black Series represents a new highlight in this approach. It is the most powerful Mercedes-AMG with a 4-litre V8 biturbo engine, adaptable to special conditions of various racetracks. Further development puts significantly more power (730 ps) than the previous flagship model of the AMG GT family, with even more agile throttle response, thanks to maximum torque of 800 Nm.
What does this improved engine do for performance? It enables the sportscar to go from standing still to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.2 seconds, crossing 200 km/h in less than 9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 325 km/h (only on racetracks). The superlative performance level is not only reflects in the power delivery but also with a distinctive soundtrack.
Power goes to the rear wheels through a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission. The unit is located on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement for optimal weight distribution, as is the case for all AMG GT models. It has been modified for use in the AMG GT Black Series and adapted to the increased torque of 800 Nm.
The Race Start function is now even more impressive, thanks to the increased starting revs, the more sensitive wheel slip control and the sports tyres fit for the racetrack. Furthermore, the transmission cooling has been adapted to the tougher requirements, and the transmission ratios have also been slightly modified.
Sophisticated aerodynamics
The sophisticated aerodynamics make a significant contribution to high driving dynamics and stability on fast circuits. As with the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, aerodynamics experts and designers have worked closely and the similarity to the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is visually and technically stronger than ever before.
At the rear is the new apron with a large diffuser, two rounded twin tailpipe trims on the outside left and right, side wheel arch ventilation, and the innovative rear aerofoil concept. Both aerofoil blades are made from carbonfibre, can be mechanically adjusted and therefore adapted to various track conditions. The second, lower positioned blade was made particularly small and narrow because this is ideal for the air arriving from the front of the car.
The detailed aerodynamic work also includes the now almost fully panelled underbody. This area must not only meet aerodynamic requirements but also thermal ones (for heat dissipation). The flat underbody is equipped with specially designed longitudinal fins. These air channellers have been meticulously optimised to ensure optimal airflow to the rear diffuser. The entire package accelerates air flow, significantly increasing downforce up to well over 400 kgs at 250 km/h.
The lightweight carbonfibre roof, with a sunken centre, as well as the carbonfibre tailgate with small spoiler lip and larger rear windscreen made from lightweight thin glass, are all key components of the intelligent material mix and lightweight construction. Moving to the front of the car, the glass used to make the laminated glass windscreen is likewise thin and therefore light in weight.
AMG coil-over suspension
The double wishbone concept locates the wheel with high camber and toe-in stability. This enables high cornering speeds and gives the driver optimum road feel when cornering at the extreme limits. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are made entirely from forged aluminium in order to reduce the unsprung masses. The spherical bearings on the upper and lower wishbones of the rear axle come straight from motorsport.
Their design means they have no play, which means toe-in and camber do not change even under high loads. The coil-over suspension offers yet another advantage which serious racing drivers value greatly: the wheel load distribution can be individually adapted for every wheel and thus optimise handling.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL
For use on closed racetracks in ESP OFF mode, the AMG TRACTION CONTROL enables the driver to get individual support for controlling the immense power of the Black Series – and without any ESP brake intervention whatsoever. The level of support can be fine-tuned, providing the ideal level of assistance for each driver and each track situation. Control is exclusively via corresponding maps in the engine electronics and without any intervention in the ESP system, as is also the case with the GT3 racing car.
The AMG development has a major advantage over conventional systems in that it anticipates situations with the help of a friction coefficient evaluator and other data processed by a control unit within a fraction of a second. The maximum permissible drive slip on the rear wheels is calculated depending on the selected AMG TRACTION CONTROL level. When the wheels reach this level of slip during acceleration, the traction control modulates the engine output so that this level is not exceeded and the vehicle continues accelerating with this specified slip.
An exclusive contrasting colour
The interior design emphasises the leading position of the AMG GT Black Series. It may be for the racetrack but there’s exclusive nappa leather combined with sporty DINAMICA microfibre in black with orange contrasting topstitching. The instrument panel and the newly designed lightweight door panels, which are now equipped with loop pull handles instead of conventional handles, are trimmed in black DINAMICA microfibre.
The fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family with an instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches ahead of the AMG Performance steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch multimedia monitor on the centre console. The instrument cluster offers different designs with the three AMG-specific display styles to suit driver preference. Coloured display buttons in the V-shaped central console integrate the display and control of transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust system, rear aerofoil flap and start/stop function. As they still have a mechanical pressure point, they can also be operated whilst wearing racing gloves.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has an allocation of 13 units of the AMG GT Black Series, each having a base price of RM3 million (without insurance). And at the time of writing, all of them already have an owner waiting for delivery. Whether or not these owners will use them as the engineers developed them – for the racetrack – remains to be seen, but they will certainly be a rarity on our roads.
Everyone is going electric and so will Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. And it is no longer a change that will take place in the next decade – stricter regulations have forced carmakers to act quickly and most have already a few fully electric models on sale, with more in the pipeline during this decade.
At Mercedes-AMG, it’s not just about switching to electric powertrains but doing so while retaining the high performance which the brand has built its reputation on. “We’re developing everything from scratch, from the dedicated AMG.EA platform to the revolutionary drivetrain technology with which we will take performance electric mobility to a whole new level,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“AMG is reinventing itself. As was once the case with our founding fathers, there has been an amazing feeling of new beginnings here in Affalterbach [the home base of AMG] for quite some time now. The course has been well and truly set for an electrified future, and we’ve set the bar high. That’s because our customers expect something very special from all-electric cars. We have already well and truly proven our expertise in this regard with the SLS AMG Electric Drive, our own E PERFORMANCE hybrid technology and the first Mercedes-EQ derivatives,” he said.
To provide a glimpse of what its future high-performance products will look like, it has built the Vision AMG showcar. Like the Vision EQXX concept presented by Mercedes-EQ earlier, the Vision AMG is a design study which is not the basis for a future model though its technologies will be used in a new sportscar that will be out in 2025.
Monolithic sculpture
The proportions of the car are defined by a long wheelbase, and emphasised by short overhangs, powerful shoulders, large wheels, a distinctive rear spoiler and star-shaped headlamp signature. Joints and shut lines are reduced to a minimum, and the rear and side windows are painted in the same Alubeam silver as the car itself. The result is an overall look that reinforces the impression of a monolithic sculpture.
The graceful greenhouse is integrated into the flowing overall form and blends seamlessly into the low-lying silhouette. The roof tapers as its line drops elegantly towards the rear, flowing directly into the rear spoiler. The overall effect is a visually fascinating and aerodynamically advantageous teardrop form, not unlike that of the VISION EQXX.
The sharply angled tear-off edge at the rear incorporates an active spoiler, elongating the side view while at the same time improving the aerodynamics. It is framed by a precisely cut band of light that accommodates a variety of different light installations, providing an effective contrast with the large black AMG logo on the rear of the car.
Technical details are provided in general terms, with mention of a dedicated high-performance high-voltage battery pack and revolutionary drive technology. The powerful heart of the Vision AMG is its innovative Axial Flux Motor developed by Mercedes-Benz’ wholly owned subsidiary, YASA. With its compact and lightweight design, can deliver substantially more power than conventional electric motors.
Closed-off AMG grille
While an EV has no cooling requirements like a car with a combustion engine, the AMG grille with vertical bars is retained as a distinctive brand feature. The grille is therefore closed off, painted in body colour and fully integrated into the front end. As the visual focal point, the grille emphasises the futuristic look of the Vision AMG with its illuminated bars and three-dimensional exterior contour. The three-pointed star is positioned prominently on the bonnet.
Star-shaped light signature
The headlamp light signature is unique with 3 LED elements forming a stylised, three‑dimensional Mercedes star, ensuring the Mercedes and AMG branding is visible night and day. The two headlamps are visually connected via the horizontal band of light above the grille. This light band can display a variety of animations – ranging from a welcome signature to constant light.
The round lights at the rear have a light design that is new yet familiar. On each side, three LED rings are positioned in cylindrical tubes. Here, too, small stars link to the Mercedes brand. By way of contrast, the expressive rear diffuser is painted deep black.
Connection to Formula 1
The Mercedes-AMG name is very prominent in Formula 1 with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team having won the world championship 8 times. The Vision AMG makes a direct connection in visual details. Examples are the silver paintwork with a large-format star pattern across the shoulders and rear wings; functional elements in exposed carbonfibre; the aerodynamic design of the 22-inch wheels with aero claddings; the AMG logo; and elements on the sills and diffuser in the PETRONAS colours.
30 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz F 100 showed the future of motoring
will.i.am, well known for his association with the Black Eyed Peas which he also founded, is more than just a singer and musician. Today, he’s a tech entrepreneur, philanthropist and was even chosen as the TIME 100 IMPACT Award winner. Recently, he’s been working on a special project with Mercedes-AMG under strict secrecy which will culminate with the presentation of the WILL.I.AMG at the Miami F1 Grand Prix this weekend.
It’s also the sixth collaboration that he is having with West Coast Customs, a customisation outfit in California, to create the one-off vehicle for the project which is known as ‘The Flip – – Innovation for Purpose’. The Flip is intended to give more students from disadvantaged communities access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education in order to be equipped with the skills required for future-focused jobs and to invent new technologies.
“I grew up in a ghetto. I grew up with hip hop. I watched legendary hip hop artist rap about Mercedes, so it was always a dream to own a Mercedes. For a lot of inner-city kids, owning a Mercedes is a symbol of progress and advancing out of struggle,” explained will.i.am. “Now I’ve reached my goal and pushed even higher by re-imagining and creating my own vision of an AMG model. But I didn’t touch the engine, because AMG really does make the best engines. The story of the founders of AMG truly inspires me and it is energizing to collaborate with like-minded people who also seek continuous improvement.”
Inspired by the Mercedes star logo and the vehicle sound, will.i.am created a bear-like face icon, which has been dubbed ‘BEAR WITNESS’. This icon is also the focal point of the BEAR WITNESS collection that features limited-edition apparel and accessories available at the Mercedes-AMG Experience Centre in Miami and online.
The elaborate conversion and construction of this car, based on Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, has been captured in an extensive 6‑part documentary series, ‘DRIVE’ that will sneak preview at the May 5 reveal event.
All the activities surrounding this one-of-a-kind vehicle influenced by design elements of the G-Class and the legendary SLS Gullwing will benefit will.i.am’s i.am/Angel Foundation to help build a STEAM-ready talent pool that will lift families and communities out of poverty.
Mercedes-AMG is supporting this project because it also fulfils a lifelong dream of 47-year old will.i.am: he is a car guy through and through and a Mercedes-AMG enthusiast who has always dreamed of making his personal Mercedes-AMG vehicle a reality.
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