At IAA Munich 2025, the brand’s execs dropped a bombshell: they’re adopting the “Batman Test” to make future Mercedes-AMGs edgier, more aggressive, and downright kickass. No more nice-guy Superman vibes; AMG wants to be the “dangerous son-in-law,” as Michael Schiebe, AMG’s board member, put it. “We are Batman,” he said during a strategy session, asking the team if new products are “Batman enough.” As a fan who’s driven a few AMGs and felt that raw power, this shift has me excited for what’s coming. Let’s break down the strategy, the record-breaking GT XX, and how AMG’s plotting world domination.
The Batman Philosophy: Edgier Than Ever
Schiebe’s vision is clear: AMG customers don’t want a plain Mercedes—they crave something rough, imperfect, and thrilling. “Batman is too dangerous for your daughter,” he joked, emphasizing that AMGs need to look and feel high-performance from every angle. The brand’s been successful when it’s pushed boundaries, and now they’re doing it “on steroids” with killer designs and segment-beating specs. With a massive product onslaught planned over the next three years—the most in AMG history—they’re aiming for 200,000 annual sales. That means every model must outpace rivals, whether through more horsepower in combustion engines or blistering EVs to meet city regulations and driver demand.
Breaking Records with the GT XX Concept
To prove they’re serious, AMG took the 1,340-hp GT XX concept to Italy’s Nardo Ring, where it shattered 25 EV records in under eight days—driving the equivalent of the Earth’s equator. It wasn’t just a stunt; it tested tech that’ll hit production “sooner than you think,” according to Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius. The four-door super sedan, debuting next year on the new AMG.EA platform, looks even sharper than the concept and has “the heart of an AMG.” This beast showcases axial-flux motors from Yasa Ltd., a Mercedes subsidiary, promising insane efficiency and power. It’s a morale booster for the team and a signal that future AMGs will dominate tracks like Nürburgring.
New V8 Engines and High-Performance EVs
AMG’s not ditching combustion yet. Next year brings a fresh family of V8 engines—more powerful and efficient to meet global emissions rules, keeping internal combustion alive in markets that need it. But EVs are the future too, especially where cities restrict gas cars. Demand for high-performance electrics is surging for the driving thrill alone. The GT XX’s tri-motor setup, with axial-flux tech, will power a high-performance electric SUV already in testing. We’ll see details next year, launching less than a year after the GT, thanks to shared AMG.EA underpinnings. Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer hints at scaling Yasa’s motors across Mercedes, boosting the whole lineup.
Eyes on China: A New Frontier for AMG
Historically, AMG focused on the U.S. and Europe, but Schiebe’s growth plan eyes China—the world’s largest market. Traditionally, it’s been a sedan and SUV haven with little racing culture or two-door demand, as affluent buyers prefer chauffeurs. But a performance niche is emerging, and AMG sees huge potential. The premium EV segment is small now, dominated by affordable models, but Schiebe believes Chinese customers will warm to AMG’s kickass vibe. They’re tailoring UX with local apps, screens, and infotainment to meet high expectations. As the market matures, German and Chinese rivals will battle it out, and AMG’s ready to lead.
Not Everyone’s Sold on Full Batman Mode
Head of design Gorden Wagener pushes back a bit. AMGs are already distinctive, but some are “too Batman” for female buyers. “I don’t think we should go too Batman,” he says, advocating a toned-down approach. With a packed pipeline, there’s room for variety—more than one superhero in the lineup.
My Take: Bring on the Dangerous AMGs
As someone who’s felt the rush of an AMG on a backroad, this Batman strategy has me pumped. It’s about recapturing that edgy spirit while embracing EVs and new markets like China. The GT XX’s records and upcoming V8s show they’re serious about performance leadership. If you’re an AMG fan, buckle up—the next three years will be wild. What do you think of the Batman Test? Too aggressive, or just right? Share in the comments.
Source- motortrend.com
