Mercedes-AMG® is the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, known for handcrafted engines, race-bred engineering and unmistakable sound. Here's what the badge means, how the AMG lineup is organized and how to choose the right one.
What Does AMG Stand For?
AMG comes from the founders' names and hometown: Hans-Werner Aufrecht, Erhard Melcher and Großaspach, Aufrecht's birthplace. Founded in 1967 as an independent racing engine shop, AMG became a wholly owned Mercedes-Benz subsidiary and is based in Affalterbach, Germany. Learn how AMG differs from the AMG Line styling package in Mercedes-AMG vs. AMG Line.
One Man, One Engine
AMG's most famous tradition: select AMG engines, including its 4.0L V8, are assembled from start to finish by a single technician in Affalterbach, who then signs a plaque on the engine. It's a personal guarantee of quality and a big part of AMG's character.
Decoding the Numbers: 35, 43, 53 and 63
| Badge | What it usually means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| AMG 35 | Entry point to AMG, turbocharged four-cylinder | AMG GLA 35, AMG GLB 35 |
| AMG 43 | Sporty everyday AMG, high-output turbocharged four-cylinder | AMG C 43 (416 hp), AMG GLC 43, AMG SL 43 |
| AMG 53 | Turbocharged inline-six with electrification | AMG GLE 53, AMG CLE 53, AMG E 53 Hybrid |
| AMG 63 | Top performance: V8 or high-output hybrid | AMG G 63 (577 hp), AMG GLE 63 S, AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE (671 hp) |
Want the deep dive on the C-Class? See AMG C 43 vs. C 63 S E PERFORMANCE.
E PERFORMANCE: AMG Goes Hybrid
AMG's E PERFORMANCE models pair a combustion engine with an electric motor and a high-performance battery developed with lessons from Formula 1. The result is instant torque and huge combined output, such as 671 hp and 752 lb-ft in the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE.
AMG Performance 4MATIC®
Most AMG models use AMG Performance 4MATIC® or 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, which varies torque between the axles for traction and agility. On some models, a Drift Mode can send power to the rear wheels only for track use.
Inside an AMG
- AMG Performance steering wheel with drive-mode controls
- AMG sport seats, with available Nappa leather and carbon fiber trim
- AMG-specific MBUX displays and available AMG Track Pace data logging
- AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes, from Comfort to Sport+ and Race on select models
Feel the AMG Difference
Test drive an AMG at 7055 N Palm Ave, Fresno, or call Sales at (559) 254-4585.
Model availability, specifications and features vary by model year and configuration and are subject to change. AMG Drift Mode and Track Pace are intended for closed-course use only. Confirm details with Mercedes-Benz of Fresno.