What does AMG mean at Mercedes?

Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive manufacturer known worldwide for its quality vehicles. However, another company carries the name of this legendary brand: Mercedes-AMG. What is the relationship between these two companies, and what does "AMG" mean? BYmyCAR answers.

AMG: what does it mean?

AMG is a German company specializing in automotive tuning. This means that, unlike automotive manufacturers, its role is not to "manufacture" new vehicle models. The brand is responsible for enhancing existing models and versions.

AMG was founded in 1967 in the city of Burgstetten. Two individuals spearheaded this project: Hans-Werner Aufrecht, an engineer within the Mercedes-Benz company, and Erhard Melcher, his financial partner. "AMG" is simply an abbreviation of Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach, with Aspach being the German engineer's hometown.

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG: what is the difference between these two brands?

Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive manufacturer that has established its reputation worldwide. The vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz brand are known for their superior quality, benefiting from the expertise of the German marque. Mercedes-Benz cars have long dominated the automotive market, thanks in part to powerful engines, striking designs, and consistently surprising innovations in new models.

It is important to clarify that AMG and Mercedes-Benz are two separate companies.

Since 1971, AMG has been accustomed to collaborating with Mercedes-Benz. In 1973, the tuner offered a special kit for the Mercedes W114/W115. It was this kit that brought AMG into the public eye. At that time, AMG had only about forty employees.

In 1988, the collaboration between AMG and Mercedes continued during the German Touring Car Championship. That same year, the partnership between AMG and Mercedes allowed them to secure 6 victories in the championship.

Although the collaboration between AMG and Mercedes has been fruitful, no contract has been signed between the two companies yet. It wasn't until 1990 that a commercial partnership agreement was signed between AMG and Mercedes.

1993 saw the release of the first Mercedes-AMG: the C 36 AMG, equipped with a 3.6-liter inline-six engine producing 280 hp.

In 1999, Daimler-Chrysler acquired 5% of AMG's shares. This made AMG a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz group and later led to the name change to Mercedes-AMG.

The Mercedes-AMG Logo

The AMG logo has not changed since its inception. It simply consists of the three letters "A", "M", and "G" in a distinctive font, with increasingly thick lines extending to the left.

In addition to the Mercedes-Benz logo, cars branded by AMG also feature the company's logo.

What is the AMG package?

The AMG package is a special trim level of a car model. It consists of a body kit, including:

A front bumper;

A rear bumper;

Side skirts.

There are several types of AMG packages. The package can be design-oriented, aerodynamic, or sporty in style.

Attention! AMG should not be confused with the AMG package. Indeed, an AMG car has an engine that has been modified by the tuner. The AMG package consists only of the elements mentioned above.

How do you know if your Mercedes is an AMG?

It is important to note that all Mercedes-Benz models benefit from a "revision" by AMG to improve their performance. Recall that AMG does not produce new car models. Thus, within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, it is possible to choose between the "standard" version and the AMG version.

The AMG model is easy to recognize from the outside. Indeed, the differences between a standard Mercedes model and an AMG model are easily visible from the exterior. The dimensions of the AMG fall within the same range as those of a sports car. The double lamella grille of the AMG has sharp lines. Differences are also present in the lower central border of the front bumper. The technical details are not the same for both models.In short, to recognize an AMG, it is sufficient to determine which one exhibits the characteristics of a sports car.

Who makes AMG engines?

For some Mercedes-Benz models, the engine is manufactured by the French automotive manufacturer Renault.

It should be recalled that AMG does not produce cars, let alone engines. In fact, AMG enhances the performance of existing engines but does not create new ones. For example, the engine of an AMG A-Class is the same as that of the A-Class but with performance pushed to the extreme.

Each AMG engine is hand-assembled by experts in their field. Mercedes-AMG takes pride in adhering to its philosophy of "one man, one engine." Since the tuner puts its stamp on the engine, it is solely responsible for the quality and new performance of the enhanced engine. This is a guarantee of quality from Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG for their customers.

It is important to note that the average power of AMG engines is 300 hp. This is why they are categorized as sports cars.

What does "Class" mean at Mercedes?

At Mercedes-Benz, "Class" refers to the ranges and body styles of vehicles:

A-Class: compact and versatile city car;

CLA-Class: compact coupé and sporty shooting-brake;

GLA-Class: compact SUV (crossover);

B-Class: compact minivan;

GLB-Class: compact SUV minivan (crossover);

C-Class: family sedan;

CLC-Class: family coupe;

GLK-Class: family SUV;

GLC-Class: family SUV and SUV coupe;

E-Class: executive sedan;

CLK-Class: executive coupe/cabriolet;

M-Class: executive SUV;

GLE-Class: executive SUV and SUV coupe;

CLS-Class: luxury sedan coupe and luxury shooting-brake 4/5-door;

S-Class: prestige sedan and limousine;

CL-Class: prestige coupe;

GL-Class: prestige SUV;

GLS-Class (replaces GL): prestige SUV;

SL-Class: prestige coupe/cabriolet roadster;

SLK-Class: coupe/cabriolet roadster;

SLC-Class (replaces SLK): Coupe/Cabriolet roadster;

G-Class: all-terrain SUV;

R-Class: minivan;

X-Class: all-terrain and urban pickup;

V-Class: utility van;

EQ range: 100% electric vehicles.

Mercedes-AMG Model 45 S: the high-end sports car

The Mercedes-AMG 45 S is one of the most accomplished cars produced by the automotive tuner. It is a compact sports sedan and is part of the fourth generation of the A-Class, introduced from February 2, 2018.

One of the key features of the Mercedes-AMG 45 S is its incredibly powerful engine. Indeed, this sports car model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Its maximum power can reach 421 hp, with a top speed of 270 km/h on the road. This powerhouse easily accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

It is important to mention that power is not the only asset of the Mercedes-AMG.