About AMG
AMG began in 1967 as an independent tuning shop founded by two former Mercedes engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, its name taken from their initials and Aufrecht's hometown of Grossaspach. Its breakthrough came in 1971, when a heavy 300 SEL 6.8 sedan nicknamed the Red Pig finished second overall at the Spa 24 Hours. From there AMG became the go-to name for Mercedes owners who wanted more, and Mercedes eventually bought the company outright, completing the takeover in 2005.
The AMG reputation rests on big, hand-built engines, by tradition assembled by one technician who signs a plaque on top, and on cars that pair Mercedes comfort with outrageous thrust: the SLS gullwing, the AMG GT, the C63 and E63 sedans and wagons, and the G63, which turned a military off-roader into a status symbol. The AMG One hypercar even used a Formula One-derived engine. Critics have accused the brand of spreading the badge too thinly across mild 43 and 53 models.
Recent years have been turbulent. The decision to replace the C63's V8 with a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drew fierce backlash and soft sales, and Mercedes has since signaled a renewed role for V8s. At the same time, AMG is preparing high-performance electric cars on a dedicated platform, and the AMG GT four-door remains a rival to the Porsche Panamera. BMW M, Audi Sport and Porsche are its main targets. This page gathers reviews and track tests, new model reveals and spy shots, engine strategy news, electric AMG previews, tuners such as Brabus and Mansory, motorsport and safety-car duties, and the auction results of rare AMGs that collectors now chase.