A prototype for the upcoming 2028 Mercedes-AMG E 63 electric vehicle has been captured undergoing road tests at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit, as reported by autoevolution. These spy shots reveal a significant shift in design philosophy for the high-performance sedan.
A Departure from EQ’s Curves
Unlike the softer, more rounded aesthetics of Mercedes’ current EQ electric series, the new E 63 prototype adopts a more traditional three-box sedan silhouette. It features a steeply raked windshield, a substantial bonnet, a defined trunk lid, and flared wheel arches, aiming for proportions more akin to a luxury executive car.
Performance-Oriented Front End
The front fascia sports a relatively upright grille area, a design cue also seen in the electric GLC and C-Class. A low-mounted air intake below the main grille channels cool air to heat exchangers, the front electric drive unit, and the front brakes. A front lip spoiler, complemented by two deflector vanes, is designed to enhance stability at high speeds.
Familiar Silhouette, New Powertrain
The side profile still shows influences from the current combustion-engine E-Class. The long bonnet flows into the steeply raked windshield, leading to a clearly defined roofline and a distinct rear. Notably, the overall shape avoids the overly rounded, aerodynamically optimized forms often seen in EVs, suggesting a focus on traditional sedan proportions.
The test vehicle’s wheels also hint at its performance focus, with a multi-spoke design on the front axle and a twin-spoke design on the rear. Based on the wheel size and tire specifications, it’s inferred that this model emphasizes sporty driving dynamics.
YASA Axial Flux Motors Take Center Stage
Perhaps the most significant revelation is the powertrain. Rumors suggest that the successor to the V8-powered E 63 will ditch its internal combustion engine in favor of YASA’s axial flux electric motor technology. Axial flux motors are renowned for their ability to deliver higher power and torque density within a smaller, lighter package, reportedly weighing about half as much as conventional radial flux electric drive units.
With multiple motors potentially powering the front and rear axles, AMG could achieve millisecond-level response times for torque distribution to individual wheels. Furthermore, integration of the battery pack with the chassis and the use of laser-welded cell casings could help offset the weight typically associated with large-capacity lithium-ion batteries.
While official details remain scarce, these prototype sightings offer a compelling glimpse into the future of Mercedes-AMG’s performance sedan lineup, signaling a bold electrification strategy that doesn’t compromise on a sporty aesthetic or dynamic potential.
