Future performance cars may soon get even more aggressive as AMG doubles down on its Batman-inspired ethos
Mercedes-AMG might be scaling back on its thunderous, fuel-hungry V8 engines, but it has no intention of softening its image. Quite the opposite, in fact. The performance division insists every car it builds should carry a certain edge, the kind of attitude you could compare to Batman rather than Superman.
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According to Mercedes-AMG board member Michael Schiebe, their models need to be more aggressive and offer loads of performance. As part of a huge expansion of the AMG brand that could see it sell as many as 200,000 vehicles annually, Schiebe says each car must pass what calls the Batman test.
The Batman Question
“We are Batman, we are not Superman because Superman is a little bit like the nice son-in-law,” he told Motor Trend. “Batman is the one who is too dangerous for your daughter,” says Schiebe. “We want to be the dangerous son-in-law. When new product is being planned, we ask ‘is this Batman enough?’”
The phrasing may sound a little odd, but it’s clear that Mercedes-AMG wants its vehicles to be appreciated for their brutality, despite the rapid expansion of the line-up. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz head of design Gordon Wagener warned that the company shouldn’t “go too Batman,” noting that some of its models are already “too Batman” for certain buyers, particularly women.
Evolving The Lineup
This sharpened philosophy (at least on paper) arrives during a period of major transformation for AMG. Recently, it unveiled the 1,340 hp GT XX Concept and wants to set 25 EV records with it. A production version is just around the corner, based on the new AMG.EA architecture, and soon, a high-performance electric SUV will be released, using the same tri-motor powertrain as the GT XX.
AMG views China as an important country for its future plans. Schiebe notes that while the performance segment there remains relatively niche, it has the potential for massive growth, meaning AMG may be able to thrive there. Schiebe also expects to see demand for premium EVs to rise in China, allowing for German and Chinese car manufacturers to thrive.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

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