Mercedes-AMG ONE: the number 1 among supercars

We have been waiting for it. Practically since the moment the Mercedes AMG Project One was unveiled back in 2017. A lot has happened since then, but Mercedes could not have chosen a better moment to present the definitive version of this hypercar, the Mercedes-AMG ONE. This year marks the 55th anniversary of AMG, the division responsible for the most sporting creations of the brand with the star.

So what does this two-seat supercar bring us? Exactly what the prototype hinted at: genuine Formula 1 technology for the road.

Hybrid propulsion system with 1,063 CV

The Mercedes-AMG ONE uses five motors. Yes, you read that right. Its E PERFORMANCE hybrid propulsion system combines a 1.6-litre petrol V6 engine with turbocharger supercharging and four electric motors. The petrol V6, mounted in a central position, shares many similarities with the engines used in the brand’s Formula 1 single-seaters, and delivers 422 kW (574 CV), giving it a specific output of no less than 358 CV/litre. We will not go into the technical details, but keep this one in mind: it is capable of revving up to… 11,000 rpm!

The turbocharger is assisted by an electric motor -the first of the four mentioned-, an MGU-H of 90 kW (122 CV) that allows the turbine to spin up to around 100,000 rpm before being driven by the exhaust gases, improving response from idle. But that is not its only role.

This electric motor linked to the turbocharger can work as a generator, driven by the surplus energy contained in the exhaust gas flow, supplying electrical energy to the lithium-ion battery or feeding the MGU-K electric motor directly -the second of the four- which is coupled to the combustion engine and capable of delivering 120 kW (around 163 CV) of power. The combustion engine and the MGU-K electric motor transmit power to the rear wheels through a newly developed 7-speed gearbox.

And there are still two more electric motors, located on the front axle, each with 120 kW, connected only to the front wheels, enabling a vectorial torque distribution “Torque Vectoring“. In total, the system’s power reaches 1,063 CV. The battery is also a specific development using technology from F1, as used in the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Performance. It has a capacity of 8.4 kWh, which allows the Mercedes-AMG One to travel about 18 km in electric mode, recharging the battery beforehand from an AC socket and thanks to the integrated 3.7 kW charger. The system uses 800-volt technology and liquid cooling.

Six driving modes: 0 to 200 km/h in 7 seconds

No fewer than six driving programmes are offered by the Mercedes-AMG ONE, from the pure electric EV mode to the Race Plus and Strat 2 modes, designed exclusively for the track. In between, the Individual mode allows various settings to be personalised, and the Race or Race Safe modes for road driving.

With the RACE START function, which works like a launch control, there is barely time to start and stop the stopwatch again, as the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is covered in 2.9 seconds. Even more impressive is how long it takes to reach double that speed: 7 seconds. And reaching 300 km/h from a standstill takes only 15.6 seconds. From there, the Mercedes-AMG ONE can keep accelerating up to 352 km/h.

Other notable technical features of the Mercedes-AMG ONE include high-performance ceramic brakes, five-link suspension on each axle with adjustable springs and adaptive damping, three-level adjustable ABS, ESP stability control with a specific sporting mode and the option to switch it off completely, and forged aluminium wheels with central locking, which can optionally be replaced by partially faired magnesium wheels with carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements.

The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01, developed exclusively for this car, in sizes 285/35-19 for the front axle and 335/30-20 for the rear.

Active aerodynamics, lightweight construction

Designed to deliver the maximum possible aerodynamic downforce, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is capable of generating forces that press the car onto the asphalt from as low as 50 km/h. The key lies in active aerodynamics, with various hydraulically operated body elements that increase axle loading across three different settings. “Highway” mode is compatible with the driving programmes that are not exclusive to the track; here, the spoilers, the front diffuser flaps and the ventilation louvres are closed.

In “Track” mode, for the Race Plus and Strat 2 track programmes, the diffuser flaps open and the rear spoiler extends. Together with the body being lowered (37 mm at the front axle and 30 mm at the rear), Mercedes ensures that the aerodynamic downforce is multiplied by five compared with the road configuration.

A third mode, called “Race DRS”, can be activated at the push of a button. It works like the DRS on a Formula 1 car, setting the rear spoiler and ventilation louvres to reduce maximum downforce by 20%, which improves acceleration at high speed. When braking, “Race DRS” mode deactivates automatically.

The use of carbon fibre and ultralight materials, even in the sophisticated cabin, brings the final weight of the Mercedes-AMG ONE below 1,700 kg, giving us another remarkable calling card: a power-to-weight ratio of less than 1.6 kg/CV.

Mercedes-AMG One image gallery