Last Updated on September 28, 2022 by Victor A
Every car brand has a way to differentiate their most radical models from the rest of their line-up, but using a nomenclature to define these models is something that all do. It allows them to tell us which cars are special, and to know that they are a whole different breed.
Mercedes uses the AMG naming for those special models that employ bigger engines, and a more sporty design. Normally, AMG models have a high level of performance, the handling is superb, it has great stability, and usually employs carbon fiber parts.
Also, AMG models tend to be more expensive than the normal variant of its class.
A way to understand it, see what BMW does with the M nomenclature or Audi with their S and RS. It serves as a way to differentiate their most special models.
Mercedes has been using the AMG nomenclature for quite some time, and if you ever wondered what does AMG stands for and its origin, you are at the right article.
What AMG stands for
Starting with the basics, the acronym AMG stands for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach.
A = Aufrecht
M = Melcher
G = Großaspach
Aufrecht is the last name of one of the founders of AMG, Hans Werner Aufrecht, while Melcher is the last name of the other founder, Erhard Melcher.
Großaspach, is the birth town of Hans Werner Aufrecht.
Even though later, Erhard Melcher ceased being a partner, his last name stayed in the company name.
What’s AMG origin?
AMG was a company founded in 1967 that specialized in the forging of racing engines. The company was founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, former Mercedes-Benz engineers that founded AMG in Burgstall an der Murr, Germany.
In 1976, the company was moved to Affalterbach, and Erhard Melcher decided to step down as a partner.
The company did well for a while, and in 1993 Daimler-Benz and AMG started cooperating so AMG would establish itself as an official purveyor of modified Mercedes cars.
The agreements between both companies allowed AMG to use Daimler-Benz’s dealer network and to develop cars together.
Then, Mercedes-Benz (at its time it was DaimlerChrysler AG) made an acquisition of 51% of shares from AMG, which allowed them to rename the company to Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
And in 2005, Mercedes-AMG GmbH became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, as Aufrecht sold all his remaining shares.
One Man, One Engine, AMG philosophy meaning
Probably, the most attractive point of an AMG car is the fact that their engines are hand-built by one man per car in Affalterbach, Germany. This tradition has been alive since the beginning of the company.
After each engine is built, the builder stamps an engraved plaque with his signature on the engine cover. This has a significant value as there are only 50 builders in the AMG engine department.
Except for the M260 2.0 L Inline-4 Turbo (35), the M276 3.0 L V6 Bi-Turbo engine (43), and various M256 inline 6 engines (43 and 53) models, all engines are handmade.
Current AMG SUVs
As of now, Mercedes offers 6 SUVs in their AMG variants, in total there are 12 AMG models. In the future, this list might radically change as Mercedes-Benz has started using the AMG nomenclature for their most powerful electric models.
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