The long-awaited Mercedes hypercar inspired by Formula One was finally revealed in production form. The two-seater sports car features the most efficient Formula 1 technology, from the aerodynamic carbon fiber body to the hybrid 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine. The complex design and development were executed in collaboration with the Formula 1 Mercedes-AMG team.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the ultimate answer to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, also boasting exclusive Formula 1 features. But unlike an F1 car, this Mercedes hypercar eliminates the need for the whole team of engineers needed to start a F1 car. All it takes is a simple push of a button. Only 275 units will be produced, priced at over $2 million per unit, all of which are already sold. Notable buyers include the record seven-time F1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and the 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg.
Set to challenge other hypercars from Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari, and Koenigsegg, here are our 10 favorite features of the Mercedes-AMG ONE.
10 The Mercedes-AMG ONE's Fascinating Exterior Design
The Mercedes-AMG ONE features a striking exterior design that is as aerodynamic as an F1 car. The body is made from lightweight carbon fiber, resulting to a curb weight of 3,737 pounds. Above all, the car embodies the fascinating Mercedes-AMG principle.
The car's rear half features extremely muscular proportions due to the large wheel arches and wide tail. Moving on around the back, the car gets a large rear diffuser, a large F1-styled center exhaust pipe, and two additional smaller outlets.
9 Mercedes-AMG ONE's Aerodynamic Features
The Mercedes-AMG ONE features three hydraulically controlled aerodynamic setups depending on the drive program and the driver's preference. In the "Highway" mode, the car's louvers are closed, the rear wing and flap are retracted, and the front diffuser active flaps are extended.
In the aggressive "Track" mode, the car sinks by 37 millimeters and 30 millimeters at the front and rear, respectively, the louvers are opened, and the rear wing and flap are fully extended. The result is that maximum downforce is achieved. Elsewhere, in "Race DRS" mode, the car achieves maximum speed by retracting the rear wing flap and closing the louvers.
8 The High-Revving F1-Sourced Engine
It took immense technical work to fit a F1 powertrain in a road-going car. At the heart of the Mercedes-AMG ONE is a modified Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 derived from the 2015 Mercedes-AMG F1 W06 F1 car.
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Utilizing four overhead camshafts, direct injection, and pneumatic spring valves, the ICE alone produces 566hp. The engine drives the rear wheels via a newly developed automated seven-speed manual transmission. While it's tuned to meet Euro 6 emission standards, the engine will last a maximum of 31,000 miles before owners return it for refurbishment.
7 High-Performance Battery
A significant piece of the puzzle in the Mercedes-AMG ONE is the 8.4 kWh battery. It also comes as no surprise that the energy storage is sourced from F1, featuring an 800-volt architecture and an advanced cooling system.
While no charging times were revealed, the battery is charged via alternating current and an onboard 3.7kW charger. Alternatively, it's also boosted by the engine or recuperation energy. The car achieves an all-electric range of about 11 miles. Although it isn't much by today's standards, it is a unique feature for a hypercar.
6 Four Electric Motors
The Mercedes-AMG ONE hybrid unit comprises a turbocharged V6 engine and four electric motors, which combine to produce a total output of 1063hp. More specifically, two electric motors at the front axle produce a combined 322hp that drive the front wheels.
The final two are responsible for energy recovery and efficient power delivery – a 121hp Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) mated to the turbocharger that eliminates turbo lag and a 161hp Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K) paired with the crankshaft that generates energy during braking.
5 Different Driving Modes
When you turn on the Mercedes-AMG ONE, it starts by switching on the two electric motors at the front axle before the combustion engine picks up a few seconds after the optimum catalytic converter temperature is achieved.
Generally, the car features six drive programs - Race, Race Safe, EV, Race Plus, Strat 2, and Individual. Race Safe is the most standard as it provides all-electric start-ups and on-demand hybrid driving. Elsewhere, Race Plus and Strat 2 are best suited for track use only, with the latter producing the maximum power from all motors. The EV program provides an all-electric drive, while in Individual, you can input personal preferences.
4 The F1-Like Performance For The Road
According to Mercedes, the car's response time is quicker than a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Additionally, the hybrid V6 engine provides instantaneous torque at low engine speeds, thanks to the electric-assisted turbocharger.
The manufacturer's official acceleration times are 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124mph in 7.0 seconds, 0-186mph in 15.6 seconds, and a top speed of over 218mph. Even though the Mercedes-AMG ONE is still outmatched by its closest rival, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, by a few fractions of a second, the latter features a larger 6.5-liter V12 engine.
3 New All-Wheel-Drive System
Unlike an F1 car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is an all-wheel-drive hypercar. The system comprises a variable AMG performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with torque vectoring that helps deliver power in the driver's direction.
While the hybrid unit drives the rear axle, the front axle is purely electrically driven by two 120kW motors that rotate to speeds of up to 50,000rpm. Additionally, the two electric motors allow braking energy to be utilized for recovery. The energy – stored in the battery – can be used to extend the car's electric driving range.
2 Active Aerodynamics
While the hybrid unit drives the rear axle, the front axle is purely electrically driven by two 120kW motors that rotate to speeds of up to 50,000rpm. Additionally, the two electric motors allow braking energy to be utilized for recovery. The energy – stored in the battery – can be used to extend the car's electric driving range.
In the aggressive "Track" mode, the car sinks by 37 millimeters and 30 millimeters at the front and rear, respectively, the louvers are opened, and the rear wing and flap are fully extended. The result is that maximum downforce is achieved. Elsewhere, in "Race DRS" mode, the car achieves maximum speed by retracting the rear wing flap and closing the louvers.
1 Minimalistic Modern Interior
Mercedes-AMG carried the F1 theme to the car's interior, which features driver-focused F1 technology. First off, the ergonomically contoured interior has enough room for two, but the racing bucket seats are firmly fixed, with adjustable backrests, pedal box, and steering wheel.
In front of the driver are two 10-inch displays featuring Mercedes-AMG ONE graphics, but the most impressive feature is the F1-styled steering wheel, radically designed with functional race car components and buttons. However, unlike an F1 Car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE comes with standard air conditioning, an infotainment system, and electric windows.