Mercedes-AMG ONE Review: F1 - Now For EveryONE (2024)

by Karl Furlong

With only 275 examples slated for production, there aren't multiple Mercedes-AMG ONE trims or configurations, and every model's mechanical specs will be the same. The 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 and four electric motors produce 1,049 hp combined, but calculating peak torque isn't possible due to the unique nature of the powertrain. An automated seven-speed manual transmission and the 4Matic AWD system with an electrically-driven front axle, torque vectoring, and a hybrid-drive rear axle complete the complex powertrain. It's not the quickest hypercar in a straight line, with a 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds, but its ability to rip around a track is almost unrivaled.

The exterior features forged aluminum wheels measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches at the back. They're covered in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 tires, a bespoke design for this car. The advanced aerodynamics include a Race DRS (Drag Reduction System) with both Highway and Track settings. The car also has NACA air inlets and a vertical shark fin. Inside, there is an F1-style steering wheel, dual ten-inch displays, and AMG Motorsport seat pans.

AMG's performance goals are responsible for many of the captivating styling details found on the ONE. Like most hypercars that can easily surge past 200 mph, the ONE has minimal ground clearance and a low height. The mid-engine layout is evident in the extended rear end, while the large rear spoiler assists with downforce. The headlights are fairly simple in their design, overshadowed by aspects like the upward-swinging doors, and the taillights have diamond-shaped elements that follow the form of the AMG logo. The forged aluminum wheels measure 19 inches in front and 20 inches at the back. Covering them are tires designed specifically for this car: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 rubber.

It's the AMG ONE's array of aerodynamic features that most strongly hint at its great performance potential. It has a vertical shark fin that enhances lateral stability at high specs, active louvers above the wheel arches in front, NACA air inlets, and an F1-style intake above the roof. Active aerodynamics, including the rear wing, have various settings. Track mode will lower the car and fully extend the rear wing, while Race DRS (Drag Reduction System) closes the louvers, and Highway retracts the wing.

A center exhaust outlet screams a distinctive note, and a large diffuser arrangement joins it to elevate the rear view of the car.

In terms of its dimensions, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is longer and taller than a Bugatti Chiron, but narrower. It has a length of 187.2 inches and a width of 79.1 inches. The height is 49.6 inches, and the wheelbase comes in at 107.1 inches.

With its four electric motors and various hybrid components, keeping the weight of the Mercedes-AMG ONE down must have been challenging, but the carbon-fiber monocoque helps. A DIN curb weight of 3,737 pounds has been quoted by the manufacturer.

There is much to unpack here, such is the complex nature of the Mercedes-AMG ONE's engine and entire powertrain. The main ingredients are the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine and four electric motors. Together, they produce 1,049 hp.

The potent powertrain requires the use of a single-clutch automated manual transmission instead of a more common dual-clutch unit. Power is then directed to all four corners via the AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The system is capable of torque vectoring, and the ONE has an electrically-driven front axle and a hybrid-drive rear axle. The driver is mostly unaware of all the madness going on beneath the skin. The Mercedes-AMG ONE completes the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 2.9 seconds, and it doesn't stop going after that. The 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) run takes seven seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 15.6. The top speed is just over 218 mph.

Besides its straight-line performance, the AMG ONE's incredible traction and balance make it a monster on track. In November 2022, it was confirmed that the AMG ONE set a new Nurburgring record for road-legal production cars with a time of 6:35.183 on the longer course and 6:30.705 on the shorter one. It followed that up with a lap of the Monza circuit in 1:43.902, beating the quickest GT3 car, the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The manic V6's sounds and weighty steering make the ONE an exciting, exhilarating drive. The car is surprisingly supple in its more relaxed driving modes, and the electric-only mode is entirely at odds with the chaos that erupts when the V6 is in full song.

A 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers peak power is zany enough, but the addition of four electric motors creates an exceptionally powerful system that delivers 1,049 hp. Three electric motors make 603 hp combined alone, while the fourth drives the electric turbocharger. The V6 can rev all the way to 11,000 rpm, making an unbelievable, eardrum-shattering noise as it does so. As with many single-clutch transmissions, the seven-speed automated manual in the ONE isn't always as smooth or quick as a dual-clutch unit, but AMG was forced to go this route because of the powertrain's prodigious outputs.

Throttle response is instant, thanks to the motor inside the turbo. There are six drive programs - Race Safe, Race, EV, Race Plus, Strat 2, and Individual - and the firmest modes will be intolerable yet allow the ONE to handle with exceptional precision at high speeds.

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  Engine

  1.6L Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid

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  Transmission

  8-Speed Semi Automatic

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  Drivetrain

  AWD

Since it isn't officially being sold in the USA, there are no EPA ratings for the AMG ONE. The manufacturer claims a combined weighted gas mileage of 8.7 liters per 100 km. That works out to roughly 27 mpg, but this is likely an overly optimistic figure and EPA standards will differ. Still, it's remarkably efficient for such a high-performance machine, and an 11-mile all-electric range is claimed.

A 3.7-kW onboard AC charger can replenish the 8.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, but no charging times have been indicated.

There is sufficient interior space for two adults inside the Mercedes-AMG ONE. The bucket seats have AMG Motorsport seat pans that can be adjusted in two positions - 25 or 30 degrees - but if you want to spend all day fiddling with backrest angles or height adjustments, get an S-Class. Fortunately, the powered steering column and pedal box are adjustable, the latter in 11 steps, to help you find the optimal driving position. While the seats hold you in place, legroom can feel a bit cramped for taller individuals due to the nature of the seating position, but headroom - even with a helmet - is sufficient for average-sized adults. The passenger's footrest can be adjusted, too, an unusual feature.

Visibility is impeded by the vertical rear wing and various engine components, so there is a rear camera mirror to give you an idea of what's happening behind the car. Ingress and egress are affected by the low ride height and seats, but it's not as challenging to get into as the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Two ten-inch displays provide access to all infotainment settings and a mountain of information about the powertrain. One is a digital driver's display and the other is a center touchscreen. The graphics are unique to this model, and the car can connect to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The center touchscreen can also be used to access navigation plus information on the energy flow, the temperature of the electric motors, and the various active aerodynamic features.

While the specifics of the AMG ONE's sound system have not been shared, it'll have a hard time drowning out the car's engine noise. For this reason, AMG ONE drivers will be able to enjoy Momentum True Wireless earbuds from Sennheiser in their hypercars. Sennheiser says these noise-canceling buds provide optimal sound quality even in noisy environments, so they're a good solution for the loud ONE's interior.

Since it cannot officially go on sale in the USA, there is no reliability data for the Mercedes-AMG ONE in this region. Even if some cars arrive here under the Show or Display regulation, we're unlikely to hear about potential issues. There could be many, though, based purely on the complexity of the powertrain, but Mercedes will surely take care of customers who've spent almost $3 million on a new car.

At the very least, we expect the manufacturer's normal four-year/50,000-mile warranty to be applicable to the 2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE. We also know that the V6 engine will require a major overhaul after - wait for it - just 31,000 miles, so maintenance costs will be prohibitive.

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