Mercedes-AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division, but it began as an independent tuning company founded in 1967 by two former Mercedes engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. The name combines their initials with Großaspach, Aufrecht’s hometown. AMG became famous for racing a heavily modified Mercedes sedan nicknamed the “Red Pig”, became Mercedes’ official performance partner in 1990, and has been wholly owned by Mercedes since 2005.

At a glance
Founded 1967
Founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher
Name Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach
Headquarters Affalterbach, Germany
Owned by Mercedes Majority from 1999, fully from 2005

The early years

Aufrecht and Melcher had worked on the Mercedes 300 SE racing engine before Mercedes pulled out of motorsport. They started AMG to develop racing engines and tune Mercedes cars for private customers, working initially from an old mill in Burgstall near Großaspach and moving to Affalterbach in 1976.

The Red Pig

In 1971, AMG entered a heavily modified 300 SEL 6.8 — a large luxury sedan with an enlarged V8 — in the Spa 24 Hours race in Belgium. The big red car, nicknamed the “Red Pig” (Rote Sau), finished first in its class and second overall, stunning the racing world and making AMG’s name.

Official partner

Through the 1980s AMG built increasingly powerful customized Mercedes cars, including the famous “Hammer” version of the E-Class coupé with a big V8. In 1990 it signed a cooperation agreement with Mercedes, and AMG models began to be sold through Mercedes dealers. DaimlerChrysler took a majority stake in 1999 and full ownership in 2005.

One man, one engine

AMG’s signature is its “one man, one engine” philosophy: many AMG engines are assembled by hand by a single technician at Affalterbach, who signs a plaque on the engine.

AMG today

AMG builds high-performance versions of most Mercedes models — from compact cars to the AMG S 63 and G 63 — plus its own models like the AMG GT, the Formula 1-engined Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar, and electric models. AMG also supplies the power units for Mercedes’ Formula 1 team through its engine subsidiary.

AMG and luxury sedans

An AMG S-Class is extraordinarily fast, but its firmer tuning prioritizes the driver. In chauffeured service, the standard S-Class V8 offers more than enough power with a softer, calmer ride. Read S-Class engines explained.