Mercedes-AMG plotting all-electric roadster

Mercedes-AMG has revealed that it is considering introducing an all-electric roadster as a new halo model to promote its high-performance zero-emissions technology.

Speaking to Top Gear, Mercedes-Benz R&D boss Markus Schäfer confirmed AMG was plotting a convertible or roadster version that will use its latest EV tech.

“When you think about AMG and turning AMG into an electric brand, we will definitely think about a cabriolet as well,” Schäfer told the British outlet.

Justifying the new all-electric sports car on the grounds of brand-building, Schäfer admitted that a business case for any roadster or convertible, let alone a battery-powered one, was difficult following the slump in global sales.

But despite this, such a car remains crucial to AMG's future.

"We have to recognise that the demand for roadsters and cabriolets is declining," he said.

“China is not a cabriolet market and there are less buyers in Europe compared to some years ago. But I think it’s a very attractive product and an emotional product that builds the brand.”

Schäfer was reticent to explain what shape or form the new drop-top would take, or whether the pure-electric roadster would be an indirect replacement for the current Mercedes-AMG GT.

But it's almost certain the next-gen sports car will be based on AMG's dedicated EV platform, called the EA.

The new zero-emissions roadster will also come with battery tech lifted from Formula 1 and next-gen in-hub motors that will offer huge power and provide for supercar levels of acceleration.

Set to be a standalone model, the AMG EV will reportedly not spin off any Mercedes-Benz sibling.

There's no timeline for when the new model will arrive, but it could be as soon as 2025.

That said, Schäfer admitted designing and engineering an electric sports car will prove quite the challenge.

“It’s not that easy to build a good-looking electric cabriolet," he said.

“We have to put our thinking caps on and engineer an EV in the form of a roadster."