Money doesn't buy taste… but at least it's for a good cause.
Mercedes-AMG has come to dominate the world of luxurious performance cars by occupying every possible niche from coupes to SUVs and even supercars. But while the German performance brand has upset fans by confirming the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will be going from a V8 to a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, fans could be angered even further by a new one-off concept the marque will reveal later this week. Teased on its social media channels, Mercedes-AMG is partnering with singer, songwriter, and producer will.i.am on something new. The trio of shadowy teasers showcases a coupe that is quite unlike anything else the brand currently has in its showrooms.
The captions tout the new creation, dubbed the will.i.amg, as a car inspired by the past, innovating for today, and purposeful for tomorrow. They can use all the marketing nonsense they want, but to us, it looks hideous. We don't need to see a full reveal to know this new concept won't be to everyone's tastes. The front end looks like a traditional AMG coupe with the boxy fenders and face from a Mercedes-AMG G63 transplanted in Frankenstein fashion, replete with halo LED daytime running lights.
The side profile is far less offensive, showcasing a long hood and swooping coupe roofline with a very short rear end. In one teaser video on Instagram, we can see suicide doors, monoblock-style wheels, and slim LED taillights. Ahead of those rear-hinged doors, prominent fender vents sit aft of the front wheels. The roof also appears to have two glass panels with a spine running down the center of the vehicle.
What could it be based on? We're not entirely sure. It could be a now-discontinued Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, or perhaps something bespoke based on the E63's platform. Whatever it is, we're certain it's not as stylish as the EQXX concept.
It seems will.i.am was the dominant creative force here, as a blurb on the artist's website claims that "will.i.am created a car for Mercedes-AMG that will help fund inner-city school engineering programs to prepare our youth for a technological tomorrow." We'll be able to see the will.i.amg in all its… glory?... on May 5, 2022, when the official reveal takes place in Miami. It might look hideous in these teasers, but at least its supporting a good cause.
After spending the first three years of his life after school pursuing a career in interior design and architecture, the automotive bug bit Roger hard. This led him down the path of forging a career in motoring, running his own website and spending eight years building up his automotive knowledge, driving ability, and wordcraft before joining CarBuzz in 2017, first as a writer, and later as an editor, technical expert, and in-house graphics wizard fulfilling the role of company joker and jack of all trades. Roger is highly proficient at writing in the third person and spends his time away from the keyboard tinkering on and autocrossing his two Miatas.