Mercedes-AMG developed the AMG One as its own technological masterpiece, translating Formula 1 engineering into a production vehicle, adapted for city streets and casual driving. As a result, we get a project created to honor Mercedes’ dominance in modern motorsport.
Its core F1 technology is a sophisticated hybrid system centered on a turbocharger, adapted to racing standards and engineered to meet the durability and emissions requirements for casual and urban road use.
What makes the Project One exclusive and still relevant at the end of 2025 is its performance: it remains a fully street-legal vehicle that delivers the closest possible experience to a road-legal F1 car.
In this article, you will learn about the power, technological innovations, and interesting facts about Project One.
Inspired by Formula 1 Technology: a Road-Legal Hypercar
What really sets the Mercedes-AMG ONE apart from other hypercars is that its fundamental design architecture was developed using F1 technology initially designed for a modern Formula 1 car, rather than just inspired by motorsport aesthetics or performance goals.
According to Mercedes-AMG engineers and official brand communications, the power unit is a direct adaptation of an actual F1 engine, reworked to function reliably outside a racing environment. This process goes far beyond what most manufacturers label as track influence, positioning the car as a genuine technological standout model.
- A 1.6-liter V6 works together with several electric motors, creating a complex Formula 1 hybrid setup that reflects modern Grand Prix powertrains.
- AMG’s official technical briefings highlight that this configuration preserves the character of a modern F1 car (including extreme operating speeds and advanced energy recovery) while being adapted to last longer and meet the environmental standards required for road cars.
- The racing-style turbo makes the engine react instantly and keep pulling hard all the way to high revs.
What makes the Project One especially distinctive is that this power system was not simplified for comfort or mass production.
Mercedes-AMG openly stated during development updates that the goal was to have as much of the original racing DNA as possible, even when this significantly increased complexity and development time.
This philosophy explains why the brand often describes the car as a true Formula 1 vehicle adapted for public roads, rather than a traditional hypercar with racing-inspired elements.
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s involvement was essential. Team members confirmed that data and knowledge from their championship-winning cars, particularly insights from Lewis Hamilton’s successful seasons, directly informed calibration (the car’s tuning and adjustment to operate correctly in real-world driving), thermal management (how the car keeps itself cool under extreme conditions), and hybrid control strategies.
Therefore, the ONE is often seen as the most authentic Formula 1-inspired road car ever made for private owners.
Performance That Still Competes: 4 Electric Motors
The Mercedes-AMG ONE has a 1.6-litre V6 combustion engine.
- 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine produces over 1,000 horsepower. To be more accurate, 1,063 hp (782 kW) according to official data.
- The engine responds instantly across the RPM range, reaching redline (its maximum safe speed) quickly.
- Acceleration is brutal: It accelerates from zero to 124 mph in under 6 seconds.
- Different driving modes adjust power delivery and handling, making the ONE versatile for both street and track use. The AMG ONE is the Nürburgring record holder among production cars.
That’s why it is among the fastest production hypercars ever built.
Advanced Hybrid System and Energy Recovery
The ONE’s power also comes from a sophisticated hybrid setup.
How it works: 2 electric motors on the front axle electric motors (one per wheel), one electric motor on the turbocharger, and one electric motor integrated with the V6 and transmission.
Together with the V6 hybrid engine, the complete powertrain guarantees maximum efficiency. These powertrains use an 800-volt architecture and can operate in purely electric mode for quiet, eco-friendly driving. However, it’s still keeping racing-level performance.
Aerodynamics and Design Inspired by Motorsport
The ONE’s body is designed for functionality and optimal aerodynamics.
- Active aerodynamics automatically adjust to generate downforce as required.
- A large rear wing and a vertical shark fin stabilize the car at high speeds.
- Air intake design improves engine cooling and anti-roll systems. It’s important to keep the car balanced in corners.
- The structure is a lightweight carbon monocoque, with most systems integrated into the tub.
Every detail of the car has been designed to make it aesthetically beautiful and stylish, and to glide more smoothly through space.
Exclusivity and Limited Production
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is rare, and speed enthusiasts are willing to pay any price to secure one.
First revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it meets strict emissions standards while retaining full performance. It sits above other Mercedes models in both price and exclusivity. Inspired by the McLaren F1 and classified as a road-legal F1 car, the ONE is a collectible that combines technology, heritage, and extreme performance in a single package.4
A total of 275 cars of this model were produced. The most interesting thing is that they were all sold out before sales began, and the price was over €2.275 million (approximately AED 9,821,402 or $2,674,394).
How the Mercedes-AMG One Compares to Modern Hypercars
The Mercedes-AMG ONE remains a standout on the road, even compared to the most powerful hypercars of 2025. Its design philosophy combines extreme performance with a really responsive drive system, rather than focusing exclusively on raw power or acceleration numbers.
Features such as the front-axle electric motors, a responsive steering wheel, and specially designed, lightweight bucket seats make it feel purposeful and connected, unlike some hypercars that prioritize speed over driver engagement. Below we compare to other hypercars of 2025:
Koenigsegg Gemera
- Acceleration and speed: The Koenigsegg Gemera, a hybrid grand tourer, is a perfect car for the road. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 1.9 seconds and delivers approximately 2,300 hp, powered by Koenigsegg’s hybrid system that combines electric motors and a V8. However, the basic configuration is a 3-cylinder TFG + Dark Matter e-motor.
- Interior and comfort: Four seats, all-wheel drive, and four screens in the cabin give it a more luxurious feel, making it suitable for daily use.
- Purpose and lifestyle: This car is for those who want maximum power and comfort on long journeys without sacrificing superlative dynamics. Basically, it’s a combination of hypercar speed and GT comfort.
- Project ONE: More specifically, sports-focused, fewer passenger seats, and less focus on everyday convenience.
Rimac Nevera
- Performance and Speed: 0-100 km/h in just 1.85 seconds, with four independent electric motors pulling each wheel. Just like a rocket launch, only you’re in the cabin instead of the pilot.
- Interior: Inside, it feels like the future: minimal clutter, maximum digital panels, and materials like carbon fiber. The seats are more like space seats than regular car seats.
- Who needs it: Those who want electric adrenaline without compromise. There is no roar of the engine or vibrations of the mechanics, but only the pure dynamics of instant acceleration.
Aspark Owl
- Acceleration and speed: The vehicle is fully electric, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 1.78 seconds and exceeding a top speed of 400 km/h.
- Interior and character: The cabin combines sporty dynamics with a minimalist Japanese-European style. It appeals to drivers who love extreme speed in a compact form.
- Who will appreciate: Ideal for people seeking maximum electric performance and bold design, this model is best suited for short, energetic drives rather than relaxed trips.
- Project ONE: Featuring a more sophisticated hybrid system and F1 roots, it offers a different personality with less focus on electric power and more on technological balance.
Lotus Evija and Pininfarina Battista
Both models are electric hypercars focused on acceleration and design.
- Acceleration: The Evija accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds, while the Battista does so in approximately 2 seconds thanks to its electric motors.
- Interior: Both feature modern interiors with a focus on premium materials and minimalism, but inside, they are still closer to a supercar than a racing cockpit.
- Purpose: Evija is British electric speed with a striking design and lightness, while Battista is Italian elegance with electric acceleration.
- Project ONE: Basically, it’s a hybrid with motorsport heritage, which makes it more technically sharp rather than just fast.
Hennessey Venom F5 and Bugatti Tourbillon
Venom F5 and Tourbillon are both hypercars designed to achieve maximum speed.
- Venom F5: A high-performance V8 engine designed to reach extreme straight-line speeds, aiming for over 500 km/h.
- Bugatti Tourbillon is expected tobe a hybrid V16 capable of 0-100 km/h in about 2 seconds and reaching approximately 445 km/h.
- Interior: Both brands are recognized for their luxurious interiors and careful craftsmanship. Tourbillon offers a variety of leather and trim options, while Venom F5 focuses on the driver’s cockpit and comfort at high speeds.
- Purpose: Venom F5 attracts those in search of top straight-line speed. Tourbillon blends Bugatti’s luxury with exceptional high-speed performance.
- Project ONE: Focuses less on top speed but offers a more balanced mix of advanced technology and handling.
Behind the wheel of the ONE, you can truly feel the fusion of top-tier sports technology with the ability to drive on city streets or country highways. In short, if you’re not just after maximum numbers in the technical specs but also want real enjoyment from controlling the car, whether in the city or on a winding road, the Mercedes-AMG ONE has no competitors yet.
Why Mercedes-AMG Project One Remains a Symbol of Innovation
The Mercedes-AMG Project One is a symbol of engineering at its highest level. A clear example of how Formula 1 technology can be adapted for a road car. Every element, from the hybrid powertrain to the steering wheel feel and bucket seats, demonstrates the brand’s long-term vision: to bring race-proven performance to everyday driving.
What makes the Project One truly special is its combination of extreme performance, advanced hybrid systems, and exclusive design, all while remaining street-legal. It is a rare road-legal F1 car, designed for collectors and enthusiasts.
If you can’t own a Project One but still want a similar experience, Octane Rent offers access to other Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models in Dubai. This opportunity lets drivers experience the brand’s philosophy, enjoy the driving experience, and experience premium comfort on real roads – and you can also rent a Mercedes in Dubai directly through our website.
