Spy shots of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 73e 4-door coupe: the 800+ horsepower superhatch is just around the corner

Mercedes-Benz AMG is preparing a new plug-in hybrid version of its GT four-door coupe.

Our spy shots show a prototype of the AMG super hatch with a hidden flap in its rear mask, located just below the right tail light. The corresponding rear fenders have the usual filler caps.

The impressive show car of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT concept, which appeared in 2017 as a preview of the GT four-door coupe, had a powerful electric V8 engine under the hood. Until now, such a powertrain had not taken shape, but that is about to change. In fact, AMG has already revealed it. It will debut later this year with this new GT 4-door coupe variant.

This electrified hatch will be positioned at the top of the range in the GT 4-door coupe lineup, just as Porsche's Panamera and Cayenne have plug-in hybrids as their top options. This AMG is expected to be named something like the GT 73e. The small "e" will stand for AMG's new brand, E Performance.

The powertrain replacing AMG's former V-12 line is confirmed to be a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 mated to a 9-speed automatic up front and a single electric motor mated to a 2-speed transmission in the rear. The 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery will also be capable of electric mode, but will continue to be charged to provide power for high-performance driving, rather than pure electric range. Drive is provided to all four wheels by a conventional all-wheel drive system.

Exact power output has not been confirmed, but it is known to be at least 804 hp, with the electric motor producing 94 hp at all times and up to 201 hp under heavy load. Currently, the GT 4-door coupe's highest output is the 630 hp GT 63 S. With over 800 hp, this super hatch accelerates to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds; the GT 63 S does so in 3.2 seconds.

The plug-in hybrid system will eventually be introduced in other high-end models in the AMG lineup. The AMG version of the new S-Class will likely be the next recipient.

Enthusiastic buyers should expect a premium price for the extra performance this powertrain brings; the GT 63 S is already on sale starting at $159,995. For around this amount, buyers can opt for the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the battery-powered Porsche Taikan Turbo S, or the new Tesla Model S Plaid+.

AMG does not yet have an answer for the Taycan or the Model S Plaid+, but the company's first dedicated electric car is coming this year, likely based on the recently revealed Mercedes EQS.