Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, a groundbreaking electric vehicle that pushes the limits of performance and endurance. This technology pioneer, equipped with advanced axial flux motors and a liquid-cooled battery, demonstrates the future of high-performance electric drivetrains through rigorous testing on Italy’s legendary Nardò high-speed track.
Key Highlights
- 24-Hour Distance Record: Covered 5,479 kilometers in 24 hours, surpassing the previous record by over 1,500 kilometers.
- Global Circumnavigation: Traveled 40,075 kilometers—equivalent to the Earth’s circumference—in just 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds.
- Total Records Set: Achieved 25 performance records, averaging more than 5,300 kilometers per day at speeds of 300 km/h.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: Averaged 850 kW charging power, enabling a 400-kilometer range recharge in about five minutes.
- Powertrain Innovation: Features three axial flux motors delivering over 1,000 kW (more than 1,360 hp) and a high-voltage battery with direct oil cooling.
Revolutionary Electric Drivetrain
The CONCEPT AMG GT XX builds on Mercedes-AMG’s legacy of innovation, drawing from decades of motorsport success and record-setting achievements. Powered by production-ready technologies from the upcoming AMG.EA architecture, the vehicle integrates axial flux motors—originally developed by YASA, a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary—and a newly designed high-performance battery.
These motors offer significant advantages over conventional electric units: they are lighter, more compact, and boast a power density roughly three times higher. The rear axle houses two oil-cooled axial flux motors combined with gearboxes and inverters, while the front axle features a booster motor for added power and traction. This setup ensures high continuous output and torque, allowing repeated high-performance driving without compromise.
The battery, inspired by Formula 1 technology, uses cylindrical NCMA cells with an energy density exceeding 300 Wh/kg. Direct cooling with electrically non-conductive oil maintains optimal temperatures for over 3,000 cells, even under extreme conditions like ambient temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius. Operating at over 800 volts, it reduces weight, shortens charging times, and supports intelligent thermal management for maximum efficiency.
Endurance Testing at Nardò
Two CONCEPT AMG GT XX vehicles undertook the grueling challenge simultaneously, completing 3,177 laps of the 12.68-kilometer Nardò circuit. Drivers maintained 300 km/h speeds, stopping only for ultra-fast charging sessions that far exceed current infrastructure capabilities. Despite high temperatures and relentless operation, the powertrains performed flawlessly, finishing just 25 kilometers apart after the equivalent of a global journey each.
This test simulated real-world high-load scenarios, including rapid acceleration after charges. Engineers selected 300 km/h based on simulations for the optimal balance between speed and efficiency. The program not only shattered the 24-hour record but also set milestones like covering 25,000 miles and various timed distances, as detailed in performance tables.
Team and Collaboration
A dedicated team of experienced drivers, including Formula 1 star George Russell and GT specialists like Adam Christodoulou and Luca Stolz, rotated in two-hour shifts. Support came from Mercedes-AMG experts, Mercedes-Benz Mobility, and Formula 1 engine specialists at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. External partners included tire supplier Michelin and charging specialist Alpitronic, ensuring safety with round-the-clock fire and rescue services and remote diagnostics from Affalterbach.
Quotes from key figures underscore the achievement. Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the cross-functional team’s dedication in redefining electric drive limits. Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized delivering genuine AMG performance in electric models. George Russell praised the motors’ precision and endurance, comparing them to Formula 1 drivetrains.
Future of Electric Performance
The CONCEPT AMG GT XX proves that electric vehicles can achieve unprecedented endurance and power. By setting these records, Mercedes-AMG demonstrates the superiority of its technologies for future production models. This aligns with the brand’s history, from early road races to iconic records with vehicles like the C111.
For more details, visit www.mercedes-amg.com.
Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans, focuses on electric mobility and vehicle software, with a global network supporting sustainable innovation.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
