Introducing the first all-electric concept from Mercedes’ legendary performance division, the Mercedes-AMG GT XX. The four-door GT XX concept serves as a sneak peek at Mercedes-AMG’s upcoming first series model. The headline numbers? A high speed of almost 360 kph, a range of over 400 km in under five minutes, and a peak power output of 1360 horsepower. The first model to be supported by Mercedes’ AMG will be the production variant. The architecture of an EA skateboard. This is a technological demonstration for the most potent AMG to date and the GT 4-Door Coupé’s successor.
- Powered by three axial flux motors producing a combined hp
- Gets new battery technology with direct cooling for individual cells
- Has a top-speed of over 360 kph and a drag coefficient of 0.198
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept electric motors
Co-developed with British electric motor specialist YASA
Let’s start with the engine that powers the GT XX since, as Mercedes puts it, “the heart of an AMG is always the motor.” Three axial flux motors—two on the rear axle and one on the front—are located beneath the surface. According to Mercedes, these motors are far lighter and more compact than traditional e-motors, or radial flux motors. Additionally, it is claimed to be three times more energy dense, which enables better continuous power and performance repeatability—two things that high-performance EVs typically lack.
This is the first time axial flux motors have been used in an all-electric vehicle; previously, they have mostly been found in hybrid supercars (such as the Lamborghini Temeraire and Ferrari SF90 Stradale).
Together with the front electric motor, the two oil-cooled electric motors at the back generate 1360 horsepower. They are housed in a single unit with a planetary gearbox and an inverter. The GT XX now has an all-wheel drive setup as a result. The front motor only engages during severe acceleration, energy recovery, or when more traction is required; otherwise, it is rear-wheel driven in most situations.
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept battery and cooling
Operating at more than 800V, it can theoretically supports DC charging at up to 850 kW.
The GT XX concept’s battery, which draws inspiration from Mercedes’ Formula 1 racing division and the AMG One hypercar, is arguably its most noteworthy technological advancement.
A 114 kWh battery using NMC (nickel/manganese/cobalt) chemistry and notably tall and thin cylindrical cells is used in the GT XX concept. According to Mercedes, the tiny distance between the cell’s core and casing allows for a quicker energy discharge and aids in efficient cooling. Additionally, the cells’ casing is made of aluminium rather than steel, which is superior for heat and electrical conductivity.
The fact that the cells are individually packaged in plastic modules with direct cooling is also noteworthy. To guarantee that every cell receives the same amount of cooling, a sophisticated coolant circulates through tubes in the modules. In addition to its 800V construction, the battery features a brand-new battery management system that AMG developed internally. It has the potential to accommodate up to 850 kW of DC charging.
In essence, the high-voltage architecture, the electric motors, and the ingenious battery cooling technology are all designed to guarantee a consistent peak power output and effective battery thermal management. Direct cooling has further advantages for charging, allowing the battery to be charged with roughly 400 kilometres of range in just five minutes.
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept exterior design
Develops on elements first seen on the Vision AMG of 2022
The GT XX’s styling, particularly in this sunset beam orange hue, is evocative of the Mercedes C111 series of ideas from the 1960s and 1970s. With its low-slung bonnet, fastback roofline, and sharply sloped windscreen, it appears to have blended elements of a grand tourer with a sports car. The 2022 Vision AMG was the first to allude to this new design language.
The iconic Panamericana grille from AMG is still present, but it is now more concave and surrounded by a light band. There are new rectangular auxiliary lights at the corners of the grille (again drawing from C111), while the main headlamps are located on power bulges over the wheel arches. Even better, the headlights have built-in speakers that simulate acceleration sounds outside by employing the casing as a loudspeaker cavity. Elsewhere, there are the two-part air exits on the bonnet, each with two fins that help dissipate warm air, and the front splitter incorporates an integrated air curtain.
Low-slung stance and a prominent shoulder line define the profile, but the ‘MBUX Fluid Light Paint’ on the car’s sills is what really stands out. It has portions of luminous paint that can be used to indicate charging status in addition to glowing in the dark. The patented aero-wheels with movable aero-blades are also noteworthy. The 21-inch wheels contain five movable blades which open or close using actuators on the wheels, as per brake cooling requirements or aerodynamic effectiveness.
At the rear, the GT XX has six circular tail lamps and a large diffuser finished with exposed carbon fibre, its form evocative of the AMG ONE. The “MBUX Fluid Light Panel“, as Mercedes refers to it, is the main talking point, though. This panel features more than 700 freely programmable RGB LEDs, which not only create a 3D-pixel look but can also be utilised to express individual messages in text or animation. The absence of a rear windscreen and an integrated active airbrake are also noticeable at the back. According to their claims, the GT XX’s drag coefficient is 0.198.
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept interior and features
The cabin mixes luxury car cues with GT3 race car elements
The all-black inside with silver and orange accents is incredibly cosy and race-inspired, and the floor and door pads are dotted with graphics of chequered flags. The exposed structural extrusions, which are visible on the centre console and dashboard panel, are a particularly unique design element. Meanwhile, the backlit, vertical struts on the dashboard and orange piping on the centre console are inspired by high-voltage lines, claims Mercedes.
A yoke-shaped steering wheel with the standard AMG-spec switchgear and two sizable floating screens—a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment display—are located in front of the driver. The displays have a custom UI/UX and are running the most recent version of the MB.OS operating system. Additionally, paddle shifters on the steering wheel regulate energy recovery.
Because there is no headliner and the carbon bucket seats are completely merged into the car’s rear bulkhead, weight is reduced and the carbon-fibre construction is visible. The inside is decorated with vast amounts of experimental materials, like biotech leather substitutes created from recycled GT3 tyres and door handles made of bio-silk derived from proteins. Mercedes claims that they have used this material to attain the same quality and finish as natural leather. Recycled materials are also used on the floor.
Along with a closely related SUV, some of these design elements will undoubtedly be toned down for the production version. Both are anticipated to go into production by the end of 2026. This announcement coincides with a number of high-performance automakers reducing their EV intentions. Ferrari still intends to introduce its first all-electric vehicle in October, but it has reportedly postponed its second EV until at least 2028 because of lower-than-expected demand. Future electric cars from Lamborghini, Porsche, and Maserati have also been delayed.