Mercedes-AMG has set new distance records with its CONCEPT AMG GT XX

Mercedes-AMG unveiled the CONCEPT AMG GT XX a couple of months ago and has not wasted any time honing and testing its technology. The vehicle is a technology platform that previews the brand’s upcoming AMG.EA high-performance electric architecture. The vehicle recently completed an intensive endurance test at the Nardò proving ground in Italy, where it set multiple long-distance records.

The concept achieved the record for the greatest distance covered by an electric vehicle in 24 hours, traveling 5,479 kilometers. This surpassed the previous record of under 4,000 kilometers by 38 percent. In total, the car broke 25 records during testing.

The centerpiece of the trial was an “Around the World in Eight Days” challenge, referencing Jules Verne’s novel. Two AMG GT XX prototypes were driven continuously at 300 km/h, with only short stops for ultra-fast charging at an average rate of 850 kW. The mission was completed in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds, covering 40,075 kilometers. Both vehicles finished within 25 kilometers of each other after more than a week of non-stop operation.

The program required 3,177 laps of the 12.68-km track, averaging over 5,300 kilometers per day. Conditions were demanding, with daytime temperatures reaching 35°C, but the vehicles completed the test without mechanical issues.

The AMG GT XX is powered by three axial-flux motors and a directly cooled high-performance battery, both technologies are set to enter series production with AMG.EA vehicles next year. The drivetrain delivers more than 1,360 hp and is capable of charging fast enough to add 400 kilometers of range in five minutes.

Mercedes-AMG highlighted the endurance and repeatable performance of the drivetrain, which maintained optimal temperatures and high power output throughout the test. The battery uses cylindrical NCMA cells with direct oil cooling, while the motors, which are developed in conjunction with YASA, a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary, offer three times the power density of conventional designs.

Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said the achievement continues the company’s tradition of using record runs to prove new technologies:

“With the CONCEPT AMG GT XX program, we are entering a new dimension of performance – this time with fully electric drive. The goal is to redefine what is technically possible in the age of electric vehicles.”

Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, added:

“In the electric world, too, our drive system must be convincing across the board. We have shown that our axial-flux motors and directly cooled batteries deliver superior performance and charging capability.”

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 driver George Russell also took part in the test, describing the GT XX’s responsiveness and endurance as comparable to Formula 1 technology.

The AMG GT XX marks a bold step toward AMG’s electrified future, showcasing the potential of the AMG.EA platform that will underpin the company’s next generation of performance EVs, and perhaps their regular passenger EV offerings.