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Mercedes AMG GT XX: 1,341-hp everyday hypercar

The Mercedes near-production-ready AMG GT XX is like a video game concept car come to life. It's a four-door EV hypercar chock full of superlatives: over 1,300 hp, a groundbreaking high-voltage battery that can be charged in 5 minutes, aero wheels with movable blades, speakers in the headlights, luminescent paint segments, and a whole lot more. It's the future blueprint for a new ultra-high-end line of AMG vehicles, and the future looks blindingly fast and bright.

With three axial flux motors and a high-performance battery developed from scratch, the AMG GT XX includes an abundance of technical innovations earmarked for use in the subsequent series-production models based on the high-performance AMG Electric Architecture (AMG.EA).

The concept car's technological underpinnings were originally developed by British electric motor specialist YASA -- a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. Thanks to a peak output of over 1,341 hp, the AMG GT XX can reach speeds of more than 223 mph. In combination with the new high-performance battery, the three axial flux motors attain a completely new level, particularly in respect of continuous output. This allows the AMG GT XX to be pushed to its limits repeatedly, offering a new level of continuous performance that was almost unthinkable in the world of electric mobility until now.

The battery remains in an optimal temperature range even during intense driving, enabling both performance on the road and extremely fast charging. The concept vehicle can charge to approximately 400 km (248.5 miles) of range in around five minutes. After fast charging, the vehicle can immediately deliver full output again, which is an unprecedented capability.

Axial flux motors offer many benefits: They are significantly more compact, lighter, and, above all, more powerful than conventional electric motors (radial flux motors). The power density of axial flux motors is around three times that of conventional electric motors. At the same time, the innovative motors are around two-thirds lighter and are just one-third of the size. This compact motor design offers more flexibility when it comes to drivetrain packaging. Compared with conventional electric motors, the innovative drive delivers a considerably higher sustained power output as well as higher torque. This translates into the highest levels of performance, reproduceable again and again with great frequency.

In an axial flux motor, the electromagnetic flux runs parallel to the motor's axis of rotation. In a conventional electric motor, it runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The large components in an axial flux motor are shaped like slim discs. The stator is positioned between two rotors on the left and right sides. This layout of stator and rotors enables optimum power transmission to the rotors through the electric field generated by the stator. In the AMG GT XX, this combination is barely 3.5 in. wide. Each of the two motors at the rear are just 3.1 in. wide.

The motors are packaged into two High Performance Electric Drive Units (HP.EDUs) -- one at the front and one at the rear. The HP.EDU at the rear has two axial flux motors, each equipped with a compact planetary gearset and one inverter, in a single casing. The motors and transmissions are oil cooled. To save even more space, the necessary pump control unit with hydraulic pumps and suction filters is integrated into the HP.EDU. The two inverters (one per motor) are water cooled. The material properties of silicon carbide offer multiple benefits for demanding applications requiring high voltages, high current, high temperatures, and high heat conductivity.

The front HP.EDU comprises one axial flux motor, a spur-gear transmission, and an inverter. The front electric drive functions as a booster motor for when additional power or traction is required at the front wheels. When the front electric motor is not needed for the driving situation, a Disconnect Unit (DCU) decouples it. During acceleration and recuperation, the DCU engages for optimal performance. During steady driving, low load, and coasting, it disengages again, reducing unnecessary drag losses and increasing efficiency.

The AMG GT XX delivers its power to the road with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Completely decoupled from one another, the three electric motors allow fully variable torque distribution to the front and rear wheels. This enables a high level of traction and driving safety as well as greater efficiency. The transition between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive occurs continuously based on an ingenious matrix that integrates the control algorithms into the entire vehicle architecture.

The high-voltage battery is a completely new development. It benefits from the engineering team's experience with the AMG ONE and Formula 1. The battery features a completely new cell design that uses cylindrical cells that are remarkably tall and slim. This format delivers many benefits for cell cooling. Also new is the laser-welded aluminum cell housing. It is lighter than the steel housings typically used and has considerably better electrical and heat conductivity. The more than 3,000 individual cells are packaged into laser-welded plastic modules. Direct cell cooling is integrated into the plastic modules to ensure optimum heat dissipation. The lithium-ion battery has a high voltage of more than 800 V, which also contributes to overall performance.

The body structure of the AMG GT XX is based on the new AMG.EA architecture and is completely new. The intelligent material matrix consisting of aluminum, steel, and fiber composite materials combines the exceptional rigidity that is a hallmark of AMG with low weight. Optimized material cross-sections and component design create space for the advanced technology and sophisticated powertrain. The battery is centrally integrated into the structure of the electric skateboard platform. The battery housing is part of the vehicle structure and integrated into the crash concept. Battery, high-voltage (HV) cables, and other HV components are configured and secured to fulfill Mercedes-Benz's high safety requirements.

With its dynamic fastback, low-slung hood, and sharply raked windshield, the hypercoupe is a statement of the brand's signature sports car performance. This is further underscored by the striking color scheme in sunset beam orange.

The AMG-specific front grille with 10 vertical struts embodies a characteristic AMG design feature. However, it is further developed with its more oval and concave form. The Mercedes star is integrated into the middle. The slender, rectangular auxiliary headlights are recessed into the outer edges of the grille. The vertically arranged main headlights have low beam and high beam stacked one on top of the other.

A characteristic feature from motorsport is the two-part air outlets in the hood, each with two fins. These dissipate warm air from the horizontal cooling modules in the front of the vehicle and thus optimize the cooling air path. The front splitter extends far around the front of the car with an integrated air curtain function reaching up to the front wheel arches. The hood encapsulates the front as far as the wheel arches and emphasizes the distinctive sports car DNA of the AMG GT XX with two power domes.

The vehicle's profile is defined by the low-slung front end, from which the fenders flare organically to frame the front wheels. The long, low greenhouse with double-bubble roof and three windows on each side rests on the muscular rear shoulders. The exterior mirrors are elevated on the front doors, in typical sports car fashion. The sill claddings have aerodynamic contours that extend into the rear wheel arches. Aerodynamic fine-tuning is also evident in the recessed door handles.

The rear design, with its sharply angled aerodynamic edge and six circular deep red taillights, forms a unique vehicle identity. The lights and centrally positioned MBUX Fluid Light Panel are each framed by an elongated recess with conical sidewalls to create a particularly impressive sense of depth. The active airbrake is seamlessly integrated into the rear of the vehicle. The innovative MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear of the vehicle features more than 700 freely programmable RGB LEDs. Information from the vehicle can be displayed in real time for the first time as text or animation. It can show a variety of content, such as a digital AMG logo or the current charging process.

At 186 mph, approximately 83% of the drive energy is required to overcome drag, according to Mercedes-AMG engineers. This shows how important efficient aerodynamics are in the high-performance segment. The AMG GT XX shows what is technically possible. Aspects include the sporty flat shape, sharply raked windscreen, low-slung hood, angled side windows, and the absence of a rear windshield.

The refinement continues into the underbody. A specially developed contour ensures aerodynamic balance, meaning optimum downforce paired with maximum efficiency. It generates the Venturi effect, which reduces lift at the rear without notably impacting the cd figure. This facilitates a lower rear and lessens the need for a pronounced rear spoiler. The intelligent aerodynamics offer a high level of handling stability in all areas up to the top speed of more than 223 mph.

The painstaking aerodynamic refinements reduce the drag coefficient and frontal area, which contributes to high-speed performance as well as longer range at high speeds. Despite the wide, high-performance tires, the drag coefficient is cd = 0.198.

In addition to the large air outlets in the front hood, the AMG GT XX utilizes a passive cooling plate located at the front of the underbody, using the airflow beneath the car for cooling. Another feature is the active air control system AIRPANEL, known from the AMG GT series models and further developed on this car. This allows for the best compromise between cooling and aerodynamic drag. The system manages airflow in multiple stages according to cooling requirements, operating with louvers hidden behind the air intake in the front bumper. Normally, these are closed, reducing drag and directing air towards the underbody. When certain temperatures of predefined components are reached and cooling demand is particularly high, the louvers open in multiple stages, allowing cooling air to flow to the heat exchangers as needed.

The car's exterior has a few surprises of its own. One is that it shines with luminescent paint segments at night -- special color pigments emit light in response to an alternating current. Another innovation combines light and sound in a new form. The exterior speakers for emitting driving sounds are integrated into the front headlights. In addition, the speakers also serve as signals for pedestrian protection.

One more special feature is the car's active Aero Wheel that optimizes brake cooling, aerodynamic efficiency, and range. The 21-in. five-spoke forged aluminum wheel is equipped with five movable elements. When closely positioned, the blades close flush to the wheel to reduce drag. This improves range and reduces energy consumption.

Inside, the interior of the AMG GT XX is reduced to the essentials, like a race car, while offering a luxurious look and feel. The interior is immersed almost completely in black. Silver and orange accents emphasize the visually minimalist focus on technical elements.

Taking center stage are the high-quality materials with different textures that feel as good as they look. Visible body structures and interior components inspired by high-voltage cables create a close connection to motorsport, the origin of AMG. The purist cockpit, with two integrated screens, is fully focused on driving. The vehicle and all its instruments are controlled via two large LCD displays: 10.25-in. instrument cluster and the 14-in. multimedia touchscreen. The displays are ergonomically angled toward the driver and have a seamless glass look. The steering wheel is similar to that in the AMG ONE.

A particularly distinctive feature of the interior is the exposed extrusions of the body structure around the center console, with illuminated orange tubes. Their look creates an instinctive association with high-voltage cables. Another striking feature is the design element in the center console, which takes the form of the AMG crest.

To save weight, the individually formed carbon fiber bucket seats in the rear, including the cushions, are completely integrated into the car's rear bulkhead. The roof has no headliner, which saves weight and exposes the carbon fiber structure. The door panels with lightweight tubes and orange closing loops complete the innovative and sporty overall look. The checkered flag design of the color-backlit fabric is a further reference to motorsport. The fastening points on the doors are clad with small buttons of machined aluminum. These display the AMG crest and are accented with the exterior paint color. The floor covering is made of 100% recycled materials. Its sporty design with checkered flag elements again references motorsport.

The front bucket seats are based on carbon fiber racing shells with ventilation openings and integrated headrests. The new 3D-printed seat pads with an open 3D structure offer a new level of customization with optimized ergonomics and are easy to swap out. This creates a comfortable seat structure adapted specifically to each user. The seat pads are covered with the innovative LABFIBER Biotechnological Leather Alternative in Pearl Black.

There is no word yet on pricing or when this car will be available, but Mercedes says the vehicle will be produced (possibly with a slightly different name). We'll know more soon. The most expensive Mercedes-AMG car is the Mercedes-AMG One, which is a Formula 1-inspired hypercar that comes with a whopping price tag of $2.7 million. We don't think the AMG GT XX will come in anywhere near that. The next-most-expensive AMG car is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC at $229,000. That sounds more like it.

Learn more and get updates at mercedes-amg.com/en/concept-amg-gt-xx.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

Published July 2025

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