Mercedes-AMG has introduced the Concept AMG GT XX, an all-electric sports car that showcases pioneering drivetrain and battery innovations.
Developed in partnership with British subsidiary Yasa, the vehicle employs three axial-flux motors that are markedly smaller and lighter than conventional radial-flux units, while delivering three times the power density.
Together, they generate in excess of 1,000 kW/1,300hp, propelling the car to a top speed beyond 360kph.
The powertrain is split between two High Performance Electric Drive Units (HP.EDUs).
The front unit houses a single motor that functions as a booster and can be mechanically decoupled during steady cruising to minimise drag. The rear HP.EDU contains two motors alongside compact planetary gearsets, inverters and an oil-cooling system, all integrated within a single housing to optimise packaging and efficiency.
Production of the axial-flux motors is centred at Mercedes-Benz’s Marienfelde facility in Berlin, where around 100 distinct manufacturing processes occur — 65 of which represent new in-house techniques and 35 deemed world firsts.
These advances have already yielded over 30 patent filings, indicating how important the plant is to production innovation.
Drawing on expertise from Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach and High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, the car’s high-voltage battery borrows technology from Formula 1 and the AMG ONE hypercar.
It employs tall, slender cylindrical NCMA cells with aluminium casings and full-tab architecture, plus a silicon-enhanced anode to boost energy density and charging speed.
Direct cell cooling using a non-conductive oil ensures effective thermal regulation, supporting sustained high power output and long lifecycle.
Operating at over 800V, the battery accepts charging rates above 850kW, allowing a 400km range to be replenished in about five minutes.
Mercedes-Benz and Alpitronic have jointly developed a prototype charger to handle these extreme currents, with plans to roll out a compatible fast-charging network.
The concept’s body-in-white combines aluminium, steel and composite materials to balance rigidity with weight savings.
Its structural battery housing meets stringent crash-safety standards and doubles as a load-bearing element.
The striking sunset-beam orange finish, fastback profile, AMG-style grille, bonnet air outlets and broad carbon diffuser underscore its motorsport DNA and high-performance intent.
