In June 2025, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the Concept AMG GT XX, a four-door electric supercar that pushes the boundaries of performance, technology, and design. Boasting a staggering 1,341 horsepower, a top speed exceeding 223 mph, and a charging system that can add 250 miles of range in just five minutes, this concept is more than a showpiece—it’s a preview of AMG’s electric future. Built on the dedicated AMG.EA (AMG Electric Architecture) platform, the GT XX combines axial flux motors, a high-performance battery, and innovative materials to deliver what AMG calls “intentional nauseation”—a visceral driving experience so intense it might leave even seasoned drivers breathless. This article explores the GT XX’s groundbreaking features, its implications for AMG’s lineup, and what lies ahead as it transitions from concept to production in 2026.
A New Era for AMG
Mercedes-AMG has long been synonymous with thunderous V8 engines and raw performance, but the GT XX signals a bold shift toward electrification. Unlike previous AMG hybrids or electrified models like the EQE 53, the GT XX is the first fully in-house designed electric vehicle from Affalterbach. It builds on the legacy of iconic AMG models like the 300 SL and AMG ONE while embracing cutting-edge technology derived from Mercedes’ Formula 1 expertise and its subsidiary YASA, a British pioneer in axial flux motors. The GT XX is not just a concept; it’s a technological manifesto, showcasing AMG’s ambition to lead the performance EV market.
The GT XX’s debut at a disused power plant in Rottweil, Germany, underscored its futuristic ethos. With a sleek, orange-hued design reminiscent of the 1970s C111 prototypes, the concept blends heritage with innovation. Its tri-motor setup, advanced battery, and hyper-fast charging capabilities position it as a direct rival to the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lucid Air Sapphire, with AMG engineers hinting at potential track-only variants that could challenge hypercars like the Rimac Nevera.
Powertrain: Axial Flux Motors and Unprecedented Power
At the heart of the GT XX are three axial flux electric motors, developed in collaboration with YASA. Unlike conventional radial flux motors, these disc-shaped units are 67% lighter and 67% smaller, yet deliver three times the power density and twice the torque density. Two motors are housed in a rear electric drive unit (EDU) weighing just 308 pounds but producing over 860 horsepower, while a single front motor engages during heavy acceleration or energy recovery, decoupling for efficiency during cruising. The total output of 1,341 horsepower (over 1,000 kW) propels the GT XX to a top speed of 223–225 mph, with a 0–62 mph time estimated to be under 2.5 seconds.
The motors are integrated with planetary gearsets and oil-cooled systems, paired with water-cooled silicon carbide inverters for optimal performance. This setup, inspired by Mercedes’ Formula 1 hybrid powertrains, ensures sustained power delivery, allowing the GT XX to complete three full Nürburgring Nordschleife laps without thermal degradation—a feat few gasoline-powered supercars can match.
Powertrain Specifications Table
|
Component |
Details |
Output |
Top Speed |
0–62 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Motors |
Three axial flux motors (two rear, one front) |
1,341 hp (1,000 kW) |
223–225 mph |
<2.5 sec |
|
Rear EDU |
Two motors, planetary gearset, oil-cooled |
860 hp |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Front EDU |
Single motor, decouples for efficiency |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Battery |
800V, NCMA chemistry, direct-cooled cells |
114 kWh |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Charging |
850 kW, 250 miles in 5 minutes (WLTP) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Data sourced from Mercedes-AMG and MotorTrend.
Battery and Charging Innovation
The GT XX’s high-voltage battery is a marvel of engineering, developed in-house with insights from the AMG ONE and Formula 1. Featuring over 3,000 tall, thin cylindrical cells with nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) chemistry and a silicon-rich anode, the battery achieves an energy density of 300 Wh/kg. Each cell is individually cooled by non-conductive oil, ensuring uniform temperature control and enabling sustained high performance. This cooling system, combined with an 800V architecture, allows the battery to handle an average charging power of over 850 kW, adding approximately 248–250 miles of range in five minutes under WLTP standards.
Mercedes has partnered with Alpitronic to develop prototype chargers capable of delivering this power through standard CCS cables. While 850 kW chargers are not yet widely available, Mercedes plans to roll them out across its charging network by 2026, potentially revolutionizing EV adoption for performance enthusiasts. Even on current 350 kW chargers, the GT XX maintains rapid charging across nearly its entire curve, outpacing competitors like the Lotus Eletre.
Design: Aerodynamics and Aesthetics
The GT XX’s design is both functional and polarizing. Its low-slung, fastback silhouette and Sunset Beam Orange paint pay homage to the C111, while a drag coefficient of 0.198 rivals the Lucid Air for aerodynamic efficiency. The front features a wide grille with integrated auxiliary lights, stacked headlights, and a hood with split air outlets for cooling. The absence of a rear windshield, replaced by gun-slit windows, enhances aerodynamics but may not carry over to production for practicality.
Innovative features include 21-inch forged aluminum wheels with active aero blades that open to cool brakes and close to reduce drag. The MBUX Fluid Light Paint, tested on AMG’s GT3 racecar, uses electrically conductive pigments to glow in the dark, potentially displaying charge status. An active rear diffuser and hidden front bumper vents further optimize airflow and downforce, creating a Venturi effect for stability.
Inside, the minimalist cockpit emphasizes lightweight construction with exposed carbon fiber and LABFIBER biotechnological materials. The leather alternative, made from recycled GT3 tires and biopolymers, and a plant-based silk alternative for door handles showcase AMG’s commitment to sustainable luxury. 3D-printed seat pads on carbon-fiber racing shells offer customizable ergonomics, while orange backlighting and a checkered flag floor design evoke motorsport heritage.
Technology and Performance Enhancements
The GT XX integrates a host of cutting-edge technologies. Its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system enables fully variable torque distribution, ensuring seamless transitions between rear- and all-wheel drive. The software, developed by AMG’s Affalterbach team, optimizes motor performance for track and road use. A simulated V8 soundtrack, played through speakers in the headlights, mimics a NASCAR stocker, aiming to satisfy petrolheads. One executive reportedly called it “the best V8 we have ever developed,” despite its digital nature.
The concept also features a programmable LED lightbar and dynamic aero wheels, though these may not reach production. The active air control system, borrowed from existing AMG GT models, manages thermal demands, while the battery’s passive cooling plate enhances efficiency. Over 100 production processes, including 35 world-first innovations like laser welding and AI-driven assembly, will be used to manufacture the axial flux motors in Berlin’s Marienfelde plant, underscoring AMG’s technological prowess.
What’s Next: From Concept to Production
While the GT XX itself won’t hit showrooms, its technology is destined for AMG’s 2026 lineup, likely under the GT63e moniker. The tri-motor powertrain, battery, and 800V architecture are production-ready, with series production of the axial flux motors set to begin in 2026. The production model, expected to be a four-door coupe, will compete with the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lucid Air Sapphire, with a price likely in the six-figure range.
AMG has hinted at potential track-only variants with power exceeding 1,500 horsepower, targeting hypercars like the Rimac Nevera. The concept will make its public debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it’s expected to tackle the hill climb course, showcasing its track-ready capabilities. However, features like the active aero wheels and glowing paint may be reserved for future concepts or limited editions due to cost and complexity.
The GT XX’s charging infrastructure poses a challenge, as 850 kW chargers are still in development. Mercedes’ partnership with Alpitronic aims to deploy these chargers across its European network by 2026, but widespread adoption will take time. In the interim, the production model’s ability to charge at 350 kW across a wide range ensures it remains competitive.
Implications for AMG’s Future
The GT XX is a statement of intent, signaling AMG’s determination to redefine performance EVs. By leveraging Formula 1 technology and in-house innovation, AMG aims to differentiate its electric models from mainstream Mercedes EVs, ensuring a premium, emotional experience. The concept’s biotechnological materials and sustainable design elements reflect a broader industry trend toward eco-conscious performance, while its extreme power and charging capabilities push the boundaries of what EVs can achieve.
As AMG transitions to electrification, the GT XX proves that electric cars can deliver the visceral thrill traditionally associated with V8s. Its simulated engine sound, while controversial, aims to bridge the gap for traditionalists, while its performance metrics challenge the status quo. With production models set to arrive in 2026, the GT XX sets the stage for a new chapter in AMG’s storied history, where “intentional nauseation” and technological sensation go hand in hand.
