Mercedes-Benz CONCEPT AMG GT XX
With exceptional technology, outstanding endurance, hyper-fast charging and a highly emotional design, performance of the future is on its way via the Mercedes-Benz CONCEPT AMG GT XX.
The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is a pioneering technology program that offers an impressive look into a forthcoming four-door series-production sports car from Mercedes‑AMG. With three axial flux motors and a high performance battery developed from scratch, the brand from Affalterbach presents a revolutionary drive concept that enables a whole new dimension of performance. It 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).
In the nearly 60-year history of the Mercedes-Benz performance and sports car brand, the powertrain has always been the heart of the vehicle, bar none. The team at Affalterbach are continuing this tradition with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, which introduces a revolutionary drive technology in the form of the innovative axial flux motor.
Its technological underpinnings were originally developed by British electric motor specialist YASA – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. For its application in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX and subsequently in series production, the concept was taken to a whole new level of performance. This was achieved in a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and the technology experts from YASA. The performance specialists from Affalterbach have also developed the software for the operating strategy, which optimally utilizes the high performance of the motors. The innovative electric motors enable high output from an extremely compact package and enter series production at Mercedes-AMG in 2026.
Thanks to a peak output of over 1,341 hp, the CONCEPT 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 CONCEPT 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 kilometers (WLTP)2 of range in around five minutes, which is roughly equivalent to the distance from Affalterbach to Spa-Francorchamps. After fast charging, the vehicle can immediately deliver full output again – 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 CONCEPT AMG GT XX, this combination is barely 3.5 inches wide. Each of the two motors at the rear are around just 3.1 inches wide.
No fewer than three of these innovative electric motors guarantee outstanding system power in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX with a peak output of more than 1,341 hp. 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.
With its dynamic fastback, low slung hood and sharply raked windshield, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX 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 ten 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 set innovative accents with 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 CONCEPT 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 interior of the CONCEPT 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-inch instrument cluster and the 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. The displays are ergonomically angled towards the driver and have a seamless glass look.
The steering wheel is similar to that in the AMG ONE, with its almost rectangular shape and two horizontal struts on either side inspired by motorsport. The steering wheel paddles serve to control recuperation. A display on the steering column uses different color codes via eight LEDs to indicate the state of charge (blue), recuperation and current performance (red). In addition, there are two round AMG steering wheel buttons that control other functions and display the options with colored icons.
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. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX thus expresses its top electric performance with high tech features machined from solid metal and illuminated.
The user interface and the Mercedes‑Benz User Experience (MBUX) in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX are emotional and intuitive to use. It is based on the in-house Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The deeply integrated chip-to-cloud architecture networks and controls all domains and functions. For the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, the UI/UX design team in Sindelfingen designed an exclusive interface that shows the highlights of the electric drive system, including the High Performance Electric Battery as a video animation on the multimedia display.
High level of traction and directional stability: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive
The CONCEPT 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.
- Multiple innovations for the sports car of the future
- The CONCEPT AMG GT XX not only sets new standards in performance but is also pioneering the future of the sports car with many other innovations inside and out. Highlights include luminescent areas of paintwork along its flanks, speakers integrated into the front headlights and the MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear. The interior features innovative biotechnology-based materials as well as ergonomic 3D seat pads.
