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).
“The best minds in our global R&D network have contributed their extensive expertise – from Mercedes‑Benz in Sindelfingen and Untertürkheim to Mercedes‑AMG in Affalterbach and YASA in the UK to our Formula 1 drivetrain experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. Together, they have developed the CONCEPT AMG GT XX and are providing an insight into pioneering drivetrain technology and the future of performance. The technology program pushes the boundaries even further and ventures into new ground. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX with its three axial flux motors now lifts performance and endurance to a completely new level.” Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
“The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is the next milestone in the history of AMG and forges a whole new dimension of performance. We’re bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance. And the best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fiber of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture. With our high-tech axial flux motor, we’re delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging. This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables previously unimagined level of performance and endurance.” Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of Business Units Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach.
“With the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, we have succeeded in translating our design vision for AMG into the future. Sports cars have always been the icons of our brand; they are emotional and truly special to create. They represent unique moments in time. Icons like the 300 SL and the legendary Silver Arrows are the emotional heart of our brand, as are the GT and AMG ONE. Crafting these masterpieces is about creating something extraordinary – from the C111 to the Vision One‑Eleven, and into the future of production. The brand-new CONCEPT AMG GT XX embodies the hot part of our design philosophy of sensual purity.” Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
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 with respect to 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 performance levels, reproduceable repeatedly 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 is a booster motor for additional power or traction 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 axial flux motors are produced at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in the Marienfelde area of Berlin. It has been an important part of the global Mercedes‑Benz Powertrain production network for decades and handles the production of various drive components. Axial flux motor production involves approximately 100 processes, of which roughly 65 are new for Mercedes‑Benz and 35 are world firsts. These include new forms of laser technology combined with innovative joining processes and artificial intelligence. These new production processes were developed largely in-house by Mercedes‑Benz, and the innovations led to more than 30 patent applications. All this underscores Berlin-Marienfelde’s leading role worldwide in production-process innovations.
The high voltage battery in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX is a completely new development. It benefits from all the experience from the AMG ONE and Formula 1® as well as the knowledge of the best engineers from Mercedes‑AMG in Affalterbach and Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth (UK).
The High Performance Electric Battery (HP.EB) delivers a high power output with exceptional repeatability, guaranteeing the vehicle’s outstanding overall performance. This is paired with rapid energy absorption and high power density. Contributing to the high system performance are three main aspects: new battery cell developments, direct cooling of the cells and high voltage.
The battery features a completely new cell design, developed for exceptionally high performance. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX uses cylindrical cells that are remarkably tall and slim. This format delivers many benefits for cell cooling. The narrow diameter means the distance from the cell core to the casing is particularly small. This enables rapid dissipation of heat generated under load and ensures each individual cell is kept within the optimum temperature window.
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. This offers benefits in the targeted thermal control of the cells – with faster cooling or heating on demand.
The cells use the full-tab configuration, meaning the entire cell tail surface is electrically and thermally connected to the pole. This enables a significant reduction in the cell’s internal resistance, which facilitates high charging and discharging power. Furthermore, full-tab battery cells are especially robust and also function reliably under demanding load conditions.
A further innovation is the optimized operating window. The full-tab cells underwent detailed measurement and testing in advance using a special reference electrode and core temperature sensors. The data gathered was implemented in the software for the battery management system. This enables better modelling of cell behavior and thus a significant increase of charging power at higher temperatures.
The cell chemistry was developed specifically for the CONCEPT AMG GT XX. It is based on NCMA (nickel/ /cobalt/manganese/aluminum) in the cathode and an anode with silicon content. This offers a combination of high energy density of 300 Wh/kg (740 Wh/l on cell level), powerful charging performance and long lifespan that is thus far unique.
Overall, the combination of a tall, narrow cell format, aluminum housing, full-tab technology and NCMA chemistry lays the foundation for high performance within the individual battery cells, especially in terms of sustained power delivery.
The individual cells are packaged into laser-welded plastic modules. Direct cell cooling is integrated into the plastic modules to ensure optimum heat dissipation. A high tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive oil flows around each individual cell to maintain the optimum temperature. The coolant flows through coolant channels in the modules, which are optimized for equal cooling of all the cells. A special piping system ensures even distribution of the cooling oil. There are more than 3,000 cells in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX.
The lithium-ion battery has a high voltage of more than 800 volts, which also contributes to overall performance. The benefits of the high voltage are lower weight due to the lighter cables, higher continuous power output and shorter battery charging times. Charge losses via the charging cable are also considerably less.
Temperature control of the HP.EB is intelligently configured for different driving situations. Heating it to the optimum temperature window is fast and precise. Maximum power is delivered across a wide temperature band.
The operating strategy is programed to facilitate maximum performance from the battery, followed by a reduction in temperature through the direct cooling system. Intelligent heat management controls the temperature of the coolant for each cell module at precisely the pre-determined value as required (on-demand cooling). As a result, the battery retains its high power reserves, even during dynamic driving with frequent acceleration (battery discharged) and deceleration (battery charged via recuperation). This effective direct cooling in combination with the cell enables the high level of sustained power density.
The charging performance likewise sets new benchmarks – again due to direct cooling. This pairs with optimized thermal management of the cells and power lines during charging. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX achieves a very high average charging power of more than 850 kW at 1,000 amps over a wide range of the charging curve.
To match the vehicle’s charging performance, the Mercedes‑Benz Charging Unit worked in close collaboration with partner Alpitronic, the European market leader in high power charging. Alpitronic has developed a prototype charging station. It is the first charging station able to transmit such a high current via a standard CCS cable.
For the future series-production models, Mercedes-Benz will expand the infrastructure of its own Mercedes‑Benz Charging Network with the next generation of high performance charging stations. Customers will benefit from extremely fast charging times.
The body structure of the CONCEPT 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 high voltage battery is centrally integrated into the structure of the electric skateboard platform. Its protective housing encases the cell modules, all switch components and the Battery Management System (BMS), which is likewise an exclusive in-house development by AMG. Defined lateral load paths combine high torsional rigidity with low weight and form the basis for a high level of crash safety.
The battery housing is part of the vehicle structure and integrated into the crash concept. Battery, high voltage (HV) cables and further 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 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. In typical sports car fashion, the exterior mirrors are elevated on the front doors. The sill claddings have aerodynamic contours that extend into the rear wheel arches. Aerodynamic fine-tuning is also evident in the recessed door handles.
From a bird’s eye perspective, the streamlined greenhouse tapers rearward, allowing for particularly wide shoulders. The rear wheel arches also flow organically from the flanks. Another design element at the rear is the wide diffuser in exposed carbon, which sweeps deeply down at either side. Designed to ensure rear stability at high speeds, its form is reminiscent of the AMG ONE.
The vehicle body rests visually on a powerful floor structure that extends from the front splitter along the sill blades to the rear diffuser. The overhangs front and rear underscore the iconic overall proportions. The dynamic character is also expressed in the extravagant paintwork in sunset beam orange. Thanks to its special composition, the surfaces shimmer in the light like liquid metal.
With its sharply angled aerodynamic edge and six circular deep red taillights, the dynamic rear design 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.
At 186 mph, approximately 83 percent of the drive energy is required to overcome drag. This shows how important efficient aerodynamics are in the high performance segment. The CONCEPT 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 CONCEPT 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 here. 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 at 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 CONCEPT AMG GT XX interior 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.
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