Mercedes-AMG with the Concept GT XX, previews the technical and stylistic solutions of the next generation of high-performance coupés powered by full electric power via multiple axial-flow motors, new high-density batteries and a design studied to minimize aerodynamic coefficients
The new generations of luxury and high-performance four-door coupés from Mercedes-AMG aim to elevate full-electric propulsion to higher levels of performance and usability, breaking down the barriers that still characterize electric cars today. The culmination of this goal is embodied in the “Concept GT XX” prototype, unveiled last June. Despite its conceptual nature, the car is far from being a mere design or research exercise — it introduces features that anticipate the production models expected in 2026, while also debuting technical solutions that will be implemented in upcoming full-electric sedans from the German brand.
Developed on the dedicated “AMG.EA” platform for new electric models, the “GT XX” is a coupé measuring 5.2 meters in length and 1.95 meters in width, with a roof height just over 1.3 meters. These proportions are designed to minimize the frontal area, working in tandem with technical solutions aimed at reducing the aerodynamic drag coefficient to below 0.20. Among these features is a wide range of active aerodynamic surfaces, most notably the innovative “Aeroblades” — lateral air intakes near the wheels that automatically activate to optimize airflow around them while improving brake cooling. An electronically controlled front spoiler located beneath the floor manages airflow under the car, enhancing stability, efficiency, and range at high speeds.
The new “AMG.EA” platform represents Mercedes-AMG’s highest technical expression to date in developing a powertrain for high-performance road cars. The system architecture includes three axial-flow electric motors developed in partnership with YASA — a company now fully owned by Mercedes-Benz — with two motors mounted on the rear axle and one on the front. Together, they deliver a maximum output of 1,000 kW (1,360 hp), enabling a top speed of 360 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration in just over two seconds.
The axial motor configuration has been optimized to minimize size, achieving a transverse profile of only a few centimeters and a power density three times higher than the most advanced radial motors currently available. This design also achieves a 30% reduction in mass and a 60% smaller volume, allowing for an extremely efficient longitudinal arrangement. Moreover, the axial-flow design ensures higher and more continuous power and torque delivery compared to radial motors.
Technically, the motor architecture includes two planar rotors on either side of an axial-flow stator made from laminated segments of magnetically composite materials (SMC). These reduce eddy current losses, improving overall performance. This material is composed of ferromagnetic particles coated with an insulating layer and compacted through molding, forming an isotropic compound — meaning it has uniform magnetic properties in all directions — and arranged in modular units that optimize magnetic flux geometry.
The two rear motors are integrated into a single unit known as “HP-EDU,” which also houses the inverter, an epicyclic gear system enabling individual wheel torque vectoring, and an oil-cooling system. The front unit is a single motor with a straight-cut gear transmission and a “Disconnect Unit” clutch that can decouple the motor, allowing it to function as an on-demand boost system when driving conditions require it.
Energy for the propulsion system is supplied by a high-performance battery developed specifically by AMG. It uses cylindrical cells with direct liquid cooling and operates at 800 volts. The system delivers high continuous power and supports ultra-fast charging at up to 850 kW, enabling regeneration sufficient for 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes. The battery employs NMCA (nickel, manganese, cobalt, aluminum) cathode chemistry and achieves energy densities of around 300 Wh/kg or 740 Wh/l. These cells are laser-welded into plastic modules that integrate the cooling system and enclosed in laser-welded aluminum alloy cages offering high thermal and electrical conductivity.
The power electronics also feature integrated cooling: silicon carbide inverters are cooled by an optimized oil-water circuit designed to handle high thermal loads under extreme use.
Inside, the cockpit is driver-focused, featuring an F1-inspired steering wheel, carbon-fiber bucket seats, brake regeneration adjustment via paddles, and even speakers integrated into the front headlights that emit synthetic “Sport” mode sounds evocative of AMG’s iconic V8 engines.
Technologies such as axial-flow motors, direct battery-cell cooling, integrated electric motors, and dynamic powertrain management are all set to be introduced in future production AMG models — marking a structural transition toward a new era of electric performance for the brand, comparable in significance to the role the V8 engine has played over the past decades.
Title: Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX: high-performance visions
Translation with ChatGPT
