AFFALTERBACH (Germany): Mercedes-AMG has introduced its Concept AMG GT XX, an all-electric sports car study that showcases pioneering drivetrain and battery innovations.
At its heart sit three axial-flux electric motors co-developed with YASA, the UK specialist now fully owned by Mercedes-Benz.
Compared with traditional radial-flux designs, these motors are more compact, lighter and achieve roughly three times the power density. Combined, they deliver peak output in excess of 1,000 kW, propelling the prototype beyond 360kph.
The powertrain is split between two High Performance Electric Drive Units (HP.EDUs): a single-motor front unit that can be decoupled under steady cruising to cut drag, and a rear unit housing two motors alongside integrated planetary gearsets, inverters and oil-cooling within one enclosure. This packaging approach optimises both performance and weight distribution.
Production of the axial-flux machines takes place at the Marienfelde plant in Berlin.
The process involves around 100 individual manufacturing steps, 65 of which are newly implemented by Mercedes-Benz, and 35 representing global firsts. To date, over 30 related patent applications have been filed, underlining the facility’s role in advancing EV production techniques.
The vehicle’s high-voltage battery draws on Formula 1 and AMG ONE hypercar expertise, with joint engineering efforts spanning Affalterbach (Germany) and High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth (UK).
It employs tall, narrow cylindrical cells with aluminium casings and full-tab technology, utilising an NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminium) cathode and a silicon-enhanced anode. Direct oil-based cell cooling ensures stable temperatures under sustained high-power demands.
Operating above 800 V, the pack supports charging rates over 850 kW, allowing a 400 km range to be replenished in approximately five minutes. Mercedes-Benz and Alpitronic have already prototyped a compatible high-current charging station, with plans to roll out a suitable network for future AMG EV models.
Structurally, the concept’s body-in-white combines aluminium, steel and composites to balance rigidity with low mass, while the battery enclosure doubles as a crash-safety element.
Visually, the Concept AMG GT XX sports a dynamic fastback profile, a distinctive AMG-style grille, motorsport-inspired vents, a wide carbon diffuser and an eye-catching sunset beam orange finish, all emphasising its high-performance aspirations.
