Concept AMG GT XX Shatters Records & Drives ‘Around the World in Eight Days’

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX recently demonstrated the capabilities of the upcoming high-performance AMG.EA architecture, the drivetrain technology set to enter production next year. Featuring three axial flux motors and a directly cooled high-performance battery, the concept vehicle promises a new dimension of power and endurance. Mercedes-AMG has now proven this under extreme conditions, company officials stated in a press release.

On the high-speed test track in Nardò, Italy, a site where the world’s fastest cars have been put to the test for decades, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX broke a total of 25 long-distance records. Among them was the record for the greatest distance ever covered by an electric vehicle within 24 hours. The previous record was under 2,485 miles. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX traveled 3,404 miles in 24 hours, 943 miles further, or approximately 38% more than the previous record.

The technology pioneer’s extreme test lasted far longer than 24 hours with the goal to drive “around the world in eight days,” a nod to Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days.” The mission was to prove the superior long-distance performance of the AMG electric drivetrain.

Pushing the CONCEPT AMG GT XX to the Limits

The record run followed an exceptionally demanding schedule. The greatest strain on motors and batteries occurs under high-load driving and high-speed charging cycles. To simulate this scenario repeatedly, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX was tasked with covering as long a distance as possible in the shortest possible time. Drivers maintained a constant speed of 186 mph, stopping only to recharge at power levels averaging around 850 kW—well above what today’s charging infrastructure can provide.

Although capable of significantly higher speeds, the vehicle’s pace was deliberately set by the engineers based on extensive simulations, noted the press release. According to these analyses, 186 mph offered the optimal balance between track speed and charging stops, delivering the fastest overall time.

In the early morning of August 25, 2025, the distance of 24,901 miles was covered in exactly 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 7 seconds—beating Mercedes’ own target of eight days. Along the way, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX set several additional performance records and even pushed on to reach yet another milestone at 25,000 miles.

Two CONCEPT AMG GT XXs were used in the record-setting attempt, and both vehicles set off simultaneously. After more than seven and a half days of operation and a full circumnavigation of the globe each, they crossed the finish line just 15.5 miles apart. Completing this around-the-world challenge twice within eight days underscores the exceptional long-term performance capability of the powertrain, stated company officials.

The program required 3,177 laps of the 7.88-mile Nardò circuit, with experienced race drivers completing two-hour shifts. On average, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX drove more than 3,293 miles per day. Conditions were also far from favorable. During the day, ambient temperatures rose up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, climbing even higher under direct sunlight on the exposed track.

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX Run Required a Large Team of Experts

Mercedes says the test was not only a feat of technology, but also of teamwork. From the pit crew handling charging and tire changes to the round-the-clock provision of fire and rescue services to the remote support room in Affalterbach, which was permanently connected to Nardò via remote diagnostics. External specialists, including tire supplier Michelin and charging station specialist Alpitronic, rounded off the expert crew.

“Mercedes-AMG and Formula 1 stand for innovation, intense competition and pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG and chief technology officer, development & purchasing. “Our company’s powertrains achieved groundbreaking successes in the very first road races in automotive history more than 120 years ago and have set benchmarks for decades. In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes‑Benz was a regular guest here at Nardò, setting numerous international speed and track records, most notably with the C111 as a visionary technology program. Back then, we demonstrated the performance capabilities of innovative diesel and gasoline powertrains.

“Now, with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology program, we are entering a new dimension of performance—this time with fully electric drive. The goal is to redefine the limits of what is technically possible in the age of electric drives. So, what could be more fitting than to chase records once again? Our mission: to redefine the very standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations. The motivation and dedication of the cross-functional team from Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Mobility and our F1 engine experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains throughout the entire preparation phase were boundless. I am immensely proud of the unprecedented achievement of the entire team in this unique record drive.”

“An AMG has always been defined by its drivetrain. In the electric world, too, our drive system must be convincing across the board,” added Michael Schiebe, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and head of Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach divisions at Mercedes‑Maybach. “That’s why we’re the first manufacturer to use axial flux motors and directly cooled batteries in fully electric models. We have now impressively demonstrated how superior these technologies are. Enormous performance and extremely fast charging were always available and made these records possible. For customers of our future electric models, this means they will get a genuine AMG—no ifs, ands or buts. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire team; we’re delighted that we can also count on the best team in the automotive industry when it comes to electric performance.”

“As an F1 driver, I’m used to pushing technology to its absolute limits. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX really impressed me,” said George Russell, Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 team driver. “The axial flux motors respond as immediately and precisely as a Formula 1 drivetrain, but with an endurance that I have only ever experienced with combustion engines. This technology will revolutionize the driving experience, both on the racetrack and on the road.”

Three Axial Flux Motors & a Directly Cooled Battery Concept

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX generates a peak output of over 1,341 horsepower. This output is achieved by the three motors integrated into high-performance electric drive units (HP.EDU) on the front and rear axles. The rear axle has two oil-cooled axial flux motors, which are combined with compact transmissions and one inverter each in a single housing. The front electric drive acts as a booster motor and is only activated when needed to provide additional power or traction.

According to Mercedes, the axial flux motors offer enormous advantages over conventional electric motors. These are significantly more powerful while also being lighter and more compact. Its power density is roughly three times higher, while weighing less and requiring only one third of the installation space. The units also deliver higher continuous output and greater torque.

The foundation for these motors was originally developed by British electric motor specialist YASA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. But it was Mercedes-AMG that, in close collaboration with YASA, elevated its level of performance for series production in the new AMG.EA platform.

The high-performance battery is a completely new development from Affalterbach, inspired by Formula 1. It enables a high-power output that can be called up frequently and repeatedly, contributing to the vehicle’s overall performance. The battery uses newly developed cylindrical NCMA cells, which offer efficient cooling and a high energy density of over 300 Wh/kg thanks to the cells’ tall and narrow format. The laser-welded aluminum cell housing improves electrical and thermal conductivity and contributes to the battery’s robust and long-lasting performance.

The battery cells are intelligently and directly cooled by an electrically non-conductive oil, which optimally regulates the temperature of each of the more than 3,000 cells. This cooling ensures even heat dissipation and supports the high continuous power potential of the energy storage system. Voltage of over 800 volts reduces weight through lighter cables and shortens charging times, while intelligent thermal management precisely controls the temperature of the cells to ensure maximum performance even under extreme conditions.

This enables the CONCEPT AMG GT XX to charge extremely quickly, company officials stated. The technology platform charges at over 850 kW across a wide range of the charging curve. In just five minutes, it can recharge enough energy for a range of around 250 miles (WLTP), equivalent to the distance from Nardò to Naples.