While some concept cars are built as showpieces and nothing more, the AMG GT XX is a fully functional prototype, complete with a new platform, and three electric motors that develop a combined 1,341bhp, or one megawatt.

While high output electric drivetrains are nothing new, the GT XX uses a different type of motor known as axial flux. Most EVs use motors shaped like barrels, but the GT XX uses a trio of disc-like motors which are just 8cm wide, a third of the weight, and far more power dense than a traditional radial flux motor.

In fact, the technology is nothing new; motors like this have been built by YASA and featured in hybrid models from Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, and more in the last few years. In 2021, the Oxford-based company was acquired by Mercedes-Benz, and its motors will power AMG’s future electric portfolio, starting with the GT XX.

The car places one motor on the front axle, and two at the rear. This offers all-wheel drive, and precise torque vectoring that can mimic the effect of a limited-slip differential, but react much quicker. Most of the time, the front-mounted motor disengages from the drivetrain to boost efficiency, but activates when additional performance or traction is required. The car will accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 2.5 seconds, and reach a top speed in excess of 224mph.

Each oil-cooled motor has its own transmission and inverter, and draws power from a brand new 114kWh capacity battery, made up of over 3,000 individual cells. Each one features an aluminium casing to reduce weight and improve heat dissipation. An energy density of 300Wh/kg is quoted, resulting in an estimated weight of 379kg for the entire pack. That’s close to 200kg lighter than an equivalent capacity battery in the current EQS hatchback.

The battery features direct liquid cooling to keep each cell at its peak operating temperature whether using, or receiving power. Running at over 800 volts, the battery can accept DC charging at over 850kW, replenishing 250 miles of range in under five minutes. While rapid charging stations with this level of output are not available yet for cars, megawatt chargers are being developed for electric trucks, and it won’t be long before they start appearing at service stations.

The car’s design previews the forthcoming second generation Mercedes-AMG GT four-door coupé, which is technically a five-door hatch. The fastback roofline is familiar, gently descending through a glassless tailgate towards a short rear deck. An active rear spoiler rises from the bootlid, but the most interesting active aero is found on the 21” wheel covers. These protrude from the rims when brake cooling is required, and sit flush at high speeds, helping the car to reach a drag coefficient of 0.198Cd - less than half that of a flying squirrel.

The GT XX uses a new concave interpretation of the Panamericana grille, with ten wide-set vertical bars containing a three-pointed star. The steeply angled bonnet rises to contain the swelled wheel arches, and allow air not used for cooling to exit the car through a pair of vents. Two triangular headlight clusters contain the main projectors, and speakers for the driving sound playback, while additional LED lights sit in the outer edges of the grille.

At the rear, six hollow rings create the brake light signature, while a panel containing 700 LEDs sits between them. This can present words or animations, compliment the side-mounted light strip to indicate the state of charge, but we don’t expect it to reach production.

Like the famous C111 prototypes of the 1970s, the AMG GT XX takes on a bright orange hue, called Sunset Beam metallic in this application. The paintwork contains special pigments that emit light when a current is passed through them, allowing the car to glow in the dark. 

Inside, the cabin makes use of exposed silver and orange elements to contrast the black materials that cover almost every surface. An angled infotainment setup places a 10.25” display ahead of the driver, with a larger 14” screen to the right hand side. The steering wheel is modeled on that of the AMG One hypercar, and column-mounted LEDs shine blue or red depending on whether energy is being used or recovered.

The carbon fibre seats feature 3D-printed pads, and the rear seats are mounted directly onto the car’s bulkhead. The AMG crest can be found atop a circular heat sink-style component, and on the mounting points for the door cards. Fittingly, the race-inspired cabin contains backlit chequered flag patterns on the doors, and orange ambient lighting to match the colour of high-voltage electrical cabling, and the exterior bodywork.

Like the Vision EQXX that came before the new CLA Coupé, the AMG GT XX will serve as a public prototype ahead of the new GT four-door’s arrival in 2026. An SUV built on the same new AMG.EA platform is scheduled to follow in 2027. While still a concept for now, the GT XX is clearly close to being production ready. The 5.2m length and 2.1m width are slight increases over the current model, while the 1.3m height is a reduction, and we don’t expect these measurements to change.

Following the lukewarm reception to its first fully electric performance models, the AMG GT XX is a statement of intent that places the Porsche Taycan and the Audi RS e-tron GT firmly in its crosshairs. We expect the car to reach production close to how it’s been presented in concept form, complete with its adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering, and up to 1,341bhp from three electric motors.