Mercedes-AMG GT XX breaks electric car distance records

The new 100% electric Mercedes-AMG GT has not yet been unveiled, but the Concept AMG GT XX, the prototype previewing it, has already begun setting records.

The German “super saloon” has established a new distance benchmark for an electric car, covering 5,479 km in 24 hours. That surpasses the 3,960 km achieved by the XPeng P7 earlier this month, the Xiaomi YU7’s 3,944 km and the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s 3,717 km. The achievement took place at the Nardò test track in Italy.

AMG GT XX sets a round-the-world record

However, this was not the prototype’s most remarkable result at the circuit. Among the 25 records it broke, the standout was the AMG GT XX covering 40,075 km - the equivalent of travelling around the world - in under eight days.

More precisely, it completed the distance in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 07 seconds.

The purpose was to demonstrate the long-distance capability of the AMG electric powertrain. To do so, the Concept Mercedes-AMG GT XX was tasked with covering as many kilometres as possible in the shortest possible time, recreating maximum-load conditions for both the motors and the battery.

Nardò test track runs at 300 km/h

The prototype lapped the Nardò ring continuously at 300 km/h, stopping solely to recharge at “astronomical” outputs of 850 kW - far beyond what today’s charging infrastructure can deliver.

Although it is capable of higher speeds, the 300 km/h target was not selected at random. Simulations and earlier tests identified this pace as the ideal balance between track speed and the number of charging stops, allowing the shortest possible overall time.

The feat was achieved by not one but two cars, separated by 25 km, along with a team of 17 professional drivers from the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing programme, including Formula 1 driver George Russell.

More than 100 additional staff were involved in the operation, including engineers, track technicians, logistics personnel and a “mission control” team operating from Mercedes-AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany.

Mercedes-AMG GT XX powertrain and charging figures

According to Mercedes-AMG chief executive Michael Schiebe, the Concept AMG GT XX’s performance was made possible by its advanced powertrain. It uses an 800 V electrical architecture capable of accepting charging outputs between 850 kW and 900 kW, enabling exceptionally brief stops.

The prototype uses two axial-flux electric motors on the rear axle and a third at the front, producing a combined output of 1,000 kW (1,360 hp).

Its 114 kWh cylindrical-cell battery was developed with support from the brand’s Formula 1 division. To keep the cells at their optimum temperature, they are immersed in oil.

Mercedes-AMG says this technology can sustain extremely high charging outputs without degradation. The result? Up to 400 km of range in only five minutes.

“For customers of our future electric models, this means they will get a genuine AMG, with no compromises.”

• Michael Schiebe, chief executive of Mercedes-AMG

The Concept Mercedes-AMG GT XX is not a production model, but it demonstrates the Stuttgart brand’s strategy of validating technologies before the launch of the AMG.EA platform. This architecture will underpin future 100% electric Mercedes-AMG models, including a “super SUV” with more than 1,000 hp.