Mercedes electric Concept AMG GT XX EV earns record lap times

Mercedes AMG GT XX set new endurance records

In late August 2025, Mercedes-AMG said the Concept GT XX EV set 25 EV endurance records at the Nardò test track in Italy, including 3,405 miles (5,479 km) in 24 hours and 24,901 miles (40,075 km) in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes. The runs alternated 186-mph track stints with rapid charging stops.

The effort eclipsed prior 24-hour EV distance and multi-hour marks documented at Nardò. The GT XX echoed AMG’s 1970s C-111 design while showcasing electric performance.

Professional drivers and pit crews managed shifts, ensuring the cars maintained continuous operation and demonstrated AMG’s future electric potential.

GT XX achieved world record distances

Across the week, the two GT XX prototypes completed 3,177 laps of the 12.68-km (7.88-mi) Nardò ring, 5,300 km/day, to reach 24,901 miles in 7d 13h 24m. Mercedes cites 17 drivers rotating through stints to keep the cars circulating continuously.

The faster GT XX averaged 136.6 mph, including stops. Charging averaged ~850 kW during the run; in subsequent testing, the prototype achieved 1.04 MW peak (sustained >1 MW for 2.5 minutes). The tests proved that high-speed endurance and rapid charging could coexist in a production-ready EV design.

George Russell joined GT XX testing

Mercedes-Petronas F1 driver George Russell participated in August 2025, reporting speeds of around 186 mph. Media reports cited 1-minute stops and 15 kWh top-ups; Mercedes’ overview focuses on 850-kW average charging between 186-mph stints.

The GT XX’s recorded figures included an actual driving time of 183 hours versus a theoretical 134.4 hours without stops. This meant the cars were stopped roughly 22 minutes per hour of driving. Energy consumption measured at 0.6 miles per kWh, confirming the efficiency of AMG’s electric platform.

GT XX sets multi-hour records

Along with the 24-hour record, the GT XX set endurance benchmarks for 12, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours during August 2025 tests. Distance-traveled records were also achieved.

These accomplishments highlighted AMG.EA electric architecture capabilities. The technology would later appear in planned production sedans and crossovers. The GT XX combined extreme speed, high-efficiency energy use, and rapid charging in a concept that previewed Mercedes-AMG’s electric future.

Concept GT XX previewed production-ready technology

The GT XX was revealed in June 2025, showcasing AMG’s first standalone electric model. It featured a steel, aluminum, and carbon composite platform. Its styling referenced the 2022 Vision AMG concept and the 1960s C-111.

The car had a 0.20 drag coefficient, aerodynamic bodywork, and functional cooling ducts. A rear active air-brake/spoiler and electronically controlled active aero wheels enhanced stability, cooling, and drag. The GT XX used axial flux motors and a high-voltage battery capable of 850 kW charging, emphasizing performance and fast recharge potential.

GT XX powertrain details

The GT XX’s rear High Performance Electric Drive Unit housed two motors, a planetary gearset, and a silicon carbide inverter. The front unit contained a single motor and an inverter. The rear unit provided most torque, while the front engaged only when needed.

Three motors generated 1,341 bhp. Mercedes acquired British specialist Yasa in 2021 to supply the motors, which required 100 production processes. AMG says YASA’s axial-flux motors deliver 3× power density and weigh roughly two-thirds less while occupying about one-third the space of comparable radial motors.

GT XX interior and charging technology

The GT XX featured a visible, efficiency-focused interior with carbon-fiber seats and 3D-printed padding from recycled racing tires. Labfiber materials included vegetable proteins. The yoke-style wheel was production-ready with steer-by-wire control.

Mercedes partnered with Alpitronic to develop one-megawatt chargers. The GT XX could charge 250 miles in five minutes using an 850-kW prototype. The current infrastructure allows 350 kW fast charging. These innovations highlighted AMG’s “drive hard, charge hard” approach.

AMG GT 4-Door EV spied in July 2025

On July 31, 2025, spy photos showed the AMG GT 4-Door EV with a round steering wheel and dual digital screens. The concept’s tall, slim cylindrical battery cells appeared adapted for production, maintaining high discharge and recharge efficiency.

The vehicle kept styling close to the GT XX, including a smooth front end, flush door handles, and a deployable rear spoiler. Mercedes claimed a drag coefficient around 0.20, slightly higher than the concept’s 0.198, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency for a large sedan.

Axial-flux motors power AMG GT EV

The GT 4-Door EV used three axial-flux motors producing over 1,000 kW, translating to roughly 1,341 hp. This was higher than the GT 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid. Starry lightning signatures highlighted headlights and taillights.

The new EV would compete with the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Lucid Air Sapphire. Pricing was expected to be below that of these rivals. The combination of axial motors and AMG.EA battery architecture balanced high performance with fast charging capability.

Mercedes adjusts powertrain strategy

In August 2025, Mercedes announced it would deliver 19 combustion-engine and 17 battery-electric models globally by 2027. The company planned flexible platforms supporting gasoline, hybrid, and electric powertrains to address slowing EV sales and regulatory uncertainty.

CEO Ola Källenius said the strategy would continue ICE investments alongside electric models. AMG performance variants and midcycle updates were included. A balance between battery-electric and combustion vehicles was expected into the 2030s.

AMG GT and C-Class updates

The 2025 AMG GT 63 S E Performance had 805 hp and could go 0–60 mph in 2.7 seconds. The AMG GT 63 Pro arrived in Q2 2025, reaching 124 mph in 10.9 seconds.

C-Class updates began in 2024 with the AMG C 63 S E Performance, pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a rear electric motor. It produced 671 hp and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Other C-Class models had mild-hybrid technology.

CLA, CLE, and E-Class updates

The next-generation CLA, planned for late 2026, combined a four-cylinder engine with an integrated electric motor. Early 2026 would see the limited CLA 45 S Final Edition. The 2026 CLE had optional rear-axle steering and adaptive suspension.

The AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon, arriving September 2025, paired an inline-six turbo engine with a 161-hp electric motor, generating 604 hp and achieving 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Electric AMG GT and SUV rollout

The four-door electric AMG GT would arrive in U.S. dealerships late 2026, based on AMG.EA architecture with axial flux motors. Mercedes previewed its technologies in the Concept GT XX.

A high-performance electric SUV would follow in 2027, using AMG.EA, axial flux motors, and advanced battery tech. Both vehicles would apply lessons from the record-setting GT XX concept, including aerodynamic efficiency, rapid charging, and multi-motor drive units.

Electric G-Class and GLC

For 2026, Mercedes added exterior and design packages to the electric G-Class. A compact battery-powered G-Class would arrive in H1 2027 on the MMA platform, keeping the original profile.

The electric GLC, set for H2 2026, would be built in Alabama. It featured 800-volt architecture, up to 320 kW rapid charging, optional all-wheel drive with a front motor that could disengage for efficiency, and rounded styling with two hood power domes.

Electric vans and EQ models

The new electric van will launch in Q3 2026, with cargo and passenger versions on VAN.EA platform. The Vision V concept previewed entertainment-focused interiors with cinema screens and surround sound.

Mercedes discontinued the EQB in 2026 and upgraded EQE sedan and crossover models with a 27 hp increase. The EQS sedan received minor updates in 2025, with performance AMG versions ending for 2026. These changes reflected ongoing EV lineup evolution.

The Mercedes CLA EV is facing criticism due to a significant charging issue affecting owners. Read more about the Mercedes CLA EV, which has a big charging problem.

Long-term product plans through 2029

The S-Class, SL, and GLS would see redesigns or updates between 2026 and 2029. Electric variants would accompany combustion versions. The Sprinter van would adopt VAN.CA architecture in Q3 2028.

Mercedes planned consistent platform sharing across electric and combustion vehicles. The strategy combined rapid electrification with established ICE tech, balancing performance, range, and charging infrastructure across sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

Mercedes has reduced prices on select EV models by up to $15,000, surprising buyers and the market. See more in some Mercedes EVs just dropped $15,000 in price.

Could this be the fastest electric car ever? Drop your comments below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.