The Mercedes AMG GT XX Concept Will Spawn A Tesla Killer Next Year, Which Will Come At A Hefty Price, But Is Said To Be The Most Advanced Performance EV In The Business

With global sales of over 17 million units, it is safe to say EVs are here to stay. The market trends for electric vehicles are clear, and this includes performance models, which is where the competition brings out the best of what each manufacturer has to offer. 

Nowadays, we have plenty of worthy offerings to choose from. From the bargain that is the Tesla Model S Plaid, to the poised precision of the Porsche Taycan, and even KIA with its continuously evolving EV6 GT. 

Now, following the sales flop that is the Mercedes EQS, the brand has come up with a much more radical and more performance-oriented EV. The AMG GT XX is a more radical approach to the high-performance EV. 

While the EQS is stuck somewhere between wanting to be an environmentally-conscious S-Class and a tire-shredding monster, the new GT XX clearly aims to take the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan’s lunch money, through revolutionary tech and the typical German overengineering.

The Mercedes AMG GT XX is over the top in every aspect

The AMG GT XX will lead to a production model, said to debut around mid-2026. The new premium super EV sedan is more powerful than the range-topping Tesla Model S Plaid (1,020 horsepower)  and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (1,034 horsepower). 

The Mercedes AMG GT XX trumps both with a combined output of 1,360 horsepower thanks to three electric motors. One motor powers the front axle and features a spur-gear transmission, while two electric motors power the rear wheels and have their dedicated, planetary gearset. 

This means the GT XX has three automatic transmissions (one for each e-motor). The result is a sophisticated system that can seamlessly transition between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive as well as to distribute torque accordingly, depending on conditions and load.

In August, the Mercedes AMG GT XX ran over seven hours and 13 minutes non-stop, covering just over 24,901 miles on the Nardo test track, at speeds of 186 mph (300 km/h). While doing so, the German performance sedan broke the world record for driven distance in 24 hours (with an electric car) by 943 miles. Moreover, the Mercedes AMG GT XX Concept has a confirmed top speed of 223 mph (360 km/h).

New revolutionary propulsion tech with immense power density

The axial-flux electric motors found in the Mercedes AMG GT XX Concept are the pinnacle of EV propulsion. The new design allows them to have immense power density while keeping the weight extremely low. A single motor weighs just 28.6 pounds and can develop a peak output of up to 1,006 horsepower - a new world record for power density.

Currently, Mercedes does not give us a range with a single charge, but thanks to the 800-Volt architecture and highly-efficient liquid battery cooling, you are able to get 249 miles (400 km) of range in around five minutes and over 77 miles (125 km) of range in about one minute. The AMG GT XX can charge at an average rate of over 850 kW and reach peaks of over 1.0 MW for a short period of time, with a standard CCS cable.

The AMG GT XX Concept is a test bed for new tech, which will be integrated into future high-performance models based on the EA architecture. Perhaps, we could see a production version of the Mercedes Vision Iconic Concept, or at least something inspired by it,  powered by a V-8 or a V-12 hybrid, featuring the new axial-flux motors in some capacity. 

The GT XX Concept features an innovative cooling underplate and central cooling hub that would ensure optimal working temperature even under high loads. Advanced aerodynamics ensure a low drag coefficient of 0.198, which further enhances performance. 

A super EV aimed at wealthy enthusiasts

Mercedes has never shied away from commanding a premium. After all, it is the brand that gave us the automobile as we know it. The AMG GT XX aims to redefine it in an era of electrification and accessible performance, and it will no doubt come at a premium. 

When the production variant eventually arrives, it will not be a bargain high-performance EV. That job falls onto the Tesla Model S Plaid, which starts at $109,990. Meanwhile, the Porsche Taycan Turbo - another German, premium EV sedan - starts at $181,300, with the Taycan Turbo GT easily surpassing $230,000. Expect the production variant of the  Mercedes AMG GT XX to be in the same region. 

The German super EV certainly promises a lot, but time will tell whether it will succeed in stealing clients from Tesla and Porsche. What’s your take on Mercedes’ super-advanced performance EV? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Mercedes AMG GT XX Concept press release