Mercedes-AMG unveils electric CONCEPT AMG GT XX with axial flux motors
Built on the dedicated AMG Electric Architecture, the study features three axial flux motors and an 800-volt battery system. Two of the motors are mounted at the rear and integrated into a single High Performance Electric Drive Unit (HP.EDU), along with a planetary gearset and oil-cooled inverters. A third motor sits at the front, acting as a boost drive. It can be decoupled during coasting or low-load phases via a Disconnect Unit (DCU) to enhance system efficiency and reduce drag losses.
The motors are based on axial flux technology developed by YASA – the British e-motor specialist acquired by Mercedes-Benz AG. For the GT XX concept, the motors were further refined through close cooperation between YASA and the AMG development team in Affalterbach. The result is a compact, high-efficiency drive unit offering high continuous output and torque density in a minimal package.
“Compared with conventional electric motors, the innovative drive delivers a considerably higher sustained power output as well as higher torque,” AMG states. The motors are set to enter series production in 2026 and Yasa just recently opened its first factory in the UK.
Compact drive, continuous performance
Just as a reminder: An axial-flux motor generates torque via a magnetic field that flows parallel to the axis of rotation, using disc-shaped rotors and a central stator. Compared to radial-flux designs, it offers significantly higher power and torque density, improved thermal efficiency, and a more compact form factor, making it ideal for high-performance EV applications. The slim design also facilitates new drivetrain configurations and supports a low centre of gravity.
AMG emphasises that the rear-mounted HP.EDU integrates thermal management features including oil cooling for motors and gearboxes, water cooling for the inverters, and a compact hydraulic module. Silicon carbide semiconductors are used in the inverters to support high-voltage, high-frequency switching with minimal losses – key to maintaining performance under sustained load.
Top speed is rated at over 360 kph. The drive control strategy prioritises a balance of power delivery and thermal regulation to ensure consistent performance.
“The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is the next milestone in the history of AMG and forges a whole new dimension of performance,” said **Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of Business Units Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach. “We’re bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance. And the best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fibre of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture. “
High-voltage battery with Formula 1 DNA
The CONCEPT AMG GT XX also debuts a newly developed body-in-white, using a material mix of aluminium, steel and fibre composites to achieve high rigidity with minimal weight. The battery – dubbed High Performance Electric Battery (HP.EB) – is derived from Formula 1 and AMG ONE technologies. It uses over 3,000 cylindrical full-tab NCMA cells with silicon-based anodes and achieves up to 300 Wh/kg energy density at cell level.
According to AMG, the full-tab design significantly reduces internal resistance, enabling high charge/discharge rates and stable output under repeated high-load operation. The laser-welded aluminium cell housings improve heat transfer and reduce mass, while each cell is directly cooled using a dielectric oil-based fluid.
“The coolant flows through coolant channels in the modules, which are optimised for equal cooling of all the cells. A special piping system ensures even distribution of the cooling oil,” the company notes.
Installed centrally in the skateboard chassis, the battery contributes to structural integrity, crash safety, and optimised weight distribution. The casing also houses the Battery Management System (BMS), HV cabling and other electronics, with the enclosure acting as a structural component.
Charging performance is a key focus: the battery supports over 850 kW charging power at up to 1,000 amps, allowing for a theoretical recovery of up to 400 km (WLTP) of range in around five minutes. These figures are currently provisional. Mercedes-Benz is also collaborating with Alpitronic on a compatible high-power charging station prototype, and plans to integrate this capability into its proprietary Mercedes-Benz Charging Network for future models.
Aerodynamics, wheels and materials
The design of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX draws heavily from motorsport. AMG describes the silhouette as a fastback with racing DNA, citing the concave AMG grille, pronounced bonnet domes and wide rear haunches. The aerodynamic package delivers a benchmark drag coefficient of 0.198. “At 300 km/h, around 83 per cent of energy is used to overcome aerodynamic drag,” AMG notes – underscoring the importance of efficiency at high speeds.
Key aero elements include a Venturi-effect underbody, an active AIRPANEL cooling system, and an active airbrake – all contributing to high-speed stability beyond 360 km/h.
The concept also debuts AMG’s active Aero Wheel system. The 21-inch forged aluminium rims house movable aero blades, each actuated autonomously by a mini-generator and controlled via Bluetooth – a claimed world first. The blades adjust in real-time to balance brake cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the cabin showcases AMG’s vision for electric performance luxury. High-voltage orange accents trace the exposed structural elements, while innovative materials take centre stage. The seats feature LABFIBER Biotech Leather – made from recycled GT3 tyres and bio-based polymers.
The latest generation of MBUX, based on the MB.OS operating system, integrates performance telemetry with a dedicated AMG user interface. At the rear, a Fluid Light Panel with 700 RGB LEDs enables external communication through dynamic light animations – blurring the line between function and design.
“The best minds in our global R&D network have contributed their extensive expertise – from Mercedes‑Benz in Sindelfingen and Untertürkheim to Mercedes‑AMG in Affalterbach and YASA in the UK to our Formula 1 drivetrain experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
“Together, they have developed the CONCEPT AMG GT XX and are providing an insight into pioneering drivetrain technology and the future of performance. The technology programme pushes the boundaries even further and ventures into new ground. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX with its three axial flux motors now lifts performance and endurance to a completely new level.”
“With the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, we have succeeded in translating our design vision for AMG into the future. Sports cars have always been the icons of our brand; they are emotional and truly special to create. They represent unique moments in time,” concludes Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “The brand-new CONCEPT AMG GT XX embodies the hot part of our design philosophy of sensual purity.”
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