AMG’s GT XX Taycan rival has power and drama aplenty

Mercedes-AMG has previewed its future electric flagship, the Concept GT XX. It is a 1000kW monster showcasing radical design, and a motorsport-inspired cockpit.

The four‑door coupe features a tri‑motor electric drivetrain and an oil‑cooled 114kWh cell‑to‑pack battery capable of charging at up to 850kW.

It serves as a technology demonstrator for what will become the heavily anticipated successor to the GT 4‑Door Coupé. The AMG GT XX promises to be the most powerful AMG yet.

Due out next year, AMG will attempt to break records first with this prototype.

The production model will target a 0-100 time of less than 2.5sec and a top speed of almost 360km/h.

Chief technology officer, Markus Schäfer, said: “With the EQXX, we pushed limits on efficiency”, leading to the CLA. 

“With the GT XX, the aim is to do the same on the performance side: test the edge, then bring that innovation into production.”

The GT XX is the first model that uses the new AMG.EA electric car platform. Its battery pack is integrated into the chassis to enhance torsional rigidity and improve crash protection. The body is constructed of aluminium, steel and carbonfibre composites.

Appearance

This is a new look for AMG. It previews the successor to the GT 4‑Door Coupé, while also showcasing the performance division’s electric future. A long bonnet, cab‑rear profile and tapering rear end remind of the Vision AMG of 2022.

It merges GT and sports car worlds in a visually inspiring package, according to AMG. Think electric supercar.

Up front is the latest interpretation of the AMG Panamericana grille, now with a more concave, oval form and 10 vertical strakes. Adjacent are recessed headlights and a deep splitter. 

The hood features functional vents to extract heat, while the screen is steeply raked for improved aerodynamics. Its roof has a defined central channel for added stability. Along the flanks, frameless doors with flush handles and compact aero mirrors reduce drag. The side sills are also sculpted for enhanced airflow management.

While there’s no rear window – this may change for production – six round tail‑lights are joined by an LED light panel that can display various messages. An airbrake spoiler deploys under heavy braking or at high speed. It works in conjunction with a large carbon fibre diffuser.

Even the 21in alloys are aero-optimised with five active blade sections per wheel. These open up for brake cooling and close to reduce drag.

Speaking of which, its Cd is a claimed 0.19, pretty impressive given aero was optimised for downforce and cooling over drag reduction.

An underfloor aerodynamic package evidently generates a venturi-like effect, for “exceptional aerodynamic balance”.

This is a sizeable car, being 5204mm long, 2130mm wide and 1317mm tall. It is considerably bigger than the GT 4‑Door Coupé. By contrast, Taycan is 4963mm long, 2144mm wide and 1379mm high.

Axial flux motors

Two axial‑flux motors drive the rear wheels, while a third up front can decouple to reduce mechanical drag. The 1000kW output goes to all four wheels via a fully variable 4Matic+ system. Evidently there are “thousands of Nm”, though no precise figure is stated as yet. The twin motors at the rear allow for precise torque vectoring. 

These motors, built by UK manufacturer Yasa, will be used by all electric AMGs in future. They are about half the size and and three times as power dense as radial flux electric motors.

The GT XX’s 114kWh cylindrical‑cell battery pack is oil cooled, for more efficient heat transfer under sustained load.

It can support DC charging at up to 850kW in theory. While distance per charge isn’t stated, the battery can recover around 400km of range in five minutes.

There are no 850kW public chargers as yet but AMG believes 1000kW units will come in time.

Suspension is by double‑wishbones up front and a multi‑link rear, combined with adaptive air springs. There’s also active roll control and rear‑wheel steering. AMG says weight distribution is an even 50:50.

Synthetic sound

An emotionally appealing soundtrack is key to an electric sports car, according to AMG. There’s an eight‑speaker exterior sound system that mimics acceleration sounds of ICE powered vehicles. The GT XX may come with a virtual gearshift system too.

Shaefer says “It’s about emotion – how a car sounds. We believe an electric AMG can still deliver that experience.”

The cabin mixes luxury themes with GT3 elements. Dual digital displays fill the dash, while the steering wheel is inspired by that of the AMG One. Ambient orange piping echoes the car’s high‑voltage cabling, while seats feature 3D‑printed ergonomic inserts.

Biotech leather alternatives made from recycled GT3 tyres cover the seats. The carbon fibre roof is visible from inside the cabin as there’s no headliner. Even the floor uses recycled materials.

The GT XX is not the only AMG sports model going into production soon. A closely related SUV should debut in 2027, a rival for the upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne. Expect technology from these models to trickle down to electric Mercedes vehicles quite quickly.

While Lamborghini, Porsche and Maserati have postponed or cancelled forthcoming electric models, Ferrari is still going ahead with the launch of its first electric supercar in October. However, its next won’t arrive until 2028.