New 1,341bhp Mercedes-AMG GT XX is coming for the Taycan Turbo GT
Mercedes-AMG has previewed its upcoming electric super-saloon with the radical, high-tech Concept GT XX.
The four-door fully operational “technology programme” is designed to show what the new AMG.EA platform is capable of and packs staggering power from groundbreaking new motors, bespoke batteries and ultra-fast charging that will add 400km of range in 5 minutes.
At the heart of the Concept GT XX is a brand-new three motor setup using axial flux motors developed by British specialists YASA. These are a third of the size of traditional EV motors but pack three times the power density, allowing the GT XX to produce up to 1,341bhp. Mercedes-AMG says that will deliver a top speed of more than 223mph and a 0-62mph time of less than 3 seconds.
In most circumstances, the GT XX will operate as a rear-wheel-drive car, using two motors on the back axle. Under heavy demand a third, front-mounted, “booster” motor will kick in to deliver the full 1,341bhp. Mercedes-AMG says that the motors’ design means maximum performance can be extracted continuously without any degradation.
Powering the motors is an entirely new 114kWh lithium-ion battery which has also been developed to allow continuous and repeated high performance driving. The pack, which is integrated into the car’s structure, uses innovative direct cell cooling to keep it at optimum operating levels.
It also offers new levels of charging power, capable of operating at up to 850kW. That’s far faster than any public charging in Europe can deliver, but AMG says using a prototype charger developed by Alpitronic, the car can add 248 miles in just five minutes.
The GT XX’s design clearly draws on the Vision One-Eleven EV concept of 2023, and the C111 of 1969/70 which inspired that car. From its low slippery shape and bonnet-mounted cooling fins to diving coupe-style roof and sunset beam orange paintwork, there are nods to previous concepts.
There are also a host of aerodynamic features designed to improve the car’s performance and efficiency. The low-slung bonnet helps air move easily over the car while active air curtains in the front splitter extend into the wheel arches. The wheels feature electronically controlled blades that open and close to aid braking or air flow. And a smooth underbody runs from the splitter to a massive carbon fibre rear diffuser and creates a Venturi effect that means the GT XX doesn’t need a huge rear spoiler for downforce. At the rear there’s a solid panel in place of a rear window and an active air brake hidden in the elongated tail.
That tail also incorporates a “Fluid Light Panel” which lets occupants communicate with the outside world via more than 700 programmable LEDs. And, for the first time, the GT XX includes speakers in the headlights to emit driving sounds.
Inside, 3D printed seat pads that can be shaped to an individual driver are fitted to carbon fibre shells and finished in eco-friendly synthetic leather created from recycled plastic and oils derived from used racing tyres. Elsewhere there’s a pared-back look with exposed body structure and bright orange elements inspired by the high-voltage cabling of EV powertrains.
A yoke-style steering wheel similar to that in the AMG ONE hypercar sits ahead of a 10.25-inch digital instrument screen while a 14-inch central touchscreen is angled towards the driver for an immersive feel.
The screens appear production ready, but it’s not clear how much of the GT XX’s wild cabin or radical exterior design will make it into the production version of Mercedes-AMG’s Porsche Taycan and Lotus Emeya rival. What we do know is that we’ll see the final version in 2026 and much of the smart powertrain tech will eventually find its way into other models, including the AMG SUV due to arrive in 2027.
