CONCEPT AMG GT XX Shatters EV Endurance Records at Nardò
A few days ago, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX captured global attention by covering 40,075 kilometres on the legendary Nardò test track in under eight days, setting 25 long-distance records with an emphatic margin during this “around the world in eight days” drive. Under extreme test conditions, this technology pioneer proved outstanding endurance and extended Mercedes-AMG’s long record-breaking tradition. The performance brand from Affalterbach pushed the limits with two vehicles lapping at a sustained 300 km/h for 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 07 seconds, breaking record after record.
Among those records sits the longest distance ever covered by an electric vehicle in 24 hours. In this extreme EV endurance test, the team not only broke the previous benchmark once but shattered it fourteen times. Mercedes-AMG fielded two CONCEPT AMG GT XX prototypes for the Nardò challenge, and both exceeded the prior mark in every single 24-hour window by a commanding margin.
This result rested on the unmatched staying power of a revolutionary all-electric drivetrain. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX utilises three axial-flux motors and a direct-cooled battery, technologies slated for series production on the high-performance AMG next year—EA architecture for electric supercars.
A suite of additional, partly production-ready innovations also proved decisive. An integrated cooling concept, sophisticated aerodynamics and an intelligent operating strategy worked together with exterior and interior advances that include an augmented reality racing helmet, ergonomic 3D seat pads and new biotechnology-based materials. Exterior highlights include illuminated paint segments along the sides, headlight-integrated speakers and the MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear.
Mercedes-AMG and Formula 1® stand for innovation, intense competition, and pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible. Our powertrains have been delivering groundbreaking success since the very first road races in automotive history more than 120 years ago, setting benchmarks for decades. In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes-Benz was a regular guest at Nardò, setting numerous international speed and track records - most notably with the C111 as part of its visionary technology program. Back then, we demonstrated the performance capabilities of innovative diesel and petrol powertrains. Now, with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology programme, we are entering a new dimension of performance – this time with fully electric drive. The goal is to redefine the limits of what is technically possible in the age of electric drives. So what could be more fitting than to go chasing records once again? Our mission: to redefine the very standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations. The motivation and dedication of the cross-functional team from Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Mobility, and our F1 engine experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains throughout the entire preparation phase were boundless. I am immensely proud of the unprecedented achievement of the whole team in this unique record drive.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement
“At AMG, innovation has a clear purpose: it must deliver performance for our customers. That’s why many of the technologies from the CONCEPT AMG GT XX will soon make their way into our production vehicles. At the heart of this is, of course, the revolutionary drive concept featuring axial-flux motors and a directly cooled battery, both of which will be available as early as next year. In addition, we are leveraging the data gathered in Nardò to further refine our upcoming high-performance architecture, AMG.EA. Our customers will benefit from an entirely new dimension of sustained electric power,” said Michale Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of Business Units Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach
Powerful, demand-based cooling underpinned the sustained output of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX. At its core is the innovative direct liquid cooling of the high-performance battery, complemented by tailored cooling for the Electric Drive Units on the front and rear axles, as well as for the OneBox, which integrates power electronics for the 12-volt onboard system and the onboard charger. Different systems need different temperature windows, so the Central Coolant Hub precisely supplies each component. This compact, highly integrated “mastermind” sits between the front EDU and the left front longitudinal member, combining high-performance cooling pumps, temperature sensors, and 4-/5-way valves in one housing. This reduces the need for hoses, brackets, clamps, and pumps, saving weight and space. The CCH links every component that needs cooling to the central radiator and two wheel-arch radiators, and newly developed valves switch partial circuits on or off as required. In high-load driving and at elevated ambient temperatures, it can deliver maximum cooling to all components, while also targeting individual elements with high efficiency. Together with the axial-flux motors and directly cooled battery, this system provides full performance in virtually any situation, whether driving or charging. After high-speed running in hot conditions, the car can access maximum charging power immediately. Following a rapid charge, it can return straight to exceptional driving performance without de-rating.
A passive underbody cooling plate at the front complements the concept. Developed by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in England and already tested in the VISION EQXX, this permanently flowing plate effectively eases the central radiator, allowing the air control system to remain closed for extended periods. This improvement enhances energy efficiency and reduces aerodynamic drag.
Aerodynamics reinforce cooling performance. Engineers further developed the AIRPANEL air control system known from the AMG GT. Movable louvres behind the grille balance cooling and low drag, and, for the first time, integrate wheel-arch coolers with fans. In regular running, the louvres remain closed to reduce drag and direct air towards the underbody. When the heat exchangers need extra air, the louvres open on demand.
At 300 km/h, approximately 83 per cent of the drive energy is used to overcome aerodynamic drag, making efficient aero critical for high-performance EVs. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX was optimised for high speed, featuring an athletic body, a low-slung bonnet, and a slender greenhouse, along with a low front section that includes side air curtains, splitters ahead of the wheels, and an extended, wide rear with a diffuser and side blades. Focused refinements, including optimised aero mirrors, an extended diffuser and a rear spoiler lip, delivered an outstanding Cd of 0.19 in the Nardò endurance run despite wide high-performance tyres. At Nardò speeds, a one-point Cd improvement of 0.001 can benefit range and efficiency similarly to shedding roughly 90 kilograms. Engineers also designed a specific underbody contour to create a Venturi effect, which reduces rear-axle lift with minimal drag penalty, resulting in very high stability. Thanks to this aero balance, the active rear spoiler stayed retracted during the extreme test.
New 20-inch wheels further improved stability and efficiency. The aluminium wheels use aero-carbon claddings that differ front to rear. At the front, slats guide air from outside to inside; at the rear, they pump air from inside to outside. The result is a cleaner flow around the car and stronger stability with less resistance than fully closed wheels. Brake cooling could be neglected because the car decelerated almost entirely via recuperation up to each pit stop. The vehicle ran Michelin high-performance tyres engineered for peak grip and maximum efficiency.
Charging performance proved just as vital as on-track speed. Thanks to a newly developed Alpitronic charging station and a temporary High-Power Charging Hub, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX charged at an average of about 850 kW in Nardò. The team installed its own hub on site, featuring medium-voltage lines, transformers, and charging stations, leveraging the expertise of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Unit from its global High-Power Charging network. From permit application to commissioning, the temporary hub was completed in just under three months, and the new grid connection supported more than 2.5 megawatts across three chargers. Working closely with Alpitronic, the European leader in high-power charging, Mercedes-Benz enabled a prototype station that can transmit up to 1,000 amps through a standard CCS cable, roughly double the previous capability. The solution utilised an MCS dispenser originally designed for trucks, paired with a conventional CCS cable enhanced with improved cooling. Engineers co-developed the charging system with the vehicle, validating both together on a Stuttgart-Untertürkheim test bench that simulated real charging scenarios. This approach showcases Mercedes-Benz’s holistic development philosophy.
Intelligent software and record strategy drew on Formula 1® expertise. Based on the Mercedes-Benz MB.OS architecture, the Battery Management System keeps the battery within its optimal performance window at all times. Because engineers cannot directly measure internal processes of individual cells, the team first used modified cells and sensors to learn real-world behaviour. They instrumented the cells with reference electrodes and core temperature sensors, feeding data into the BMS to precisely model the cells and enhance charging performance. The system creates virtual sensors from physical measurements, enabling a real-time view into the core of the cells throughout the drive. Extensive simulations defined the optimal strategy in advance, including the ideal cruising speed of 300 km/h. The team modelled the condition of each cell, regulated it via the BMS, validated results at the cell level, then on the e-Drive test bench in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, and finally on track, iterating for ever more accurate forecasts.
Simulation experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains also developed a tool that compared the pre-calculated strategy in real-time with on-site conditions. During the Nardò endurance run, HPP engineers monitored factors such as temperature, wind, surface dirt and tyre wear, adapting stint length and tactics from the Mission Control Truck as data streamed in continuously. In close cooperation with HPP, the development team calculated a driving profile for each stint. Following a Formula 1®-style principle, the car accelerates to 300 km/h and maintains that speed for a pre-calculated number of laps. When a charge approaches, recuperation of up to 0.6 g slows the car while feeding energy back into the battery, allowing a precise pit entry and exact stop at the charger. After the rapid charge, the vehicle launches back to 300 km/h and resumes the cycle.
The Predictive Performance Manager made a significant contribution to this result. This bespoke powertrain software optimises energy flow and gives the driver clear prompts for a performance-efficient driving style, delivered acoustically and visually through the augmented reality helmet and the instrument panel. For pinpoint instructions at specific points on the track, the PPM utilises GPS track data from AMG Track Pace, stored in the system.
MB.OS also underpins a tailor-made display concept for the record drive. A deeply integrated software-to-cloud architecture connects and controls all units and functions. The 26-centimetre (10.25-inch) instrument cluster displays core vehicle data, including speed and state of charge. At the same time, the 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) multimedia display, angled towards the driver with a seamless-glass look, presents the most critical parameters during the run. Drivers can view the current stint time, laps since the last charge, distance covered, real-time position on the track, state of charge in percentage, and the status of the charging flap, as well as the current driving mode. During charging, the display switched to a dedicated view that rotated the vehicle silhouette to a side profile and highlighted the battery with a pulsing light as the charge rose. The steering wheel added further functionality. Engineers configured the two AMG steering-wheel buttons exclusively for the record run, with the left button setting the next recuperation point and the right button adjusting the active louvres and selecting the number of laps before the next stop. As with Formula 1 and the AMG ONE, eight LEDs on the upper rim provided additional cues. Blue LEDs indicated charging progress until the target SoC, green signalled time to go, red meant wait, white prompted lift and coast, and blue was used during driving to call for recuperation.
Mercedes-Benz has been pioneering augmented reality in vehicles for years, and with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, the technology is introduced into a racing helmet for the first time. The helmet seamlessly integrates vehicle and track data into the driver's field of vision in real-time, enabling them to maintain their focus on the circuit at all times. It supplements the in-car screens with battery charge, speed, lap counter and steering-wheel function status. Speed-dependent coloured lane arrows aided night driving, AR gates marked the start and end of recuperation, and the system displayed the car’s position on the high-speed curve. Finished in Sunset beam orange with the AMG emblem on the back, the helmet integrates the HANS safety system. Despite its AR hardware and battery, it weighs around two kilograms. Aegis Rider Helmets, a startup from ETH Zurich, served as the development partner, with GT3 racers Manuel Metzger, Thomas Jäger, and Fabian Vettel contributing their expertise.
As part of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology programme, the team also researched “aerodynamics by wire”. For the first time, an electric plasma actuator created targeted flow separation on a rear body curve that would typically require a physical spoiler lip. This innovation reduces drag, improves aero performance and unlocks new design freedom. Engineers proved its effectiveness on a 1:1 wind-tunnel model at up to 200 km/h, making Mercedes-Benz the world’s first car maker to test the technology successfully in this setting. Research will now continue towards potential vehicle applications. The plasma actuator utilises two asymmetrically arranged electrodes, separated by a dielectric layer, and is mounted flush to body components. Applying high-frequency alternating voltage forms an electric field in weakly ionised air. The ions accelerate, collide with neutral air and transfer momentum, known as plasma-actuator volume force, which induces local flow for precise control. The thin, light components can be painted over, improve Cd and efficiency, and require no mechanical or hydraulic parts. Engineers can quickly adapt them to different designs in various sizes and shapes.
Front bucket seats feature carbon racing shells with ventilation openings and integrated head restraints, complemented by new ergonomically optimised seat pads with an open 3D structure. Hook-and-loop fasteners allow quick swaps to tailor comfort to each driver. The pads are trimmed in LABFIBER biotech leather alternative in pearl black. Borrowed from endurance racing, individual pads for each driver can be exchanged in seconds. In the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, 3D printing creates shapes based on ergonomic data captured by a body scan. When multiple drivers share the cockpit, the correct pad drops in quickly for precise support.
The innovation team also created the “ThrillAR” Experience, a mixed-reality showcase on Apple Vision Pro that lets users relive the high-speed Nardò run. Track data, lap times and vehicle performance merge with interactive elements such as a pit stop, culminating in a virtual drive to the finish. The format will be showcased at IAA Mobility and future events, allowing a broader audience to experience the record run.
For more than three decades, Michelin has supported Mercedes-AMG on its most ambitious projects. To enable more than 40,000 kilometres at a constant 300 km/h, Michelin developed a new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5 Energy tyre. The result of five years of R&D, it previews a series of product lines slated for release next year. Designers utilised advanced simulation of vehicle and tyre dynamics, as well as multi-component 3D manufacturing. An innovative KM architecture combines a two-component compound with differentiated characteristics. On the outer shoulder, the latest Energy Passive Compound cuts energy consumption, while the new Adaptive Grip Compound in the centre maximises traction on dry and wet roads. This unique design delivers exceptional efficiency and reduces charging frequency, while consistent performance supports the highest safety right to the last kilometre. At Nardò, Michelin supplied engineers, technicians and fitters to handle tyre changes, provide technical support and monitor tyres around the clock using RFID chips.
Microsoft supported the endurance test with robust infrastructure and a specialist Mission Critical Team to guarantee seamless platform operation. Throughout the mission, a solution called MB.log, developed by Mercedes-Benz with Microsoft, continuously collected and analysed vehicle-condition data. Running in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud provided on Microsoft Azure, MB.log, together with onboard measurement hardware, functioned as the vehicle’s data nervous system, capturing, transmitting and analysing performance-critical data so engineers could monitor and optimise behaviour under extreme conditions.
Signify enhanced performance and safety with intelligent, energy-efficient lighting at critical points of the track, including the tunnel and pit area. In the tunnel, Philips LEDinaire floodlights, combined with Colour Kinetics ColorGraze IntelliHue luminaires, delivered balanced, functional lighting. IntelliHue can produce millions of saturated colours, pastels and high-quality white light with precisely controlled, uniform output. Strategically placed inside and outside the tunnel, the lights guided drivers accurately and avoided confusion, while the LED floodlights provided the pit crew with a clear view for quick tyre changes and minor repairs. On one off-grid section with heavy vehicle and pedestrian movement, Philips SunStay Pro solar lights provided uniform illumination and reduced environmental impact through a circular design. Together, these technologies illuminated the track, shaped the driving experience and supported Mercedes-AMG at every step of its mission.
