Technical highlights of the Mercedes-AMG GT XX: The most intense details of the new star fighter

With the GT XX concept vehicle, Mercedes-AMG is launching an electric supercar that impresses not only with its power, but above all with some unusual technical solutions. We've identified some particularly outstanding details – from a wide variety of areas of vehicle technology.

The GT XX's electric motors are based on axial flux technology – a principle that differs significantly from all other series-produced electric motors (radial flux). In the axial flux motor, the magnetic flux runs axially to the direction of rotation. This results in a very compact design with extremely high power density. One of the AMG motors measures just 89 millimeters in length, yet delivers high torque and rapid response. This technology is still new in the automotive world, is not widely used, and is found almost exclusively in high-performance applications. Mercedes-AMG combines two of the approximately 450 hp motors on the rear axle with one on the front axle.

The engines in the AMG GT XX are based on a development by Yasa, a Mercedes subsidiary in England. The axial-flux engines are manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Berlin-Marienfelde using approximately 100 production processes. Mercedes considers around a third of these manufacturing steps to be world firsts and has protected them with patents. These include, for example, new laser technology and joining processes combined with artificial intelligence.

The battery architecture also follows an unusual approach: Instead of conventional module or plate cooling, each of the completely new round cells is directly surrounded by a special, electrically non-conductive coolant. This molded cooling ensures even temperature distribution throughout the pack, which significantly improves the battery's performance stability under continuous load. Combined with a systemic control system, it enables high recuperation performance and rapid, sustained power delivery.

The laser-welded aluminum cell housing is also a new development. It is lighter than the typically used steel can and has significantly better electrical and thermal conductivity. This offers advantages for targeted cell temperature control and enables faster cooling or warming up as needed. The cells are designed as full-tabs. This means that the cell winding is electrically and thermally connected to the terminals over its entire surface – and not just at specific points. This significantly reduces the internal resistance of the cells, enabling maximum charging and discharging performance. Furthermore, full-tab battery cells are particularly robust and function reliably even under demanding load conditions.

Particularly striking – and technically complex – are the active aero wheels. These feature speed-independent slats integrated into the rims that open or close depending on the operating condition. During braking, the open slats ensure targeted cooling of the braking system. During normal operation, they close to improve aerodynamics and reduce air turbulence. This type of active rim control is rarely found in series production.

Each wheel houses a simple, mountable and dismountable central actuator in its hub that moves the Aeroblades. The key feature: Each actuator is a self-contained unit that generates its own electrical power through a mini-generator powered by the wheels' rotation. The actuator communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's control unit via Bluetooth. Combined with an integrated high-performance battery, it can store enough energy for up to 200 blade movements, ensuring reliable brake cooling at all times.

The dual axial flux motor on the rear axle is coupled to a two-speed transmission. This concept makes sense for both efficiency and performance reasons: First gear supports maximum acceleration from a standstill, while second gear ensures improved efficiency and top speed at higher speeds. Unlike most electric vehicles, which rely on a single-speed transmission, this results in a significantly wider range of power characteristics. We already know this technology from the Porsche Taycan.

Two adjustable air flaps in the front underbody enable a targeted Venturi effect. Above a speed of 80 km/h, the flaps lower and accelerate the airflow beneath the vehicle. This creates a vacuum that significantly increases downforce on the front axle – according to the manufacturer, by up to 60 kilograms at 250 km/h. This form of active underbody aerodynamics is technically sophisticated and rarely found in production cars.

The electronically controlled aerodynamics are designed to ensure maximum driving stability at all speeds up to over 360 km/h and also increase the car's efficiency. Overall, the aerodynamic refinements reduce the drag coefficient and frontal area—thus contributing to high-speed performance and, at the same time, a longer range at high speeds. Despite the wide, high-performance tires, the drag coefficient is an extremely low 0.198.

A multi-color LED display is integrated into the adaptive rear wing, which can display safety-relevant information as needed—such as "Car Slow," "SC" (Safety Car), or yellow flags. This function is primarily aimed at track day and customer racing events, where fast visual communication between vehicles is essential. Another highlight of the Mercedes-AMG GT XX are its luminous paint segments.

This allows defined areas of the vehicle to be specially highlighted at night. The research and development experts use electroluminescence technology for this: special color pigments emit light in response to the application of an alternating voltage. The brightly luminous paint is therefore clearly visible in the dark. The paint is built up in several electrically conductive and insulating layers. Mercedes-AMG has already successfully used this paint on a GT3 racing car in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. On the AMG GT XX, the side member panels are highlighted in illuminated segments corresponding to the AMG logo. But the paint does more than just highlight the vehicle at night: during the charging process, it also serves as a means of communication and provides background information.

The GT XX relies on a fully decoupled architecture between the front and rear axles. While the electric axial flux motor supplies the rear axle directly via a dedicated transmission, the software is capable of controlling all drive torque to all four wheels individually and in real time – including torque vectoring and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. This highly integrated control system allows dynamic torque distribution between the wheels, adapted to the driving condition, traction, and driving situation.

Even though the cockpit features familiar displays and a rectangular steering wheel, the design still appears extremely futuristic. The color scheme is predominantly black with silver and orange accents. The eye is immediately drawn to the spectacular center console. It is designed as an open extruded structure. Instead of a closed cover, it deliberately displays visible bodyshell elements, as in motorsports. Orange-illuminated tubes run through the console, reminiscent of the high-voltage cables of an electric car.

Integrated into the console is a solid structural element in the shape of the AMG crest, milled from solid and illuminated. This open design also allows for the routing of fresh air and cables. The lower section of the cockpit and the center console are connected by vertical H-braces. To save weight, the individually molded carbon shell rear seats, including the cushion pads, are fully integrated into the rear wall of the car. The roof has no inner headliner, allowing a view of the carbon structure. The door panels, with lightweight tubes and orange pull loops, also recall motorsport.