1000kW Concept AMG GT XX is our closest look yet at the performance division’s new flagship

Mercedes-AMG will soon usher in a new era with its AMG .EA high performance architecture and innovative axial flux motors.

The new Concept AMG GT XX, revealed to the world on Thursday, provides our closest look yet at the first series production model that will be based on this architecture.

Set to rival Porsche’s Taycan EV, the new battery-powered performance sedan will reportedly replace the current Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door.

The Concept AMG GT XX shows off a bold new design language that takes elements from the brand’s motorsport icons. To that end, it features an ultra-wide Panamericana grille, while the triple-round taillights are a new design feature for the brand.

The concept’s performance potential is even more startling, with three “axial flux” electric motors delivering a peak output of more than 1,000kW. Acceleration figures haven’t been announced, but the top speed is listed at 360km/h, which is impressive for an EV.

AMG’s new creation has a disc-shaped stator and rotor, with the magnetic flux following parallel to the motor’s axis (axial) rather than perpendicular (radial) as it would in a conventional e-motor.

Two of the motors are mounted on the rear axle, with one powering the front wheels, allowing fully variable torque distribution through the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.

“With our high-tech axial flux motor, we’re delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging,” says Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe.

“This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables previously unimagined levels of performance and endurance.”

To that end, the pioneering battery design features cylindrical cells that are “remarkably” tall and slim, which benefits cooling.

The lithium-ion energy storage unit has a high voltage of more than 800 volts, and thanks to a very high average charging power of over 850kW, the concept can recharge energy for around 400km in just five minutes.

The vehicle’s interior, also inspired by racing cars, has been reduced to the essentials and the colour scheme is almost entirely black, contrasted with silver and orange accents.

There are some interesting touches, like components inspired by high-voltage cables, and a rectangular steering wheel inspired by that in the Mercedes-AMG One.

The front bucket seats, backed by carbon-fibre racing shells, feature ergonomically optimised seat pads with a distinctive 3D printed structure.

In keeping with the minimalist and driving-focused theme, the two display screens are ergonomically angled towards the driver and have a seamless-glass look.

“With the Concept AMG GT XX, we have succeeded in translating our design vision for AMG into the future,” says Mercedes Group design chief.

“Sports cars have always been the icons of our brand; they are emotional and truly special to create. Crafting these masterpieces is about creating something extraordinary - from the C111 to the Vision One‑Eleven, and into the future of production. The brand-new Concept AMG GT XX embodies the hot part of our design philosophy of sensual purity.”

IOL