Mercedes-AMG has revealed the Concept AMG GT XX as a preview of the brand’s first purpose-built EV.
The Concept AMG GT XX’s design is fittingly sporty, arriving as a low-slung 4-door coupe-like sedan. An AMG-specific front grille features a wide, ovular design with ten vertical struts, round driving lights at the corners of the grille, and a large Mercedes star in the middle that recalls famed AMG models of the past, such as the C111. Indeed, the C111 is also recalled in the Concept GT XX’s striking color, which the brand is calling “sunset beam orange.”
The profile is dominated by sleek, organic curves that appear suitably aerodynamic. Its 21-inch forged alloy wheels feature an active aero design, with flat carbon fiber blades able to open and close as they actively balance aerodynamic performance with brake cooling needs. This system doesn’t draw energy from the vehicle’s battery; instead, it uses kinetic energy from the vehicle’s forward motion to power the system’s small electric motors.
The rear of the Concept AMG GT XX features six round LED taillights (three circles on each side), flanking an LED display that the brand calls the MBUX Fluid Light Panel. That central LED panel is capable of displaying numerous pieces of information, including vehicle charging status and even text and animations to communicate other details about the vehicle’s operation. A notable omission from the back of the car, much like the Polestar 4, is the absence of a rear windshield. Instead, the Concept AMG GT XX will rely on a full set of cameras to help you see what’s going on out back.
Luminescent paint segments are also integrated into the Concept AMG GT XX’s design that feature “special color pigments emit light in response to an alternating current. This results in brightly glowing paint that is clearly noticeable in the dark. The paint is built up in several electrically conductive and insulating layers.” This paint technology has already been used in the brand’s GT3 racecar and can even convey information about the vehicle’s charge status.
Of course, AMG cars are all about performance, and on that front, the Concept AMG GT XX unequivocally delivers with a total system output of 1,340 hp. This power is distributed to all four wheels via two electric drive units, each featuring three axial-flux electric motors: one in the front and two in the rear. Those axial-flux motors are deeply integrated into the electric drive units themselves, which each feature their own planetary gearset and water-cooled inverter, with the motors and gearsets themselves being oil-cooled.
The Concept AMG GT XX features a simulated soundscape for both exterior passersby and those within the cabin, designed to mimic the sound of a mighty AMG V8. The Concept AMG GT XX’s headlights feature speakers that use the headlight housing itself to project these sounds to the outside world. Mercedes-AMG says this new system “saves space, reduces weight and enables new sound variants,” all important considerations on a performance vehicle.
Built on an 800-volt architecture with an advanced battery back capable of charging at speeds up to 850kW, the Concept AMG GT XX is able to add an impressive 250 miles of range in roughly five minutes. The battery pack features a proprietary design with direct-cooled cylindrical cells, providing better heat management and enabling sustained high-performance runs.
The interior of the Concept AMG GT XX combines performance and luxury in a manner that Mercedes-AMG has made a name for itself. It features a driver-focused arrangement consisting of a 10.22-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch center touchscreen, all within easy reach.
A yoke-style steering wheel, inspired by that in the AMG ONE, also greets the driver and comes complete with an abundance of controls for everything from sound system volume to drive mode selection. A set of LEDs mounted on the steering column communicates the state of charge to the driver, including when the vehicle is accelerating and when it is recovering energy during braking.
Up front, carbon fiber bucket seats are custom-fitted to the buyer’s body shape through advanced 3D scanning before fabrication. The rear seats are molded directly into the rear bulkhead of the Concept AMG GT XX to save weight and reduce complexity. Interior trim and even the textile on the seats are made from used GT3 race tires.
There is no traditional headliner on the ceiling; instead, passengers are treated to an unobscured view of the vehicle’s carbon fiber construction. The overall color scheme is overwhelmingly black, an intentional choice that helps the silver trim and orange backlighting, inspired by high-voltage cables, really pop.
Although some of the more fanciful items, like the trick paint and communicative LED lightbar at the back, will likely not make it to production, the Concept AMG GT XX should serve as a fairly faithful preview of the forthcoming production version. When it does arrive, it will likely carry a price tag as lofty as its performance specs.