1341-HP Mercedes-AMG GT XX EV is a direct shot at the Porsche Taycan

 

The current period of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles is typified by the blob-shaped lineup of EQ-badged vehicles, but the next phase promises to be more intriguing. This new concept car, the AMG GT XX, is a strong indication that the brand's new electric performance halo model is nearing completion. This car appears to be production-ready in its current shape, and it will be available next year, powered by the new AMG.EA architecture, which promises massive power and ultra-fast charging speeds.

The GT XX is best viewed as a successor to the present AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, as it is identical in size and has a low-slung fastback appearance. The rakish GT XX features a Maserati-inspired, mouth-shaped grille and a daringly tapered tail end with no back glass. Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener claims the six circular taillight units are intended to resemble the quad exhaust tips found on AMG gas versions.

The AMG GT XX's all-wheel-drive engine is comprised of three electric motors, two in the back and one in the front. These motors employ a power-dense axial-flux design, as opposed to the more common radial-flux motors seen in most EVs. Total output is 1341 horsepower, which exceeds the most powerful Porsche Taycan, the 1019-hp Turbo GT. AMG has not yet made promises regarding 60-mph acceleration, but it does estimate a peak speed of 223 mph.

With its 800-volt electrical design, the AMG.EA platform that supports this vehicle also adds new battery technology to the Mercedes range. We don't know the battery capacity yet, but AMG stresses the pack's tall, thin battery cells and boasts that the innovative cooling system allows for very consistent performance.

Mercedes is also making grandiose promises about the EV XX's charging speed. According to the specifications, the automobile would have an average charging speed of 850 kilowatts and can add 248 miles of range in five minutes. This will, of course, be dependent on charging equipment, since a DC fast-charger capable of this level of power is required to charge this quickly. Mercedes and European charging manufacturer Alpitronic have developed a prototype charger capable of doing so, which they want to make available to the public in the near future.The business stated that the 850-kW charging will be done via a CCS connection for European applications, but it did not specify how this would convert to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port that it has begun to use for its EVs in the United States.

The inside of the GT XX also appears to shift when contrasted to some of the present EQ cars, which have large hyperscreens covering the dashboard. There are still two enormous screens inside, but the design is more driver-oriented and simple, with orange highlights and a minimalistic central console. AMG claims to use sustainable materials, such as synthetic leather created from recycled GT3 racing tires. The lightweight seats with carbon-fiber frames, as well as the squared-off steering wheel, are modeled by race car cockpits.

AMG may ultimately offer several power levels, but we can only presume that the 1341-hp combination will be the top of the line. The Porsche Taycan is its primary target, but it will also compete with high-performance EVs like the Lucid Air Sapphire and Audi e-tron GT. It will also produce an SUV sister that will use this platform.

We don't know what the actual version of this AMG EV will be called yet, but we expect it to bear the GT designation in some form or another. AMG claims this new vehicle will go into production in 2026, and we expect it to be priced well into the six-figure range.