The Mercedes-AMG GT Concept Drives Around the World in Under Eight Days
In a feat of endurance that redefines the limits of electric performance, the Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept completed a virtual circumnavigation of the globe, covering 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles) in seven days, 13 hours, and 24 minutes.
In the "Around the World in Eight Days" challenge at Italy’s Nardò proving ground, two identical concept cars shattered a total of 25 performance records. This marathon run was the ultimate validation of the brand's upcoming AMG.EA electric architecture, proving that its production-ready technology can deliver unprecedented endurance and speed.
The GT XX obliterated the existing 24-hour distance record for an electric vehicle by logging 5,479 kilometers, smashing the previous record by over 1,500 kilometers. The Xiaomi YU7 held the previous record with 3,944 km. To achieve this feat, the cars maintained an average speed of nearly 300 km/h (186 mph) day and night, pausing only for ultra-fast 850 kW charging sessions.
“This wasn’t just a test; it was a mission,” said Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer of the Mercedes-Benz Group. “We are entering a new dimension of performance - this time with fully electric drive. Our goal is to redefine the standards of what is technically possible."
The key to this relentless performance lies in its revolutionary technology. The GT XX is powered by three axial-flux motors co-developed with Mercedes-owned YASA, which are significantly lighter, more compact, and three times more power-dense than conventional motors. It is also paired with a Formula 1-inspired, directly cooled battery that uses a special oil to keep its over 3,000 cells at an optimal temperature, even under extreme duress.
This thermal management system is crucial, enabling the cars to absorb massive amounts of power in minutes and immediately resume blistering speeds, lap after lap, even in ambient temperatures above 35°C.
