Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX Sets New 24-Hour EV Distance Record Of 3,404 Miles
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the Concept AMG GT XX, it was full of superlatives. Beyond its striking design, it can produce 1,341 horsepower from three electric motors, with a 223 mph top speed that’s faster than the mighty AMG One. However, the production-bound concept just bagged another metric in its favor. It’s now the EV endurance record holder, covering 3,405 miles in 24 hours, surpassing a record set by a Chinese sedan a few weeks ago by nearly a thousand miles.
But that’s not all. After eight days of testing, the Concept AMG GT XX also laid down some benchmarks for future contenders. It had reached 24,901 miles – enough distance for the car to cover the Earth’s circumference at the equator, leading the company to call the challenge “Around the World in Eight Days.” Two vehicles participated, finishing only 15.5 miles apart after over a week of nonstop running.
The Team Had To Lap Nardò 3,177 Times
The challenge was completed at the Nardò High-Speed Test Track in Italy. The “drive around the world” was completed in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, 07 seconds, or comfortably under 8 days. The Concept AMG GT XX had to lap the 7.88-mile circuit 3,177 times, averaging a speed of 186 mph, with an average daily distance of 3,293 miles. If you’ve been dreading your 100-mile daily commute, then let these people serve as an inspiration.
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Key Distance & Time Milestones |
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|---|---|---|
|
Distance (km) |
Distance (miles) |
Time Achieved |
|
2,000 km |
1,243 mi |
8h 40m 34s |
|
3,961 km (Route 66 length) |
2,462 mi |
17h 14m 42s |
|
5,000 km |
3,107 mi |
21h 54m 47s |
|
7,300 km (F1 season total) |
4,536 mi |
1d 8h 07m 58s |
|
10,000 km |
6,214 mi |
1d 20h 10m 00s |
|
20,000 km |
12,427 mi |
3d 16h 41m 52s |
|
21,196 km (Great Wall length) |
13,171 mi |
3d 22h 03m 22s |
|
25,000 km |
15,534 mi |
4d 15h 44m 51s |
|
30,000 km |
18,641 mi |
5d 14h 26m 53s |
|
40,000 km |
24,855 mi |
7d 13h 02m 59s |
|
40,075 km (Earth’s circumference) |
24,901 mi |
7d 13h 24m 07s |
Speaking of people, Mercedes has a special roster for this challenge, including Mercedes-AMG GT drivers, rally drivers, endurance specialists, and F1 star George Russell. They rotated in two-hour shifts to maintain pace, facing harsh conditions like ambient temperatures reaching 95°F – even higher when under the sun. Stops were reserved for charging, though that didn’t take long with the car’s over 850-kW ultra-fast charging that adds 249 miles of range in five minutes.
Formula 1-Inspired Battery Technology
Mercedes-Benz’s achievement shows the performance of the EV even in concept form. The Concept AMG GT XX features three axial flux motors (2 rear, 1 front booster), with a peak output of over 1,300 hp. Among the wonders here is the EV architecture and battery technology. Apart from the over 800V capabilities, which reduces cabling weight and results in shorter charging times, the directly cooled, Formula 1-inspired high-performance battery ensures high power output frequently, multiple times.
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Hourly Performance Records |
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|---|---|---|
|
Hours |
Distance (km) |
Distance (miles) |
|
12h |
2,750 km |
1,709 mi |
|
24h |
5,479 km |
3,405 mi |
|
48h |
10,860 km |
6,746 mi |
|
72h |
16,250 km |
10,099 mi |
|
96h |
21,632 km |
13,442 mi |
|
120h |
26,808 km |
16,651 mi |
|
144h |
32,099 km |
19,957 mi |
|
168h |
37,260 km |
23,153 mi |
“As an F1 driver, I’m used to pushing technology to its absolute limits – the CONCEPT AMG GT XX really impressed me. The axial flux motors respond as immediately and precisely as a Formula 1 drivetrain, but with an endurance that I have only ever experienced with combustion engines. This technology will revolutionise the driving experience – both on the racetrack and on the road.”
– George Russell, Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 team driver
The Concept AMG GT XX is expected to be the foundation of the electric alternative to the current gas-powered GT 4-Door Coupe. It’s also important to note that AMG is conjuring up some magic with this car, including simulated gear shifts and other stuff, so that’s something worth watching out for from Affalterbach.
