Mercedes-Benz debuted the AMG GT XX Concept, showcasing innovative technology and setting records in high-performance EVs.
On the eve of the Auto Guangzhou 2025, Mercedes-Benz hosted a major Technology Innovation Day at the site of the former Canton Fair venue.
During the event, the AMG GT XX Concept made its China debut.
The vehicle showcased a suite of groundbreaking technologies—from its axial-flux motor appearing for the first time in a production-oriented EV, to a high-performance battery capable of sustained high-power output, to megawatt-level fast charging via a single cable, enabling 400 km of range recovery in just 5 minutes (WLTP).
It also completed an unprecedented endurance run: 40,075 km—roughly the circumference of the equator—in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 07 seconds—an achievement that left the audience astonished.
After the event, ChinaEV Home spoke with Oliver Thöne, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Greater China, and Drummond Jacoy, Senior Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz (China) Investment Co., Ltd., overseeing R&D and Procurement.
Disruptive break-through
For us, this event amounted to a decisive break-through in high-performance EVs.
Asked directly during the group interview, Thöne—who jokingly introduced his Chinese nickname “Brother Tong”—responded candidly.
He stated bluntly that the production version of the AMG GT XX Concept will overturn existing perceptions of high-performance EVs, adding that the 25 world records it has already broken offer tangible proof.
He expressed strong confidence that the production vehicle will continue to surprise customers.
The first reason, he noted, is that the car truly brings F1-derived electric performance technology to road-legal vehicles.
Working closely with the UK-based Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrain (HPP) team, everything from cell management and cooling strategies to complete performance system development is based directly on real F1 engineering.
All technologies have already been validated on the concept and will transfer to production.
Second, the vehicle applies an axial-flux motor never before used in series-production EVs. Mercedes has already demonstrated its performance at the Nardò proving grounds—delivering exceptional responsiveness, energy density, and sustained output.
Combined with breakthroughs in aerodynamics, electric drive architecture, and multiple key subsystems, Mercedes achieved a comprehensive leap in performance.
Thöne added that the cockpit follows a driver-centric philosophy consistent with Mercedes-AMG heritage.
“We pursue innovation relentlessly, and this vehicle—together with its new technological architecture—stands as the strongest expression of that innovation spirit.”
Super stability
Beyond disruptive technology, stability is what true performance enthusiasts value most.
This stability was demonstrated through the AMG GT XX Concept’s world-record run of more than 40,000 km in under eight days—enabled by a relay of 17 race drivers, more than 1,000-kW megawatt-level charging through a single cable, a battery with 300 Wh/kg energy density enabled by new cell chemistry, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and the first application of an axial-flux motor in such conditions.
An average speed of 300 km/h over seven days is a remarkable display of what Mercedes calls “super stability.”
Why pursue this?
Thöne explained that in the combustion era, a real performance car was defined not only by peak speed but by sustaining output under long-duration high load.
“The essence of a high-performance EV is clear—it must sustain high output over time,” Jacoy added.
To surpass past standards, the entire system needed restructuring.
Thöne revealed that Mercedes developed the electric drive system, battery, axial-flux motor, and charging technology for the AMG GT XX Concept completely from scratch.
“For us, what matters is not one heroic sprint, but whether the vehicle maintains peak performance through extended, continuous, high-intensity driving.”
Critical point
Discussing the technical hurdles, Jacoy said that delivering this performance requires rethinking the entire technology stack.
First is lightweighting, achievable only with ultra-high-density solutions such as the axial-flux motor and its performance advantages.
Next is system layout, such as a dual-motor rear axle enabling precise torque vectoring and enhanced control in high-performance driving.
The real challenge, however, is thermal management. Continuous high-output operation generates immense heat, and when a car reaches the charging station at high temperature, high-power fast charging becomes impossible.
Therefore, a true performance EV must solve two problems simultaneously: temperature stability during aggressive driving and rapid energy recovery under high thermal load.
This led Mercedes to ask: how can an EV deliver repeatable, sustainable race-level performance like traditional sports cars?
Jacoy said the answer is the new battery system featuring direct cell cooling—a key technology that maintains thermal stability under extreme scenarios, enabling both sustained motorsport-level output and rapid recharge capability.
6.8 million users
Beyond technology, the group interview also touched on the China market.
Mercedes now has 6.8 million customers in China. Thöne stated that the brand’s strategic center is always the customer: “Whatever decisions we make, customers are the core.”
China is developing rapidly, with an expanding and increasingly diverse customer base, making it Mercedes’ most important strategic market.
“Therefore, we must take a long-term perspective, placing Chinese customers and their needs at the heart of our long-term strategy.”
Over the past decade, Mercedes and partners have invested more than RMB 100 billion ($14 billion) in China. Last year, they announced more than RMB 14 billion ($1.97 billion) in additional local investment.
“We understand that rising expectations from Chinese customers will drive Mercedes’ evolution,” Thöne said, adding that Mercedes will continue building products and experiences tailored for China.
For example, the new electric CLA marks the largest product launch program in Mercedes history. Next year, the China-built long-wheelbase pure-electric GLC SUV will debut, featuring a smart cockpit and driver-assist experience designed specifically for Chinese users.
Thöne added that Mercedes continues to optimize customer touchpoints—from retail networks to digital experiences—and has appointed table-tennis champion Wang Chuqin as the new brand ambassador, while building a stronger ecosystem in China.
Mercedes is also partnering with leading Chinese tech firms such as ByteDance and Momenta to accelerate intelligent development “with China speed.”
“When we enhance every customer touchpoint, collaborate closely with dealers, and work deeply with partners, we create a better customer experience. That is the secret to our success. I am thrilled to be part of this journey.”
Mercedes standard
No matter how the industry changes, the Mercedes standard remains central.
Discussing the seven China-exclusive models planned before 2027, Thöne emphasized this once more.
With the launch of the new electric CLA, Mercedes has begun its largest-ever product and technology rollout, including a long-wheelbase GLC EV and a long-wheelbase GLE SUV next year.
“Every model will consistently uphold the Mercedes standard in design, safety, comfort, and quality. This is beyond question,” Thöne said.
On intelligence and integrating Chinese tech suppliers into Mercedes’ global supply system, meeting the “Mercedes standard” is also a decisive requirement.
Jacoy explained that Mercedes defines the architecture, then co-develops solutions with companies such as Momenta and ByteDance—ensuring that the final output meets Mercedes standards.
This is not simply “1+1=2,” but deeply integrated collaboration delivering “1+1>2.”
Regardless of partner, alignment to the Mercedes standard is non-negotiable—the core DNA of product development.
Thöne also revealed that most Mercedes models will receive a major intelligence upgrade next year. The notion that smart tech belongs only to EVs is outdated.
Mercedes champions “same intelligence for ICE and EV.” Intelligent features will become a major highlight of next year’s lineup.
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