German automaker Mercedes-Benz has set an electric vehicle (EV) world record for the distance travelled in a 24-hour period, beating the previous benchmark by more than 1500km after covering 5749km.
The Concept AMG GT XX, which is powered by three high-performance axial-flux electric motors, set the new record distance at the 12.5km Nardo Ring test track in Italy.
Accomplishing the result at an incredible average speed of 300km/h, the Concept AMG GT XX moved the goalposts from the previous record of 3961km set only eight only days earlier by the Xpeng P7 – a production car, but currently not sold in Australia – which achieved speeds of 210km/h according to a statement from the Chinese automaker.
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The Mercedes-Benz result was independently verified, with two examples of the bright orange concept car running around the circuit 24 hours a day for almost eight days straight – stopping only to recharge at a super-fast rate of 900kW.
The mammoth run saw it cover 40,075km in seven days, 13 hours, 23 minutes and seven seconds – almost three times the average annual distance of 13,800km driven by Australian motorists (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics).
The record run was carried out with a three-shift rotation between crews totalling 100 personnel, including Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 driver George Russell, and racers from its GT3 program such as Bathurst 12-hour winner Luca Stolz.
The Concept GT XX employs the German brand’s AMG.EA 800V electrical architecture, which will underpin a range of new models headlined by a 750kW electric SUV set to be launched in 2027.
The GT XX’s three electric motors – one at the front and two at the rear – deliver a combined output of “more than 1000kW” and are powered by a unique 114kWh liquid-cooled battery developed by the company’s F1 team in the UK.
Battery cell cooling was key to the record result, as it enabled sustained charging rates resulting a 400km replenishment in around five minutes. The 300km/h speed was chosen to provide the most efficient balance between travel and recharging times.
A version of the high-output powertrain will be used in the next Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe super sedan that’s due on sale in Europe and the UK by late 2026, ahead of an Australian release anticipated in 2027.
“An AMG has always been defined by its drivetrain. In the electric world, too, our drive system must be convincing across the board. That’s why we’re the first manufacturer to use axial flux motors and directly cooled batteries in fully electric models,” said Mercedes-AMG CEO, Michael Schiebe, in a statement.
“We have now impressively demonstrated how superior these technologies are. Enormous performance and extremely fast charging were always available and made these records possible.
“For customers of our future electric models, this means they will get a genuine AMG – no ifs, no buts.”