Mercedes has shattered multiple electric vehicle endurance records using its new Concept AMG GT XX, covering over 3,400 miles in just 24 hours at Italy's Nardò test track.
Record-Breaking Performance
The standout achievement was covering 5,479 kilometers (3,404 miles) in a single day, crushing the previous EV record of under 4,000 kilometers. Two bright orange Concept AMG GT XX prototypes completed the run with a team of 17 drivers, including Formula 1's George Russell and Doriane Pin, taking two-hour shifts at speeds up to 186 mph.
The cars didn't just stop at 24 hours. They kept going for over a week, ultimately breaking 25 different distance and time records. The most impressive milestone came when both vehicles covered enough distance to circle the entire planet—40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles)—in seven days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and seven seconds.
Technology Behind the Success
While the Concept AMG GT XX packs 1,340 horsepower from three axial-flux motors, the real game-changer was the charging technology. The cars averaged around 850kW charging speeds, allowing drivers to add roughly 250 miles of range in just five minutes. This rapid charging capability, developed for Mercedes' new AMG.EA platform, proved crucial for maintaining the punishing pace.
The test wasn't easy—ambient temperatures reached 35°C (95°F) during the week-long marathon, adding another layer of challenge for both the vehicles and drivers.
Mercedes' Racing Heritage
This record-breaking run continues Mercedes' tradition of pushing boundaries at Nardò. The German manufacturer previously set numerous speed and endurance records at the Italian facility during the 1970s and 1980s with its experimental C111 vehicles—also painted in distinctive orange.
According to Mercedes CTO Markus Schäfer, the goal was to "redefine the limits of what is technically possible in the age of electric drives." The successful completion involved teams from Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Mobility, and Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains.
Both cars finished within 25 kilometers of each other after the grueling test, demonstrating remarkable consistency and reliability for prototype vehicles. The achievement signals promising developments for Mercedes' upcoming electric performance cars and charging infrastructure.
