Mercedes-Benz has made a habit of setting records with its electric prototypes, and the Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept is no exception. After setting 25 track records at Nardò, the XX is now to debut Megawatt Charging.
- 1,041 kW charging power achieved in testing — enough to add about 125 miles of range in one minute
- Axial flux motors and direct-cooled battery bring Formula 1 tech to future AMG road cars.
- Production-ready tech arriving in 2026 on the new AMG.EA electric platform
Megawatt Charging in Action
During testing with a prototype charging station developed alongside Alpitronic, the GT XX reached maximum output almost instantly. Just half a second after plugging in, the car was already pulling over 1,000 kW and managed to hold that rate for more than two minutes.
In practical terms, the system pushed 17.3 kWh into the battery in a single minute, which equals about 125 miles of range under WLTP testing. Peak current flow reached 1,176 amperes through a specially engineered CCS cable. For perspective, today’s fastest public chargers usually top out at around 350 kW.
Axial Flux Motors and a Formula 1 Inspired Battery
The GT XX is not just about headline-grabbing charging numbers. It’s also testing next-generation hardware that Mercedes-AMG plans to put into production on its AMG.EA platform in 2026.
At the heart of the GT XX’s test program are two key innovations
• Axial flux motors: More compact and power-dense than traditional radial motors, allowing higher efficiency and tighter packaging.
• Direct-cooled battery: Using over 3,000 cylindrical NCMA cells with an energy density above 300 Wh/kg. Instead of relying on indirect cooling, Mercedes runs fluid right past the cells to keep temperatures in check during high loads The result is a battery that can handle massive bursts of power without overheating while still offering durability and repeatable performance.
Rethinking the Charger Too
Mercedes didn’t just upgrade the car. Working with Alpitronic, it converted a megawatt charging system originally intended for trucks into a slimmer CCS-based prototype. The setup proved capable of safely handling the huge current flow required for these results.
By developing both the car and the charger together, Mercedes is laying the groundwork for a new generation of charging infrastructure.
Rival Watch: Porsche, Rimac, and Tesla
With the GT XX, Mercedes-AMG has fired a clear shot across the bow of its rivals in the hyper-EV space.
• Porsche Mission X: Still a concept, but expected to debut with fast-charging capabilities and a Nürburgring focus. If Porsche brings 900-volt charging to production, it could rival AMG’s results, but megawatt charging hasn’t been shown yet.
• Rimac Nevera: Currently one of the benchmarks for electric hypercars, with a 120 kWh pack and 500 kW peak charging. Impressive, but less than half of what the GT XX just achieved.
• Tesla Roadster (2nd gen): Announced years ago with bold range and performance claims, but still not in production. Even if it arrives, Tesla will need megawatt-class charging to stay competitive with AMG’s direction.
By proving a megawatt-capable passenger car today, Mercedes-AMG has put real distance between itself and both its German and global competitors.
What Comes Next
Starting in 2026, the company plans to roll out upgraded charging stations at its branded charging parks across Europe and North America. These will integrate lessons learned from the GT XX and offer far higher output than the chargers most EV drivers rely on today.
FAQ: Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept
1. How much charging power did the GT XX Concept achieve?
The prototype reached 1,041 kW, making it the first passenger car to demonstrate megawatt charging.
2. How much range can it add in one minute of charging?
At peak output, the system delivered about 125 miles of WLTP range in just 60 seconds.
3. When will we see this technology in production cars?
Mercedes-AMG plans to bring axial flux motors and the direct-cooled battery to market with the AMG.EA platform in 2026.
4. Is megawatt charging available to the public yet?
Not yet. Current public chargers max out around 350 kW. Mercedes plans to introduce higher-output stations at its charging parks starting in 2026.
5. How does it compare to rivals like Rimac or Porsche?
The Rimac Nevera currently peaks at 500 kW, while Porsche’s Mission X has not shown megawatt charging yet. The GT XX Concept is the first to prove it’s possible.
Why It Matters
The Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept shows that megawatt charging is no longer a theoretical goal. Pairing axial flux motors with a direct-cooled, Formula 1 inspired battery has made it possible to add triple-digit miles of range in a single minute.
For customers, this points to a future where charging an EV could feel closer to refueling a gas car in terms of time. For Mercedes-AMG, it sets a performance standard that will carry into production and challenge rivals in the electric supercar space.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you’re passionate about the latest trends in cars, motorcycles, and EV’s, make sure to follow and subscribe to Hyperdrive USA. We at Hyperdrive USA are committed to bringing you the hottest updates, so you’ll always be the first to know about the biggest stories in the automotive world. Stay ahead of the curve with us.