The Mercedes-AMG GT XX EV recently achieved a speed of 186 MPH for a duration of 7 days, only pausing to recharge.

      Mercedes-Benz Group AG

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      In a single run of its prototype GT XX, Mercedes-AMG broke 25 electric vehicle records, demonstrating the remarkable advancements in the technology of these experimental vehicles. The Concept AMG GT XX spent nearly eight consecutive days at the renowned high-speed test track in Nardò, Italy. Yes, you read that correctly. During this time, it set the record for the longest distance traveled by an electric vehicle in 24 hours, as well as in 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours.

      The most significant of these records is the 24-hour test, as Mercedes-AMG aimed to reclaim the title from the Xpeng P7, which had set the record earlier this month, covering 2,462 miles in one day. The AMG surpassed the P7 by traveling an additional 943 miles in the same time frame, achieving a total of 3,405 miles.

      A notable record set by the AMG GT XX is the “around the world in eight days test,” which Mercedes claims references Jules Verne’s famous novel Around the World in 80 Days. The team of racing drivers did not take 80 days or even eight days; on the morning of Monday, August 25, they completed the world’s circumference (24,901 miles) in exactly 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 07 seconds.

      In fact, the team and the two AMG GT XXs performed so well that they continued driving and reached exactly 25,000 miles. At an average speed of 186 mph, it didn't take long to achieve this. However, after nearly a week of continuous driving, I can imagine every minute felt like an hour.

      To achieve this feat, AMG assembled a team of 17 drivers who took turns behind the wheel, each completing two-hour stints. The two-hour limit was necessary to maintain an average speed of 186 mph, which is not only challenging and hazardous but also extremely demanding physically and mentally. One of the drivers was F1 racer George Russell, though Mercedes did not specify how many stints he completed. Perhaps he only did one for promotional purposes? We may never know. Notably, Doriane Pin, one of my favorite rising stars from the F1 Academy, and Fabian Vettel, Sebastian Vettel's younger brother, were also involved.

      “As an F1 driver, I’m accustomed to pushing technology to its absolute limits—the Concept AMG GT XX truly impressed me,” Russell stated in a press release. “The axial flux motors respond as instantly and precisely as a Formula 1 drivetrain, yet with an endurance I’ve only experienced with combustion engines. This technology will transform the driving experience—both on the racetrack and on the road.”

      The objective of the test was to investigate the performance and durability of Mercedes’ axial flux motors and a directly cooled battery over extended distances and time, especially in the context of a high-performance EV with 1,360 hp. Other developmental components included compact gearboxes, new booster motors, and Bluetooth-controlled aerodynamic wings.

      Mercedes has a history of pursuing grand but somewhat niche records. A few years ago, it set an efficiency record with the remarkable AMG Vision EQXX, a unique EV test bed that I had the opportunity to drive in 2022. While its focus is somewhat different, the F1-derived AMG One also established a lap record around the Nurburgring for the fastest “production” vehicle.

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