The latest chapter in automotive engineering has arrived, and Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront with three electric concept cars redefining the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and luxury. The Vision EQXX, Vision One-Eleven, and AMG GT XX are not mere showstopping prototypes—actual testbeds loaded with innovations that provide a sneak peek into the future of driving.
Vision EQXX: Redefining Efficiency Limits
The Vision EQXX demonstrates how far electric vehicles can travel. On its inaugural journey from Sindelfingen, Germany, to the French Riviera, it traveled more than 1,000 kilometers from a single charge. On another excursion, from Stuttgart to Silverstone in England, it extended the range to 1,202 kilometers—on just 8.3 kWh per 100 km, even in congested traffic and sweltering summer conditions.
Much of that is due to aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of only 0.17, the EQXX slices through the air like a teardrop, assisted by its low-slung profile and active rear diffuser. It’s constructed to be lightweight as well, with parts made of carbon fiber, sugar composites, and cast aluminum, saving up to 20 percent in weight over conventional designs.
The battery is equally impressive: it stores 100 kWh of energy, but is 50 percent smaller in volume and 30 percent lighter than the one used in the EQS. Powered at more than 900 volts, it employs smart balancing and cooling systems to optimize efficiency. Even the roof contributes, thanks to solar panels that contribute up to 25 additional kilometers of range on long journeys.
Mercedes has also created a digital twin of the car, a virtual version that mirrors every journey in real time. This helps engineers monitor performance and quickly solve problems. Inside, the driver gets a futuristic experience with a full-width digital display powered by a gaming engine and AI features that learn and anticipate needs.
Vision One-Eleven: Supercar Spirit, Electric Power
The One-Eleven Vision recalls the legendary 1960s and 70s C 111 experimental models. The gullwing doors and orange paint are a tip of the hat to history, but the rest is all about what comes next. It’s streamlined, low profile—only 46 inches high—adheres to Mercedes’ “One-Bow” design language, making it as aerodynamic as it is dramatic.
At its core are two axial-flux electric motors from YASA, a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary. Unlike traditional motors, these are smaller, lighter, and more powerful, opening up new possibilities for both performance and design.
The battery technology is equally sophisticated, featuring liquid-cooled cylindrical cells borrowed from motorsport. On board, the car toggles between two moods: Lounge Mode for a comfortable ride and Race Mode for a frenetic, Formula 1-like driving position. The dash blends vintage cool with state-of-the-art tech, such as an 8-bit screen, a high-resolution performance display, and even an augmented reality driving experience driven by the Magic Leap 2 headset.
AMG GT XX Concept: Electric Performance Redefined
Mercedes’ take on the future of electric sports cars is the AMG GT XX Concept. Based on the AMG.The EA platform, which combines aluminum, steel, and composites, is both strong and light. With a drag coefficient of only 0.198, active air control, and a broad rear diffuser, it remains stable at speeds over 300 km/h.
Power is provided by three axial-flux motors—two at the rear, one at the front—with more than 1,000 kW and propelling the car to over 223 mph. Designed in collaboration with YASA and Mercedes-AMG’s High Performance Powertrains unit, the motors are oil-cooled for efficiency and combined with water-cooled inverters for longevity.
The battery is designed to be super-high-performance, employing tall, thin cylindrical cells with direct oil cooling to dissipate heat. At an energy density of 300 Wh/kg and 740 Wh/L, it can charge extremely quickly—gaining a range of around 400 kilometers in as little as five minutes when connected to an 850 kW charger.
The outside is just as futuristic. The paint illuminates when charging, headlights serve as speakers for pedestrian warnings, and the back is equipped with an LED display that sends information to other drivers. Even the wheels evolve, with blades that shift to optimize cooling and aerodynamics, driven by small generators within the hubs.
Motorsport Expertise Driving Innovation
A recurring theme through all of these ideas is Mercedes’ strong affinity with motorsport. Formula One and Formula E engineers have applied their knowledge to everything from motor design to cooling systems. What is learned on the race track is being used directly in road cars to enable Mercedes to advance electric technology to new heights.
The Future of Electric Driving
These ideas aren’t merely about flaunting speed or distance—they’re a vision for where cars are going. With the Vision EQXX’s record-breaking efficiency, the Vision One-Eleven’s supercar transformation, and the AMG GT XX’s high-performance innovations, Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating that the electric future will be both exhilarating and sustainable. The future of driving has arrived, and it’s electric.
