In a demanding test of endurance at Italy's Nardò test track, two #Mercedes-AMG CONCEPT AMG GT XX vehicles have completed a gruelling global-distance run, covering 40 075 kilometres in just under eight days. The effort resulted in the establishment of 25 long-distance records.
The performance, which took seven days, 13 hours and 24 minutes, saw the electric vehicles maintain an average speed of 300 km/h. A significant outcome of the test was the breaking of the existing 24-hour distance record for an electric vehicle, a feat each car achieved on fourteen separate occasions throughout the run, each time by a considerable margin.
Need finance – click here for the very best finance deals for your new car
Central to this achievement was the vehicle's advanced interactive technology, designed to support drivers during the extreme conditions. The record attempt was managed through a bespoke software interface programmed into the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This deeply integrated architecture connected and controlled all vehicle functions.
A driver-focused 35,6-centimetre multimedia display, positioned ergonomically to the right of the driver, provided critical real-time data. This included lap counts, the vehicle's precise position on the track, battery charge level, and the status of the charging flap. During charging periods, the display presented a dedicated view where a vehicle silhouette visually highlighted the rising state of charge with a pulsing animation.
The steering wheel was configured with exclusive functions for the challenge. The two familiar AMG steering wheel buttons were assigned specific tasks: one controlled the setting for the next recuperation point, while the other managed the active louvers and selected the number of laps until the next planned stop. Eight LEDs on the steering wheel’s upper rim, similar to those used in Formula 1, provided colour-coded prompts to the driver—signalling when to coast, regenerate energy, or, during stops, indicating charging progress.
See things with perfect clarity - click here for the best view of the car of your dreams
A key innovation was the introduction of an augmented reality racing helmet, developed with ETH Zurich start-up Aegis Rider. The helmet projected vital information such as battery status, speed, and lap data directly into the driver's field of vision. This was supplemented by speed-dependent lane guidance and symbolic gates marking recuperation zones, allowing drivers to keep their focus entirely on the track.
Furthermore, the innovation team created a mixed-reality experience titled ‘ThrillAR’ for media representatives. Using the Apple Vision Pro headset, this experience combined real track data and vehicle performance with an interactive virtual drive, allowing users to immersively experience the final kilometres of the record run. This format is expected to be featured at future events, including the IAA Mobility show.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly CHANGECARS
