5 Minutes
AMG's Electric Beast Tackles the Nordschleife in the Rain
Mercedes-AMG is pushing its electric ambitions to the limit. The C590, the all-electric sibling to the GT 4-Door Coupe, was photographed lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in very wet conditions, wearing heavy camouflage and sporting setup changes that hint at serious performance intent. Slated to arrive as a 2027 model, this EV promises a new dedicated AMG platform, potent YASA axial-flux electric motors, and an advanced silicon-anode battery pack.
What the spy shots reveal
The prototype differs from the show car seen at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. It wears more extensive camo, different wheel designs for front and rear axles, and bronze-painted front brake calipers. The hood wrap suggests a pair of vents whose function remains unclear, possibly cooling or aerodynamic aids. Tire sizes are significant: 315/35 at the front and 275/35 at the rear on 21-inch wheels, underlining the car's sport-focused stance.
Other exterior cues include the modern three-pointed star LED signature introduced with the redesigned CLA, a flush-mounted rear spoiler, and recessed door handles for cleaner aerodynamics. A contoured underfloor is expected to help balance drag and stability at high speeds.
Interior and cockpit direction
Inside, the GT EV appears to favor a driver-focused layout rather than the large MBUX Hyperscreen approach. Inspired by AMG concepts, the preview shows a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 14.0-inch central touchscreen. The concept featured a motorsport-influenced yoke steering wheel, though the production car will likely revert to a more conventional wheel for everyday usability.
Highlights:
- 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
- 14.0-inch center touchscreen
- Motorsport-inspired steering controls on the concept, with expectations of a traditional wheel for production
Battery tech and charging
Underpinning the C590 is rumored to be a direct-cooled battery using silicon-anode cells from Sila Nanotechnologies. Silicon anodes deliver 20 to 40 percent higher energy density versus graphite, enabling either greater range or lighter battery packs for the same capacity. Faster ion movement also promises quicker charge times, positioning the GT EV well in a segment where charging speed and usable range are as important as peak power.
YASA axial-flux motors and performance promise
AMG has partnered with YASA for axial-flux electric drive units that are compact, light, and able to deliver very high power. The GT XX concept, which previews what the production car might achieve, used a three-motor layout with two motors on the rear axle and claimed outputs north of 1,300 horsepower and top speeds exceeding 224 mph (360 km/h). While production numbers will likely be tempered for reliability and regulations, the C590 is expected to set new benchmarks for high-performance electric sedans.
Nardo records and real-world testing
Earlier this year, a high-performance AMG test car set 25 world records at the Nardo Ring, including covering 3,404 miles (5,479 km) in a single day and sustaining a 186 mph (300 km/h) average for over seven days. Those endurance marks demonstrate AMG's focus on long-term durability as well as outright pace.
Market positioning and competitors
The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV will enter a competitive field that includes the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S Plaid, and other high-performance EV sedans. AMG's edge could come from its bespoke EV platform, the compact high-output axial-flux motors, and advanced battery chemistry. Expect AMG to emphasize track capability, engineering pedigree, and exclusivity as key selling points.
"This is AMG's most ambitious electrified GT yet," says an industry engineer following the Nurburgring tests. "If the production car mirrors the prototype, it will redefine what an electric performance sedan can be."
Whether the road car will replicate the prototype's record-breaking figures remains to be seen, but the C590 is already reshaping expectations for high-performance electric vehicles. Keep an eye out for official specs and range figures as the launch approaches in 2026 ahead of 2027 model-year deliveries.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
v8rider
YASA motors + silicon anodes sound insane, but lap times in rain? if that's real then wow... reliability worries me tho, curious how they cool it
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