The all-electric Mercedes-AMG 4‑Door Coupe is based on the high-performance AMG.EA architecture and features a new drive concept comprising axial flux motors developed by the British electric-motor specialist Yasa and a high-performance battery that shifts “the benchmark in the high-performance segment”, the auto maker said.

Mercedes‑AMG demonstrated the capability of this drivetrain technology last year with the record drive of the Concept AMG GT XX in Nardò, Italy, where the technology demonstrator sprinted over 40,000km in seven days and 13 hours, breaking a total of 25 long-distance records in the process. (Read more on the concept in the April 2026 issue of APTI).

Mercedes-AMG is offering two powertrains: the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and the Mercedes‑AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe.

“From my time at AMG, I know how high the bar is set in Affalterbach. With this first model on the new AMG.EA architecture, we don’t just meet it, we move it,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management, Mercedes‑Benz Group.

Three key aspects contribute significantly the performance capability: new battery cells, an innovative direct cooling system for each individual cell and a comparatively high voltage.

Electric power

The sports car uses three electric motors, two on the rear axle and one at the front, that deliver a system output of up to 860kW (1,169hp). These are complemented by a high-performance battery concept. Together, these achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.1 seconds, with the vehicle requiring only 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h. It’s top speed is 300 km/h (with optional Driver’s Package).

Thanks to a charging capacity of 600kW, over 460km of range can be recharged in just 10 minutes. A typical charging cycle from 10% to 80 % state of charge (SoC) takes 11 minutes.

In an axial flux motor, the electromagnetic flux runs parallel to the motor’s axis of rotation, unlike conventional electric motors where it runs perpendicular. The design uses a stator positioned between two rotor discs in an H-configuration to improve magnetic efficiency.

The electric motors are integrated into High-Performance Electric Drive Units (HP.EDUs) on each axle. At the rear, two axial flux motors are combined with a compact single-stage planetary gearbox within a shared housing. The system includes oil cooling, an integrated pump control unit and water-cooled silicon-carbide (SiC) inverters, designed to support high-voltage and high-performance operation. The axial flux motors can exceed 13,000rpm.

The front HP.EDU includes an axial flux motor, transmission, silicon-carbide (SiC) inverter and pump control unit. The motor can exceed 15,000rpm and operates as a front-axle booster motor, engaging when additional power or traction is needed.

“This vehicle underscores the broad performance spectrum of our comprehensive development strategy and the consistent transfer of the Concept AMG GT XX technology program into series production,” said Jörg Burzer, member of the board of management and chief technology officer, development and procurement, at Mercedes-Benz Group.

Newl battery cell for high performance 

At the heart of this innovation is a cylindrical, tall and slim battery cell. This format provides advantages for cooling. The small diameter minimizes the distance from the cell core to the surface, enabling rapid and efficient dissipation of heat generated under load, ensuring each round cell is maintained within its optimal temperature range. Laser-welded aluminium cell housing is also a new development, offering outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity.

A full-tab cell design reduces internal resistance by connecting the cell windings across the full surface of the poles, supporting higher charging and discharging performance while maintaining reliability under demanding conditions.

The cell chemistry is based on NCMA (nickel/cobalt/manganese/aluminum) in the cathode and a silicon-containing anode.

Overall, the combination of the tall and slim format, aluminum housing, full-tab technology and NCMA chemistry provides the foundation for maximum performance.

Intelligent direct cooling for the battery cells

The new battery concept uses directly cooled cylindrical cells with a special cell chemistry that ensures uniform temperature distribution and high-performance stability under continuous load. In total, 2,660 cells are used in the Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé. The individual cylindrical cells are grouped into 18 laser-welded plastic modules.

The high-voltage battery is integrated centrally into the structure of the e-skateboard. Its protective housing (safety box) encloses the cell modules, all switching components and the battery management system (BMS), also an exclusive AMG in-house development.

Under the transmission tunnel lies a highly advanced cooling system whose core is an innovative cooling module. This module serves as the central interface to the vehicle’s cooling system and integrates key components such as the coolant pump module (KMP), the oil-water heat exchanger (ÖWWT) and the necessary connectors for direct oil cooling.

The temperature of the BMS is actively regulated via a special cooling plate, enabling higher currents. For the first time, virtual sensors have also been used: the BMS determines temperatures – such as within a cell – not via physical components but through mathematical models based on the current charging power.

“The first all-electric AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé takes the AMG DNA to a whole new level,” said Bastian Baudy, chief design officer, Mercedes-Benz Group. “A vehicle that embodies high-tech and innovation, brings performance to life and will set new standards with its radical design approach.”

Related news, Jaguar reveals Type 01 electric four-door GT

Ahead of the Monaco E‑Prix on May 16 and 17, 2026, Jaguar’s Type 01 prototype, an electric four-door GT, lapped the circuit, signaling the car maker’s move to an electric era.

Type 01 development has been directly inspired by technology used by the company’s Formula E team – Jaguar TCS Racing – integrating technology proven on track by the World Championship-winning all‑electric team.

The prototype’s responses have been fine‑tuned using lessons learned from Jaguar TCS Racing’s all‑wheel-drive control software and fast‑switching silicon-carbide‑powered inverters.

Regenerative braking, range and fast‑charging capability have also reportedly been enhanced using technology developed on track.

“To achieve our vision for Type 01, we not only harnessed our Formula E know‑how but also embedded the competition mindset of Jaguar TCS Racing in our engineering teams. This helped us develop innovative solutions for our luxury four‑door GT that drives like no other electric car,” said Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover.

The Type name has been associated with Jaguar since the Le Mans-winning C-Type in 1951. It represents a combination of performance and driver engagement alongside refinement, as seen in models such as the E-Type and F-Type. In Jaguar Type 01, the 0 represents electric propulsion and zero tailpipe emissions, while the 1 signifies its position as the first Jaguar of a new era. The vehicle was designed, developed and built in the UK.

Jaguar’s four‑door GT will be revealed later this year.

In related news, FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability

Plans to unveil the A2 e-tron are set for autumn 2026, complementing Audi’s portfolio with an all-electric entry-level model family in the compact class.

The vehicle will be manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany. The prototype is undergoing various tests before its debut, clocking up vital test miles on snow and ice, in the wind tunnel at Audi Technical Development in Ingolstadt, and on public roads.

Cold-weather trials

During winter testing in Lapland, the A2 e-tron performed under extreme conditions, including icy temperatures, snow-covered roads and slippery test tracks on a frozen lake. The validation process at a test site in northern Sweden focused not only on driving dynamics but also on thermal management and battery performance. Engineers have developed the A2 e-tron by continuously adjusting the electric drive, brake control system and suspension by the minute.

Aerodynamic optimization

The distinctive roofline is the reason for the A2 e-tron’s excellent aerodynamics, which are constantly being tested and optimized in the wind tunnel at Audi Technical Development. With wind speeds of up to 300km/h, ultra-precise aeroacoustics measurement and a 235km/h rolling road, the wind tunnel provides ideal conditions for optimizing the airflow characteristics, noise development and thermal stability of the vehicle.

Road testing in Bavaria

The development team used the diverse conditions of the Altmühl Valley region in Bavaria, including inclines, variable road surfaces and tight bends, to test the suspension and assistance systems in real road traffic.

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke

Hyundai Mobis has developed a 160kW power electric (PE) system for general-purpose models, following its earlier 250kW high-performance system. The company also plans to complete development of a 120kW PE system for small mobility vehicles in the first half of the year. Together, these systems are intended to form a full PE line-up, covering a range of electric vehicle applications and strengthening the company’s competitiveness in electrification components. The PE system is a core auto component equivalent to the powertrain of an internal combustion engine and consists of a motor, inverter and reduction gear.

Hyundai Mobis previously handled mass production of PE systems based on customer orders. However, it has now secured the design technology for each component of the PE system through in-house R&D and is unveiling its own drive models.

During the development of its proprietary PE system model, the company focused on standardizing and modularizing key auto components. These include the stator for the drive motor, the inverter and the power module, which is a bundle of power semiconductors.

A system-level standard model improves scalability by enabling reuse across multiple vehicle platforms. According to Hyundai Mobis, this is generally more efficient than developing a bespoke powertrain for each new vehicle.

The PE system has a maximum output of 160kW, which is equivalent to 215hp in ICE terms, suitable for application in most electric vehicles currently in mass production. If two PE systems are installed on the front and rear axles, the maximum output is doubled.

Hyundai Mobis said it has improved the performance of the PE system. Specific power (output per unit weight) has increased by about 16%, while overall system volume has been reduced by nearly 20%. These gains were achieved through modular design and the use of standardized automotive components. The company said it has also enhanced motor performance with new cooling technology, and developed a power module using advanced power semiconductors to improve energy efficiency.

In related news, Volvo Trucks expands future mobility strategy with multifuel combustion engine platforms

As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

Nissan Motor has announced its long‑term vision: Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life, a plan to integrate mobility intelligence into everyday life through Nissan’s focus on AI-defined vehicles (AIDV), offering a choice of electrification technologies to meet diverse customer and market needs.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO, said, “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan‘s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced.”

At the core of the strategy is Nissan AIDV, combining Nissan AI Drive and Nissan AI Partner technologies. The company says this will integrate AI with vehicle control and safety systems, building on existing advanced driver assistance technology. Nissan aims to deploy AI Drive across 90% of its line-up over the long term.

The first model expected to reflect this approach is the latest Nissan Elgrand, due in summer 2026, which will introduce next-generation ProPilot with end-to-end autonomous technologies by the end of the 2027 financial year.

Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, added, “Across the Americas, our focus on execution is making the region a key contributor to Nissan’s turnaround, driven by both revenue growth and disciplined cost reduction. We delivered significant year-over-year increases in US retail share, making Nissan the fastest-growing mainstream brand since August 2025. We’re also seeing solid progress in Canada and continued growth in Mexico, where we have maintained the #1 position for 18 consecutive years – proof that getting the fundamentals right matters. Our balance of strong execution today and smart, impactful investments in the future will strengthen our business and drive sustainable growth.”

Electrification

Alongside autonomy development, Nissan is expanding electrification through its e-Power hybrid system and a wider mix of powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range extender systems developed through partnerships. A new hybrid system for frame-based vehicles is also planned.

This broader offer includes development of a new hybrid electric vehicle system (HEV) for future frame‑based vehicles, serving customers requiring greater capability and long‑range confidence. Nissan says it will complete the spectrum of customer choice by offering plug‑in hybrid and range‑extender hybrid solutions through partnerships.

Streamlined product portfolio

The company will streamline its model line-up from 56 to 45 models, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas. At the same time, Nissan says it will expand powertrain options for each model, to give customers more choice, increase volume per model and strengthen the company’s business foundation.

Key upcoming models include the Rogue and X-Trail Hybrid e-Power, the Xterra for North America, the Juke EV for Europe, and the Skyline for Japan. Infiniti will also be expanded with new and refreshed models, including an all-new QX65 SUV due in 2027.

Nissan said its industrial strategy will shift toward architecture-led development based on shared platforms and software, aiming to improve development speed, cost efficiency and scalability.

Espinosa concluded, “As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan seizes the opportunities provided by AI technologies, by electrification and the innovation embedded in our latest products to drive market growth and focus relentlessly on serving the customer.”

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke

With the European electric vehicle market continuing to grow, Nissan has unveiled the all-electric Juke at its Vision event at the company’s global HQ in Japan. The third-generation Juke is part of an expanded EV line-up in Europe and marks a major step forward in the auto maker’s electrification strategy on the continent.

Since its original launch in 2010, Juke has captured the imagination of 1.5 million customers across Europe and this new EV Juke carries “personality and emotion” into the electric vehicle era, the auto maker said, in a reimagination of one of Europe’s most distinctive compact crossovers that forms part of Nissan’s broader strategy to offer an electrified powertrain for every type of customer today.

The path toward full electrification 

The Juke EV will join the third-generation Leaf in offering vehicle-to-grid technology, supporting the integration of EVs into the wider energy ecosystem.

“Europe is central to Nissan’s electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future,” said Massimiliano Messina, chairman, Nissan AMIEO. “With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility.”

The EV Juke will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK. “Juke has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age,” said Clíodhna Lyons, region vice president, product, brand and marketing strategy, Nissan AMIEO. “As our first fully electric Juke, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”

The third-gen Juke will be launched in spring 2027.

Related news, Volvo begins on-road testing of hydrogen ICE heavy trucks

The BMW Group is working with Rimac Technology (Croatia) on the new electric BMW i7. The joint project aims to bring Gen6 eDrive technology developed by BMW to the new all-electric BMW 7 Series Sedan. The technology was designed for an innovative high-voltage storage system for greater range and higher charging speed.

“Together, we developed a high-voltage battery system that unlocks the full potential of the new cylindrical cells in record time, delivering significant improvements in energy, range and charging performance,” said Mate Rimac, the founder and president of Rimac Group, and CEO and CTO of Bugatti Rimac.

The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6) will be integrated into the new all-electric model in the form of a 4695 lithium-ion cylindrical cell. The cell is characterized, among other things, by a 20% higher volumetric energy density compared with the prismatic cells of the Gen5.

The high-voltage battery, which combines Gen6 cell technology with the established Gen5 module design, enables the new BMW i7 to achieve a significantly increased range.

According to BMW, i7 customers can also charge much more quickly, thanks to the newly developed technology.

“We are quickly rolling out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across our entire model portfolio – including, of course, in our all-electric luxury sedan,” said Dr Thomas Engelhardt, senior VP of development for high-voltage storage and charging at BMW Group. “The teams of both companies have developed a tailor-made solution for the new BMW i7. The excellent collaboration with Rimac Technology is a good example of European innovative strength.”

The high-voltage battery is manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment at Rimac Technology in Croatia and delivered ready for assembly at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the world’s only production facility for the BMW 7 Series.

Rimac added, “BMW has always been known for pushing engineering to the highest level, which made this collaboration especially exciting for us.”

In related news, new e-axle manufacturing line opens in Pune to power Mahindra’s Born Electric vehicles

MG has launched the SolidCore Battery, a semi-solid-state system designed to improve electric vehicle (EV) range, charging speed, performance and cold-weather reliability.

The battery features solid-state electrolytes within each cell, forming a protective barrier that extends lifespan and ensures compliance with future regulatory standards. According to MG, this architecture performs well in low temperatures, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and delivering improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs. The SolidCore Battery is expected to appear in MG electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2026.

Alongside the new battery, MG has also introduced its Hybrid+ technology, which combines advanced software and hardware to optimize fuel consumption, provide faster power delivery and improve integration between mechanical and electric systems. The technology includes a larger 1.83 kWh battery to extend electric-only range, an innovative three-speed hybrid transmission and an eight-mode Logic Engine to enhance power management.

MG said Hybrid+ also improves cabin refinement through noise and vibration suppression while maintaining high thermal efficiency and responsive, smooth power delivery. A fully integrated Hybrid Control Unit with real-time terrain detection enables the system to adapt propulsion strategies to changing conditions. In 2025, MG sold 137,000 hybrid vehicles across Europe, with the MG HS ranking among the top 10 best-selling hybrid models in most countries.

Commenting on the latest technology advances, MG Europe and the UK’s vice present, Kimi Li said, “MG’s new SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology provide tangible benefits for our customers and position our vehicles at the forefront of their class. These advancements reinforce MG’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology and electric mobility more intuitive, accessible and widely available. Our strategy of developing MG vehicles in Europe, for Europe further enhances the desirability, versatility and value that our cars deliver to customers across the European market.”

The announcements coincide with the opening of MG’s European Engineering Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as a hub for developing vehicles tailored to local climate conditions, road environments and customer preferences.

Related news, Flexible, modular hybrid drive targets global EV applications

Donut Lab has released results from a fast-charging test conducted with Verge Motorcycles, showcasing the performance of its Donut Battery technology at full battery-pack level rather than individual cell testing. The system is used in Verge’s TS Pro electric motorcycle.

The test forms part of ongoing research into how multiple battery cells operate together within a complete pack, with a focus on energy density, thermal behavior and fast-charging capability in real-world conditions.

According to Donut Lab, the Verge TS Pro equipped with its battery technology charged in less than 10 minutes, making it “the world’s fastest charging electric motorcycle”, the company said.

“This is the first test we have published to a wider audience that demonstrates the performance and behavior of multiple battery cells in a real vehicle environment,” said Ville Piippo, CTO at Donut Lab. “The high energy density of our battery technology enables flexible battery pack design and superior performance even in more challenging applications, such as motorcycles, where space is limited and system simplicity is key. We are able to offer vehicle manufacturers packs with different energy capacities in the same physical size, with even the smallest packs having very high capacities.”

In the test, an 18kWh battery pack was charged using a public fast charger starting at approximately 20°C. The system reached a peak charging power of over 100 kW (around a 5C rate) for five minutes, with state-of-charge increasing from 10% to 50% in about five minutes. Overall, the motorcycle achieved a 10–70% charge in just over nine minutes, and 10–80% in approximately 12 minutes.

The solid-state-related battery architecture enables flexible pack design, enabling different energy capacities to be packaged within the same physical footprint, which is particularly relevant for space-constrained applications such as motorcycles.

“Our goal is to provide Verge users with the best possible user experience,” said Tuomo Lehtimäki, CEO of Verge Motorcycles. “The advantages of Donut Lab’s battery technology, such as ultra-fast charging, complement our goal seamlessly. The world’s fastest charging electric motorcycle, the Verge TS Pro, is also air-cooled. The battery pack used in this test is our standard model, but an extended range version is also available, with approximately two-thirds more energy capacity.”

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