“This means that this concept vehicle drove ‘around the world’ in less than eight days,” according to the company.
Two of the vehicles took part, and both broke the previously-standing 24h electric car distance record in each of the seven days that they were driven – with 5,479km in 24hr being the highest of the 14 distances.
“However,” said Mercedes, “the over-riding goal was to prove the endurance of the powertrain, because the greatest strain on motors and battery occurs under high-load driving and high-speed charging cycles.”
The event took place on the on the 12.68km circular Nardò Ring test track in Italy, where the drivers maintained a constant 300km/h, stopping only to recharge at around 850kW.
3,177 laps were made at ~5,300km per day, in temperatures that reached above 35°C.
The car has two axial flux motors at the back and one at the front, made by Yasa, a company that Mercedes bought. Total power is over 1MW and top speed is around 360km/h.
850kW charge current is 1kA, suggesting that the battery terminals have ~850V across them. Predicted normal driving range is ~400km.
A version of this car is due to go on sale in January 2026.
