Mercedes Adds Another Revolutionary Engine To Its Portfolio, And The Power Density Is Unlike Anything We Have Ever Seen, But It Might Not Strike A Chord With The Enthusiasts
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Mercedes is one of the car companies most invested in electrification. This, however, proved to be a losing strategy as the German brand's fully-electric vehicles are not the best sellers[1]. In my book, Mercedes is known for two things - luxury and loud performance.
After a few controversial moves, including the Mercedes AMG C63 E-Performance[2], I am glad the company decided against phasing out its V-8 and V-12 engines, at least for now[3].
While driving enthusiasts, no doubt, share my joy, the carmaker's next move, while equally grand, might not strike a chord with the same crowd.
Mercedes recently introduced a revolutionary propulsion system, which sounds like it would be a game-changer.
The most power-dense propulsion system in the industry 
Mercedes teamed up with British subsidiary YASA to create what seems to be the next step in power-dense electric motors, developed with mass production in mind. The new e-motor boasts impressive numbers.
It weighs just 13 kg (28.6 pounds) and develops a peak output of 1,006 horsepower, with continuous operating output of between 469 to 604 horsepower, which is still impressive, given the size and weight of the motor.
With 79 horsepower per 1 kg (35.9 horsepower per 1 pound), this is a new record in power density.
The design of the electric motor is what contributes to the immense power density. It features an axial design, instead of the traditional radial design seen on most e-motors. The motor uses flat disc rotors, thanks to which it is capable of generating much greater torque, relative to its size.
Another impressive aspect is that Mercedes and YASA have not used exotic materials, which would make the revolutionary electric motor cheaper to mass-produce.
This technological achievement reminds me of Nissan's ultra-lightweight racing engine[4], but in the world of electric cars.
Although Mercedes and Nissan cut ties, imagine these two powertrains working together as an ultra-light, performance-oriented hybrid powertrain.
What Mercedes and YASA created reminds me of another technological marvel in electric propulsion. In 2023, Koenigsegg unveiled the "Dark Matter" - a revolutionary "raxial motor", which combines the benefits of radial and axial electric motors, producing both high specific output and high torque.
This engine produces 800 horsepower of peak output and weighs 86 pounds. Unlike Mercedes's e-motor, "Dark Matter" relies on exotic materials like carbon fiber for the stator and rotor and forged carbon for the housing, making it a lot more expensive to build.
Real-life results
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Tim Ulmer, CTO and YASA founder, underlined that these numbers were not achieved through a computer simulation, but are real-life test results of a working prototype. In his words, this is "a strong demonstration of the viability" of the next generation of axial motors as they show robust and consistent performance.
Mercedes hasn't forgotten about the enthusiasts
Amidst this technological achievement, Mercedes recognizes that not all enthusiasts will be thrilled by an ultra-lightweight e-motor with high power density.
Luckily, the German carmaker's legendary V-8 and V-12 engines are here to stay. I fully expect Mercedes to feature its revolutionary electric motor in high-performance hybrid powertrains.
On 25 June 2025, Mercedes introduced the AMG GTXX Concept, which features three axial flux motors for a combined power of 1,360 horsepower (1,000 kilowatts), making it the first "mega EV". It is safe to say that Mercedes has some exciting plans for the near future.
The AMG GTXX Concept will enter production (under a different name), with an expected debut around mid-2026, and it will be one of many high-performance Mercedes AMG models to come. Dimitar Angelov[5]'s automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market.
Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X[6], Linked-in[7], Instagram[8], and Facebook[9].
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References
- ^ he German brand's fully-electric vehicles are not the best sellers (electrek.co)
- ^ a few controversial moves, including the Mercedes AMG C63 E-Performance (www.torquenews.com)
- ^ he company decided against phasing out its V-8 and V-12 engines, at least for now (carbuzz.com)
- ^ Nissan's ultra-lightweight racing engine (www.torquenews.com)
- ^ Dimitar Angelov (www.torquenews.com)
- ^ Dimitar on X (twitter.com)
- ^ Linked-in (www.linkedin.com)
- ^ Instagram (www.instagram.com)
- ^ Facebook (www.facebook.com)