Nowadays, several state-of-the-art multilevel converter topologies are used for numerous industrial medium-voltage (MV) high-power variable-speed drive applications. The 3-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) topology is one of those and is often used as a benchmark for various alternatives. In this paper, a 3L-NPC medium voltage special-purpose drive based on an integrated gate commutated thyristor (IGCT) is presented, highlighting the design paradigms followed in order to achieve highest performances at maximum possible flexibility. Modular hardware design supported by highly dynamic direct torque control, fulfills the needs of the demanding applications.