Mercedes-Benz has whipped the covers off the VISION EQXX, a software-driven concept electric vehicle the German marque bills as an “efficiency masterpiece” that “re-imagines” the road trip for the electric era.
Developed over a period of only 18 months, thanks to its “cutting-edge” electric drivetrain, the VISION EQXX is the “most efficient” Benz ever produced. According to the Stuttgart-based brand, its latest prototype vehicle is the electric equivalent to a 1.0-litre internal-combustion car, with a claimed electric consumption of “less than” 10 kWh/100 km.
“The VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars”
Powered by a 900 V battery system, coupled to a 100 kWh electric motor producing 150 kW, the concept car has a claimed range of a whopping 1 000 km. Thanks to the fitment of 117 solar cells on the roof, which powers many of the ancillaries, adds “up to” 25 km of range on long-distance journeys.
“The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built, with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. It is an advanced car in so many dimensions … it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: we will build the world’s most desirable electric cars.”
Inspired by natural forms, the VISION EQXX’s bodywork is fashioned from “innovative” recycled and plant-based materials. According to Benz, the aerodynamic silhouette has a “benchmark” drag coefficient of 0.17 Cd.
Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Daimler AG and Mercedes‑Benz AG, chief technology officer responsible for Development and Procurement added: “As a halo car, the VISION EQXX firmly establishes Mercedes-Benz as the brand that pairs luxury with technology in the automotive world and beyond. And the way we developed it is as revolutionary as the vehicle itself.
“[The] VISION EQXX has seen the best minds from our R&D centres work together with engineers from our Formula 1 and Formula E programmes. They are proving that innovations from motorsport – where powertrains are already highly electrified – have immediate relevance for road car development. We are challenging current development processes with innovative spirit and outside-the-box thinking. This truly is the way forward.”
Although only a prototype, Mercedes says the VISION EQXX is a completely realistic way forward for electric vehicle technology. “In addition to its ground-breaking energy efficiency, it offers meaningful answers to pressing issues,” said the automaker.
For the prototype, Benz has used myriad sustainable materials to “considerably” reduce its carbon footprint. Inside, the VISION EQXX features a “radical” new one-piece display that “comes to life” with responsive real-time graphics.
