The latest Mercedes-Benz concept car takes EV technology to new heights (or more rather distances), with the Mercedes-Benz EQXX EV boasting a decidedly impressive range of up to 1000km. To put that into perspective, the Lucid Air Dream Edition and Tesla Model S – both known for their large range – have top ranges of 835km and 650km respectively.
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With the potential to set efficiency benchmarks in the EV department, the Mercedes-Benz EQXX features a smaller battery pack than existing Mercedes-Benz EVs, as well as advancements in engineering that allow for a more lightweight vehicle and the use of sustainable materials throughout the car.
“The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars,” said Ola Källenius chairman 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 has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. The Vision EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and 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.”
Designed with road trips in mind, the concept stats more than meet the demands of the modern adventurer. Thanks to digital innovation, the Mercedes-Benz EQXX has the agility of a start-up and the speed of a Formula 1 car, requiring less than 10kWh per 100km. Compared to the current EQS, the battery pack of the EQXX takes up 50% less volume and is 30% lighter. This contributes to a relatively light vehicle weight of 1750kg, compared to the EQS’ 2480kg. Further making use of renewable energy, the EQXX taps into the energy present in the sun, with rooftop solar panels. Comprising 117 solar cells, the electric system is able to draw additional energy from solar power, adding up to 25km range a day in ideal weather conditions.
On the inside, the Mercedes-Benz EQXX takes a purist approach to design, opting for a simple layout with a marked absence of complex shapes. Nature takes centre stage in the EQXX, with biotechnology-based vegan silk coating the door pulls, both cactus and mushroom-derived vegan leather used throughout, and bamboo fibre carpets on the floor. The vehicle also makes use of recycled waste materials, with PET bottles used to create a shimmering textile on the floor area and door trim, as well as sustainable plastic substitute UBQ featured in the interior.
“Working with these innovative, sustainable materials to design the interior of the VISION EQXX was a hugely liberating and exhilarating experience,” says Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “They open up completely new avenues of creativity, and the visual and tactile finishes are exquisite. The upscale feel of the interior through the use of ambient lighting as well as silver, rose-gold and gloss black accents is a highly progressive interpretation of modern luxury for the all-electric era.”
While the Mercedes-Benz EQXX is only a concept car for now, Mercedes-Benz claims “many of its features and developments are already being integrated into production.” Besides, the EQS initially started as a concept car, meaning there may be the possibility of seeing the EQXX on the road in the not-too-distant future.
Words by Theo Rosen
