The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is an engineering marvel that showcases the future of electric vehicles. As a one-of-a-kind concept car not meant for public sale, the Vision EQXX serves as an inspiration and testbed for Mercedes‘ upcoming lineup of production EVs. Let‘s examine this jaw-dropping prototype up close.
An Exercise in Extreme Efficiency
Unveiled in January 2022, the Vision EQXX is the result of an ambitious collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and their Formula One racing division. The goal was to push EV efficiency to the absolute limit by designing an electric vehicle from the ground up.
Engineers set a target of 620 miles on a single charge, along with blistering performance befitting Mercedes‘ storied racing heritage. The result after just 18 months of development is the Vision EQXX.
Cutting-Edge Technical Specifications
Headlining the EQXX‘s specs is its 100 kWh battery pack – providing an estimated real-world range exceeding 620 miles between charges. That‘s over 200 miles more than the longest range Tesla Model S.
Further maximizing efficiency is the EQXX‘s insanely low drag coefficient of 0.17. Comparatively, the average modern sedan has a drag coefficient around 0.3. The EQXX cuts through the air with minimal resistance thanks to its teardrop-like profile.
Additionally, the entire vehicle weighs under 3,900 pounds. That‘s extremely light given the Vision EQXX‘s size and luxury accoutrements. Rigid but lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber are used throughout.
Driving Into The Record Books
In April 2022, Mercedes took the still-new Vision EQXX prototype on a real-world test run to prove its mettle. Departing from Mercedes‘ headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, the goal was to reach the Silverstone racing circuit in the United Kingdom on a single charge – a total trip of over 745 miles.
Not only did the EQXX smash its target, but it averaged over 85 mph throughout the 12 hour journey. This record-breaking drive showcased that extreme hyper-miling EVs can still deliver speed and excitement worthy of the Mercedes badge.
Glimpsing Mercedes‘ Electric Future
As a concept, the Vision EQXX itself is not for sale. But make no mistake – learnings and advancements from the EQXX will make their way into upcoming electric production models wearing the Mercedes tri-star badge.
In fact, Mercedes has confirmed that a sedan heavily inspired by the EQXX will debut around 2024. It will take direct aim at Tesla‘s Model S and the BMW i4. Expect to see the influence of the Vision EQXX‘s striking aesthetics and technological achievements continue rippling outward into subsequent Mercedes EVs.
Charging Infrastructure To Enable The Transition
Mercedes-Benz understands that efficient vehicles are only part of the electric equation. Charging networks must expand to meet demand from new EV owners.
To that end, Mercedes has committed to installing over 2,500 fast-charging stations across North America by 2027. This $1.05 billion investment will blanket highways and communities with 400 individual charging hubs.
Further expansions in Europe and Asia will follow on the heels of the North American rollout. Mercedes is thinking holistically about enabling an all-electric future.
Wowing The Crowds At CES 2023
This January, the cutting-edge Vision EQXX prototype made its public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Showgoers flocked for an up-close look at the future-forward concept car.
Mercedes also used CES to preview upcoming production features. Most notably, the company has developed an autonomous driving system rated at SAE Level 3 – allowing hands-free driving in certain conditions. Nevada and California have both certified this cutting-edge tech.
Range Claims That Beat Tesla‘s Best
Never one to rest on their laurels, Mercedes made waves on June 30th by asserting the Vision EQXX platform can outrange Tesla‘s longest range models by over 200 miles.
How so? Mercedes cites ongoing refinement of the EQXX‘s incredibly low weight and drag characteristics. This allows its hyper-efficient electric drivetrain to stretch each kilowatt of battery power further than the competition.
If Mercedes can apply similar advancements to its upcoming lineup, Tesla‘s range advantage could be in jeopardy.
An Inspiring Step Towards An Electric Future
The jaw-dropping Vision EQXX makes one thing clear – Mercedes-Benz is leveraging its engineering might to deliver no-compromise electric vehicles. This concept sets the stage for the German automotive powerhouse to lead the luxury EV segment where it rightfully belongs.
While not itself headed to dealership showrooms, the influence of the Mercedes Vision EQXX will be felt for years to come as its advancements bear fruit across multiple production models. The age of electric Mercedes is dawning.
