Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX Revealed - Over 1,000 km Range With Plethora Of Cool Features

Mercedes has unveiled the Vision EQXX concept, a one-off machine that delivers more than 1,000km (621 miles) from a full charge and previews an ultra-efficient electric saloon production car from Mercedes. It is expected to go on sale in 2024.

This phenomenal prototype delivers increased range without increasing the battery size and even can travel further with less battery. According to simulations, possessing a staggering range of over 1,000 km, the EQXX achieved this spectacular figure by reducing the energy consumption to under 10 kWh per 100 km.

This vehicle is built with a small frontal area with a slim air intake and a flat Three-Pointed Star badge and bumper motif to bring utmost aerodynamic efficiency. The twin vents duct the cooling air over the bonnet rather than under the car to reduce interference drag around the wing mirrors.

Meanwhile, the EQXX's slim body and glasshouse taper towards the back results in a 50 mm smaller rear track than the front. This is emphasised by the gloss black trim and curving full-width taillights, culminating in a dramatic cut off at the car's back. At higher speeds, the massive rear diffuser stretches outwards to reduce drag yet retracts instantly in the event of a rear-end accident.

The EQXX wears double-spoke forged magnesium wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter that feature rose gold detailing on the centres and covers, mirroring the accents on the front splitter and rear diffuser. They are wrapped in ultra-low-rolling-resistance Bridgestone Turanza Eco tyres that incorporate the Japanese tyre maker's Enliten and ologic technology.

Its electric powertrain has a claimed energy efficiency of 95% from the EQXX's 150 kW (204 PS) unit. The drive unit, which consists of the motor, transmission and powers electronics, was developed with the eight-time Formula 1 championship-winning Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth.

The EQXX also has a sophisticated thermal management system that conserves thermal energy and greatly minimises cooling drag. It's tiny and light due to the drive unit's little waste heat generation and the precisely controlled interplay between the active grille shutters, coolant valves, and water pumps. The cooling plate is situated beneath the car's floor and is cooled by the airflow, allowing the vehicle to travel 20 kilometres further in its most aerodynamic model.

Engineered to be as light as possible, the EQXXuses the single-piece BIONEQXX rear floor, currently the largest aluminium structural casting ever produced by Mercedes. This component employs material only where it's needed on load-bearing paths, resulting in a web-like structure that's covered by UBQ Materials' 3D-printed patches, which are manufactured from recycled trash that would otherwise end up in landfills. Overall, this method saves between 15 and 20% of the weight of a conventional component, allowing the EQXX to reach a kerb weight of roughly 1,750 kg.

On the inside, we can see the EQXX's first single-piece full-width display of an 8K mini-LED panel that spans 47.5 inches from A-pillar to A-pillar. The infotainment system that runs the screen incorporates a star-cloud avatar and a 3D navigation screen.

And, of course, this vehicle gets a more advanced "Hey Mercedes" voice control system. The current technology utilises a still-fledgling technology called neuromorphic computing, running on "spiking neural networks" inspired by the human brain, making the system five to ten times more efficient than conventional voice control.

Getting to the cabin, the rest of it features a modern design while maintaining sustainability. DesertTex leather is formed from pulverised cactus fibres coupled with bio-based polyurethane, whereas Mylo leather is made from the mycelium of mushrooms. Textiles manufactured from recycled polyethene (PET), bamboo fibres, and Biosteel faux silk, as well as Dinamica microfiber used in many Mercedes models, can be found elsewhere in the interior.

Elsewhere, the EQXX gets a "4D" surround sound system, but one that has again been redesigned to reduce energy consumption. The speakers have been made smaller and positioned closer to the occupants' ears to prevent distortion and include headrest-mounted units.

Mercedes says the EQXX was developed in double-quick time, using digital development tools and virtual testing to shorten the lead time to just 18 months. While the car won't make it into production, much of the learnings are already being integrated into future vehicles, including compact and midsize electric models built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA).