Incredible efficiency and range - the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX concept teases the future

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX sets off on its record-breaking trip. Images: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is not a production car, nor a showy concept vehicle but rather an engineering test bed for future Mercedes-Benz Group technologies. This week, the EQXX travelled from Sindelfingen across the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy, to Cassis on the Côte d'Azur in France - a journey of more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles). The long-distance drive was completed with the charging socket sealed and accompanied by an independent expert from certification body TÜV Süd.

Averaging a record 8.7 kWh/100km energy consumption figure, the EQXX’s battery still held a 15% state of charge (around 140km) upon arrival. So how was this achieved?

The answer is of course, not due to one single factor, rather an incredible soup of advanced design and engineering. The EQXX’s slightly odd, rounded form provides an aerodynamic drag coefficient of Cd 0.17, lower than the slippery EQS which has a score of 0.20. Mercedes-Benz says that air “flows elegantly like a water droplet towards the rear".

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, “The VISION EQXX is the most efficient Mercedes ever built. The technology programme behind it marks a milestone in the development of electric vehicles. It underpins our strategic aim to ‘Lead in Electric’,”

Low rolling resistance tyres were specially developed for the EQXX in conjunction with Bridgestone. At 185/65 R 20 97 T, the wide diameter and narrow width provide a 20 percent weight reduction, improved aerodynamic geometry, and in conjunction with lightweight magnesium wheels, greater driving range.

Bionic engineering is Mercedes’ fancy term for making stuff lighter. Tesla has pushed the automotive industry forward with its lightweight, single-piece castings, but Mercedes-Benz has gone further with its bionic-looking structural components. The skeletal aluminium chassis components have holes where structural rigidity is not necessary, providing a 20 percent weight reduction.

A 100 kWh battery — the same capacity as the Mercedes-Benz EQS — sits within the floor of the EQXX, however it weighs just 495kg, some 30 percent less than the EQS. With 50 percent less volume than its sedan sibling, the EQXX battery measures just 200 x 126 x 11 cm. The total weight of the vehicle is 1,755 kilograms.

While we won’t see the EQXX’s technology in production vehicles anytime soon, Mercedes-Benz has always been a leader in automotive engineering, safety and drivetrain development. The S-Class limousine debuted many features now taken for granted on the cheapest of econoboxes today, from the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), airbags, and adaptive cruise control. We can be certain that innovations debuted within the EQXX will begin to filter through to Mercedes’ production battery electric vehicles this decade.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 electric sedan debuts at IAA Mobility Munich

The EQE Sedan shares many design cues with the EQS. Images: Daimler AG

[Updated] Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a statement regarding the local launch of the EQE series, noting that the first deliveries are expected in the second half of 2022.

The newest member of the Mercedes-Benz “EQ” electric series has debuted, in the form of the EQE mid-size sedan. More compact than the flagship EQS, with a 3120mm wheelbase (90mm shorter), the EQS shares many design cues from its larger sibling, but the overall package is more dynamic, with short overhangs and a low roofline.

Importantly, the EQE series provides greater interior space than the current E-Class, with 27mm more front seat shoulder room, 80mm greater overall length in the cabin, and a 65mm higher seating position. The boot/trunk capacity of the EQE is 430 litres.

Battery and Drivetrain of the EQE 350

Mercedes-Benz is initially offering a 90 kWh battery, promising a 660 combined WLTP range. According to Mercedes-Benz, the EQE 350 has a WLTP energy consumption figure of 19.3-15.7 kWh/100 km; a second, cheaper variant with a smaller battery, and performance variants with “around 500kW” are also in the works.

Mercedes-Benz has developed its battery chemistry and software in-house; a first for the manufacturer. Produced on-site at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim factory, cells comprise nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1. With less than 10 percent cobalt, Mercedes-Benz hopes to dispense with its use eventually as technology improves.

With two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PSM), the EQE 350 puts down 215 kW and 530 Nm via a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Rear wheel steering, borrowed from the EQS, is available as an option.

The 328 volt electrical system is capable of charging the EQE at 170 kW, taking 32 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent. Mercedes-Benz claims 250km (155 miles) of range can be added in 15 minutes.

The interior of the EQE is gorgeous, but not for those with an aversion to screens.

A new level of luxury for the EQE 350 interior

Mercedes-Benz is likely to cop a fair amount of criticism for the similarities of the EQE to the EQS, and this extends to the interior. As EVs share platforms, drivetrains, and more, this unification or standardization is likely to be seen more often between models, as manufacturers look to offset the steep development and R&D costs of bringing all-new electric vehicles to market.

The MBUX Hyperscreen is available as an option on the EQE; a single, glass panel stretching across the dashboard with multiple displays for driver and passenger. The air vent band stretches across the width of the cabin, giving an impression of space. Optional automatic comfort doors greet the driver and open the front doors on approach.

The EQE interior at night

Mercedes-Benz provides a HEPA filter, to clean incoming air with an activated carbon filter. It is also possible for the EQE to clean the interior prior to passenger entry.

Smart tech and driver assistance system highlights in the EQE 350

Mercedes-Benz is offering its Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system, which can maintain a set distance to vehicles ahead across all road types. The system features predictive speed regulation, navigation and charging integration, and Active Steering Assist, which improves safety and performance on all road types.

Active Lane Change Assist will steer the vehicle into an adjacent lane when an indicator is activated, provided broken lane markings are present, and there is no traffic in the adjacent lane.

Evasive Steering Assist can detect critical situations such as crossing pedestrians, cyclists and even, as Mercedes-Benz puts it, “longitudinal pedestrians”. The EQE will actively avoid these obstacles up to 110 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz partners with IONITY in Europe to provide charging to EQE customers

EV Brief’s take

The EQE is an attractive car, perhaps wearing its aerodynamic skin better than the EQS, which, while full of presence, tends to look a little blob-like. Mercedes-Benz is slowly setting course for a completely electric model line up by 2030, and the company promises to offer battery electric vehicles in all product segments by 2022. We’ve seen the EQC, EQS, EQA, EQB and now EQE revealed; that leaves electrified C-Class, GLC-Class, GLE, and GLS-Class models — core volume sellers of the brand — to be revealed in the coming year. We’re also yet to see sports and performance variants of the Mercedes-Benz line-up go electric; We’d love to see what the automaker could do with its cabriolet and coupe ranges or the SLS AMG GT.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 gallery