Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is a solar-clad EV with enormous range and a 47.5-inch 8K screen
The covers were taken by Mercedes Vision EQXX at CES 2022, a new concept (or “road-legal research prototype” referred to in official announcements) that shows us how Mercedes envisions the future of electric cars.
And it’s the range of Mercedes’ new concept EV that is the real headline, and the German manufacturer claims that the Vision EQXX can travel over 1000 km (over 620 miles) on a single charge – a market-leading figure.
To give you an idea of the distance you can theoretically drive on a single charge of EQXX, the range is equivalent to a trip from Berlin to Paris, from New York City to Cincinnati, Ohio, or from Beijing to Nanjing.
Mercedes claims that, based on average driving distances per year, Vision EQXX drivers in the US and China ̵[ads1]1; on average – will only have to charge twice a month, while European drivers usually only need to charge once a month.
In addition, the company says that it has pushed the energy of the flagship Mercedes-Benz EQS into the dimensions of a compact car, with this technological breakthrough aided by the company’s Formula 1 knowledge.
A concept close to conception
Vision EQXX specifications
Power output: 150kW
Battery: 100kWh
Area: over 1000 km (620 miles)
Top speed: TBC
Acceleration: TBC
Main display: 47.5 inches, 8K
As this is a concept, the electric car will not actually go on sale, but Mercedes says that it is very close to a production car, with a number of technologies discussed here that will enter an electric car from the brand in 2024 or 2025.
During an exclusive press briefing with Daimler AG’s Chief Technology Officer for Vision EQXX, Markus Schafer said that “a number of elements in the car are close to moving into [a] production [vehicle]. We are very close to a serious car we will see in 2024. “
It includes the new battery technology with offerings that increase the car’s enormous range, as well as the upgraded MBUX operating system splashed across the huge screen inside the car.
Electrical efficiency
Mercedes is committed to making its electric cars as efficient as possible, as Schafer explains. “We believe reach is important to our customers, and efficiency is important. This program is about efficiency and reducing power consumption.
“We want to have the lowest possible consumption”, and Vision EQXX shows absolutely what it wants.
Battery chemists at Mercedes have managed to produce a battery with a capacity of 100kW in a package that is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than the comparable battery in EQS.
This means that the development of electric cars is fast, and smaller electric vehicles now have the opportunity to benefit from increased range – something that until now has mainly been reserved for larger vehicles.
Another aspect that helps the Vision EQXX gain so much range is the aerodynamics. EQS holds the world record as the first production car in the world with a Cd value of 0.20 (which beats Lucid Air with its 0.21 score), but EQXX bests that value, with an air resistance coefficient of Cd 0.17.
There is even a “light F1 subframe” at stake here, as Mercedes says “brings racing efficiency to the road.” That should translate to some pretty impressive acceleration and top speed statistics, although Mercedes has not yet revealed what these are.
The Vision EQXX also has a retractable rear diffuser that trips at high speeds, and 20-inch forged magnesium wheels.
All of this helps the Vision EQXX achieve its market-leading range of 1000 km (around 620 miles) on a single charge, and it also supports fast charging that can see 300 km (approximately 186 miles) replenished in 15 minutes.
super solar energy
We have already seen a number of electric car manufacturers frolic with solar panels on their vehicles, and the Vision EQXX joins the crowd with 117 solar cells on the roof.
Unlike other EV solar panel systems, however, the layout of the EQXX can be far more useful, with Mercedes claiming that the ultra-thin roof panels “can add up to 25 km (around 15 miles) of range on long-distance trips in a day.”
Now it’s the absolute best case scenario under “ideal conditions”, but it’s significantly better than Hyundai’s stated 5-6 miles per day on the solar panel clad Ioniq 5.
Energy obtained via the solar cells is stored in a separate battery, which is used to power the climate fan, light, infotainment system and other accessories – so that there is more juice in the main battery for the actual drive.
And this technology is not just reserved for the Vision EQXX concept, and Schafer confirms that it will be included “in future vehicles”.
Significant sustainability, supersized screen
Inside the Vision EQXX you will find a range of sustainable materials, from a verified vegan leather alternative made from mycelium in the details of the seat cushions to high-strength, biotechnology-based and certified vegan silk-like fabric used for door pulls.
Meanwhile, the rugs are made of 100% bamboo fiber, and recycled PET bottles are found in the cabin materials.
However, what dominates the interior is the screen Mercedes uses. This is the first time the company offers a completely seamless screen in a car – ‘Hyperscreen’ in EQS is actually three separate screens in a curved glass unit.
Vision EQXX one-ups Hyperscreen with its own 47.5-inch mini-LED screen, which extends from column to column, across the dashboard, and has an eye-catching 8K resolution.
On-screen features a real-time 3D navigation system, an enhanced “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant and even an efficiency assistant to help you get the most out of charging.
As we have already said, the Mercedes Vision EQXX is a concept electric car, so it will never be on the market.
However, the advances made here will translate into future Mercedes EVs – be it extended range, better battery efficiency, the introduction of more solar panels or just massive screens. There is a lot to enjoy.
