Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX: 1000 Kilometers Range

With design studies, Mercedes-Benz always tests extremes: in this case, aerodynamics for minimal power consumption. Accordingly, the Vision EQXX is supposed to consume less than 10 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per 100 kilometers. The Vision EQXX is expected to offer a real range of more than 1,000 kilometers with a targeted consumption value in the single digits, which should be under 10 kWh/100 km—and this at normal speed on the highway.

For this, an interdisciplinary team of experts from the British Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz F1 High Performance Powertrain (HPP), Advanced Design, and Mercedes-Benz series development has been assembled behind the scenes. The HPP specialists are mainly expected to bring their expertise in E-motors and the development speed required in motorsport to the team. As many details as possible from the EQXX innovations should quickly find their way into the series vehicles.

Aerodynamics as the central pivot

The Vision EQXX will be significantly more aerodynamic than the EQS with a cd value of 0.20. The Mercedes-Benz blog "jesmb.de" locates the EQXX at 0.17, thanks to active aerodynamic elements. Active cooling openings at the front are also planned, which are mostly closed to optimize aerodynamics. Additionally, the frontal area is to be kept as small as possible. Narrower tires are also expected to contribute to lower consumption.

But the EQXX is also taking the next step technically: a permanently excited synchronous motor at the front, along with an 800-volt system and two-speed transmission, is intended to further reduce consumption. The arrangement of the E-machine at the front is supposed to offer higher performance during recuperation when braking and driving downhill. Solar modules will be installed from the roof to the rear end, aligning the EQXX with the Dutch solar car Lightyear. The efficiency of electric motors and inverters is also expected to increase.

Additionally, the developers are addressing the batteries: Their energy density is expected to increase by 20 percent compared to the EQS. Cells with a silicon anode might be used here.

The final dimensions are eagerly anticipated, as the EQXX visually appears to be upper class, but it is likely to be more efficiently positioned in the compact segment.

What does that mean?

With the EQXX, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates what is state-of-the-art in efficiency in 2022—a topic where the EQA to EQS series have not yet significantly distinguished themselves. It will be all the more remarkable and exciting to see what aspects of the study will go into production, as the Lightyear One has already shown how efficiently electric vehicles can operate—even with the help of solar technology. And the EQXX will prove that there is much more potential for efficiency not only at Mercedes-Benz! We are excited and look forward to it!