Mercedes-Benz EQXX breaks cover as a futuristic design study

Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off its much-anticipated EQXX Concept, an electric saloon it claims is the ‘most efficient EV in history’. Packed to the brim with modern tech including a 47.5-inch display, it reportedly has over 1,000 km (621 miles) of electric range – but we will not be seeing it on sale anytime soon.

The car is a pure design study not intended for a market release, although its individual features may later find use in production vehicles. At 4.63 meters (170 inches) long with 2.8 meters (109 inches) of wheelbase, it is slightly smaller than the current C-Class.

With a drag ratio as low as 0.18 Cx, it surpasses even the EQS, which was widely considered one of the most aerodynamic EVs on the market. A number of factors contribute to this achievement, such as active front louvers and a retractable rear diffuser. The wheels are covered with hubcaps, while special Bridgestone tires ensure easy rolling over most surfaces. Composite materials, magnesium and aluminum alloy are common in the structure.

The powertrain is entirely new, including a next-gen battery pack. Mercedes does not reveal any energy capacity numbers, but mentions that the battery unit supports 900V (up from 400V and 800V standards from earlier). Perhaps more importantly, the new battery assembly is 30% lighter and 50% more compact than that of the EQS. It weighs only 495 kg (1,091 lbs) with the housing included, less than a third of the car’s total curb weight of 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs).

A single 150-kW (204-PS / 201-hp) electric motor drives two wheels through a particularly efficient transmission that conveys up to 95% of the power and torque, only losing around 5 percent.

Roof-mounted solar panels also contribute to the overall efficiency of the prototype. When the car is being driven, they are mostly used to power auxiliary systems like climate control and infotainment. However, if the driver chooses it to be so, they will provide extra power to the drivetrain, resulting in a gain of 25 km (15.5 miles) per day in ideal conditions.