5 Cool Things You Should Know About The Mercedes Vision EQXX

The usual global auto shows may have fallen off the calendar due to the pandemic, but electric mobility solutions are being showcased at just about any event relating to technology. So, it’s no surprise that the CES 2022 was a host to a range of clever concepts and EVs. Among them was this beautiful creation: the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept. It’s not just a slippery EV design that would pose as a rival to the Porsche Taycan. There’s a lot more to it, and these are 5 cool things you should know about it:

Efficient by design

Let’s start with the obvious: the design. The Vision EQXX is shaped to cut through the air as efficiently as possible to increase its range. Mercedes has taken it to another level with this compact form that mimics the teardrop shape with its elongated rear end. The front end is low featuring air curtains and intakes around the panels to channel air through the required areas. Its roofline slopes at the back like that of the Porsche 911, all the way till the tail end. There is plenty of clever underbody aero as well, with a clever retractable rear diffuser. The concept also uses aero discs to cover the wheels to help reduce drag generated by regular wheel designs. The tyres were specifically selected for their aero-optimised sidewalls, lightness and low rolling resistance. Overall, the Vision EQXX has a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.17. 

Batteries that use F1 tech

Mercedes has been the most dominant and successful team in the hybrid era of Formula 1. It has even managed to win a title in the all-electric Formula E series. Safe to say, Mercedes has a lot of expertise when it comes to combining electricity with usable performance. So, the company roped in its F1 engine company, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), to help develop a high-density battery pack for the Vision EQXX. They were able to achieve an energy density of just under 400Wh/l which is around 100kWh of usable energy. That’s an EQS battery’s worth of juice in much smaller proportions. It’s half the size and 30% lighter at an overall weight of just 495kg. HPP and Mercedes Grand Prix also collaborated to develop a lightweight lid for the battery made from a sustainable material derived from sugarcane waste and reinforced by carbon fibre. 

Built on a sustainable diet for added eco points

The Vision EQXX concept is about reducing the carbon footprint as much as possible while still having a good car. Keeping the EV’s weight down is also key to maximising its range. It uses MS1500 ultra high strength steel for exceptional strength while being lightweight. The low-CO2 steel used for the body is produced with 100% scrap using an electric-arc furnace technique. The doors feature a mix of carbon and glass fibre reinforced plastics with aluminium reinforcements. Using BIONEQIXX casting, Mercedes engineers were able to use digital techniques to only use material where needed for maximum resource efficiency. There are more lightweight, sustainable materials inside the cabin as well. It features animal-free leather, carpets from bamboo fibre, and recycled waste materials elsewhere. Even the 47-inch 8K display stretching from A-pillar to A-pillar is optimised to consume less energy while still offering a brilliant UI with all the latest Mercedes tech. 

Solar panels in the roof

It’s not the first concept EV to feature solar panels in the roof but it’s the coolest looking car to do it. The compact proportions of the Vision EQXX mean that there is only space for 117 solar cells on its roof and the stored power is used for the lights, infotainment system and other ancillaries. In ideal conditions, the extra power from the solar roof can extend the car’s range by up to 25km. 

Can do over 1,000km on a single charge

Saving the best for last, Mercedes-Benz says that the Vision EQXX is capable of driving more than 1,000km before stopping to recharge. That mind-blowing range is thanks to its lightweight and aerodynamic construction, high-density battery, and energy-efficient powertrain. The Vision EQXX has an output of 150kW (201hp) and uses tech to minimise losses in power delivery with 95% of the energy from the battery reaching the wheels. In contrast, combustion-engine models usually only deliver 30% of the energy generated to the wheels. The 1,000km range comfortably outshines the likes of the Tesla Model S (652km) and even the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ that recently achieved 679km in the Edmunds test. 

Even if the Vision EQXX could do half its claimed range while using all of its features and performance, it’s an incredibly attractive proposition as an electric sportsback for long road trips in the near future. 

What do you make of the Mercedes Vision EQXX concept? Let us know your favourite fact about it in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and our socials to keep up with our latest updates and more.