The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is claimed to be company’s most efficient car ever, thanks largely to its aerodynamic body.
In addition to a flat underbody, the EQXX has a tapered tear drop-style body with a rear track that’s 50mm narrower than the front. The concept’s frontal area is said to be less than the CLA and some Smart cars.
We don’t know the overall length, but the wheelbase is 2800mm, meaning there’s less space between the wheels than on a C-Class.
The Bridgestone Turanza Eco low rolling resistance tyres have aerodynamically-designed sidewalls, and are paired to 20-inch forged magnesium wheels with wind-cheating covers.
At its most efficient setting, with all the cooling shutters closed and diffusers retracted, the EQXX has a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.17.
To put that into context, the latest S-Class has a Cd of 0.22, while the all-electric EQS has a drag rating of 0.20.
A cooling plate is built into the EQXX’s flat underbody takes advantage of all the cold air rushing underneath the sedan, while heat pumps coupled to the electric motor help to keep the cabin toasty while minimising energy use.
All of these design choices help to cut consumption to under 10kWh per 100km, and fitted with a 100kWh battery pack, the Vision EQXX is said to have a driving range over 1000km on a full charge.
Thanks to a partnership with HPP, the EQXX’s battery has an energy density of almost 400Wh/L. According to the automaker, this is because of a new anode chemistry and more tightly packed cells with electrical and electronic components moved into a separate compartment. Maximum system voltage is an eye-poppingly high 900V.
These advances equate to a 100kWh battery unit that’s not only more compact, but weighs just 495 kilograms.
To improve range still further, there are 117 solar cells on the roof that feed into a special lithium-ion-phosphate battery powering the climate control system, as well as the lights, infotainment setup and other accessories. On a day with plenty of sunshine, the solar panel can add up to 25km of driving range.
With its focus on range, it’s probably no surprise to learn the EQXX has a single electric motor for the rear axle rated at around 150kW. Performance figures have yet to be divulged, but the concept reportedly has a gross weight of around 1750kg.
Unlike hyper-efficient cars of yesteryear, the EQXX doesn’t skimp on the luxury — as evidenced by full-width dashboard screen and intricate cabin details — although it tries to do it an ecologically-friendly manner.
The seats are clad in a leather-replacement that’s largely made from cactus, while other areas employ a different leather alternative made from mycelium, the root system of mushrooms.
Other vegan cabin elements include floor mats are made entirely from bamboo fibre, synthetic silk door pulls, and recycled PET bottle materials for the floor, doors and headliner.
