Mercedes-Benz shows the luxury e-car of the future with the Vision EQXX

With the Viseon EQXX, Mercedes-Benz shows where the journey for electric cars could go. A potential range of up to 1,000 km along with many other features installed here should make the competition pale. In addition to all sorts of gadgets that the traditional German company also uses in its Formula 1 racing cars, the display in the interior, which comes with 8K resolution, is particularly impressive. We take a closer look at Mercedes’ probably priceless future.

The somewhat different presentation

The fact that cars are now no longer just simple means of transport is already made clear by the timing of the presentation of the Vision EQXX. For example, Mercedes decided not to use the International Motor Show (IAA) as its stage. Instead, the carmaker opted for CES 2022, where it becomes clear that cars are increasingly moving in the direction of technology gadgets.

This trend has been further reinforced by the widespread accessibility of modern e-cars. Surprisingly, this is not really the case with Mercedes’ latest coup. Indeed, the EQXX is likely to please both car nuts and tech nerds alike. After all, the vehicle not only offers an impressive range of over 1,000 km and groundbreaking aerodynamics. On top of that, the interior accommodates a gigantic display based on mini-LED technology.

Formula 1 car with road approval?

The sporty design almost makes you doubt that the EQXX will actually get a conventional road registration. After all, the vehicle is not only visually reminiscent of a race car. Mercedes-Benz says it has incorporated plenty of proven technology from Formula 1 into the silver body of the EQXX. Surprisingly, the focus is by no means on performance. At 150 kW (204 hp), this is surprisingly normal. Rather, it is the applied lightweight construction that has been scrutinized here and apparently almost perfected.

Thus, the vehicle weighs just 1,750 kg, which naturally benefits endurance. Above all, enthusiasts of the advancing electromobility will be pleased that Mercedes-Benz has just not bothered about the next record holder in terms of maximum horsepower. Instead, the company has clearly focused on energy efficiency. And that seems to have paid off. Because above all the light weight together with modern battery technology ensures that the EQXX should be able to drive over 1,000 km – with just one charge of its 100 kWh battery.

The (almost) perfect battery design

When laypeople think of Formula 1, they quickly picture fat combustion engines that guzzle lots of fuel. Certainly, the racing cars are real gas guzzlers. But electric motors now play at least as big a role in the world’s fastest racing sport. However, while the electric unit only plays a supporting role in Formula 1, it is naturally the heart of the EQXX.

For example, the design of the electric motor of the EQXX was clearly based on the upcoming Formula 1 race car. The goal was to pack the battery as tightly as possible in order to achieve maximum energy efficiency again. To achieve this, the inverter from Mercedes’ upcoming AMG Project One was taken as a model.

The end result is that Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with its technical partners, has managed to achieve an energy density of a proud 400 Wh/l. By way of comparison, the previous locking top from Mercedes in the form of the EQS can only boast a battery about half the size. According to Mercedes-Benz, the reason for the significant increase in energy density is the chemistry of the anodes.

Since these provide a higher content of silicon in the EQXX, storing more energy is possible. However, it is not only the 495 kg battery with 900 volts installed in the car that provides the corresponding range. Another 25 km are made possible by solar cells installed on the roof of the chic runabout.

Impressive aerodynamics

If you want to get the most out of a vehicle, aerodynamics naturally also play a major role. And here, too, Mercedes-Benz has not done things by halves. Thanks to the streamlined design of the EQXX, the vehicle manages to achieve a very good Cw value of 0.17.

To achieve this value, the designers rely on special aero elements, among other things. In particular, the comparatively short forehead of the noble e-car clearly stands out from the crowd.

Mini LED display in 47.5 inches with 8K resolution

No less impressive than energy efficiency and aerodynamics is probably the interior of the vehicle. Here is a cockpit display that cannot be overlooked. With a size of 47.5 inches and a resolution of 8K, this really lives up to the epithet “hyperscreen”. The display runs as one from the left driver’s side to across to the right passenger side. This clearly puts even the impressive display from the EQS in the shade.

Thanks to state-of-the-art mini-LED technology, the 7,680 x 660 pixel resolution display boasts rich contrasts. In navigation mode, the display itself shows a 3D-rendered city. This is supposed to help with orientation in bustling city traffic. According to Mercedes-Benz, a game engine is even used to display this smoothly. In addition, it should be possible to view further real-time information about the vehicle on the display.

Innovative control

Mercedes remains true to its so-called “zero-layer concept” in the EQXX, which is already used in the EQS. However, the automaker is developing this one even further. In particular, there are to be no more real submenus. Instead, artificial intelligence will ensure that the driver is given exactly those commands that make sense at the moment. In theory, that sounds very good.

Finally, you no longer have to click through a desert of different options. Sometimes, however, you can’t do without setting things up via menu. In this case, Mercedes of an innovative zoom function wants to keep the controls as clear as possible. Of course, it would be a real shame if you couldn’t enjoy any entertainment on the chic display. For this reason, at least the passenger can enjoy his own display area. You can use it as much as you like while driving. For the driver, on the other hand, it’s a case of: Keep your eyes on the road!

Not just a feast for the eyes

But it’s not just the Hyperscreen that is supposed to be able to set standards in terms of operation and entertainment. On top of that, Mercedes promises an impressive integration of the total of 31 installed speakers and 8 bass exciters. These should not only be able to emit simple sounds and warning signals.

On top of that, the bass exciters are capable of haptic feedback. This can then be passed on to the driver via the headrest and seat. Here, however, we are roughly on the level of the EQS, which has the most expensive car sound system on the market to offer with its Burmester speakers. Mercedes did not develop the audio performance further in order to give way to energy efficiency once again.