MERCEDES-BENZ VISION EQXX

Wind-cheating saloon concept previews the electric driveline technology and range-busting qualities that we can expect from electric cars in the future

- GREG KABLE

Imagine an electric car that would allow you to get from the centre of London to the car park at the UK’s northernmost point at Dunnet Head, near John O’Groats, on a single battery charge – almost 700 miles – with absolutely no compromise in speed, comfort or, most important of all, driving enjoyment.

Not possible?

Mercedes-Benz is convinced it is and has created the Vision EQXX concept to prove it.

The rear-wheel-drive saloon acts as a showcase for the sort of electric driveline technology, aerodynamic developments and lightweight construction Mercedes says it is pursuing for future production models. Unlike most concepts, it is fully road legal.

The new four-door is claimed to achieve 7.5 miles per kWh – twice as efficient as the recently introduced EQE 350.

With a specially constructed 100kWh battery integrated into its flat floor, this gives it a theoretical range of over 700 miles. By comparison, the rear-drive EQE 350 with a 90.6kWh battery has a claimed range of 410 miles.

The 900V unit features the latest lithium ion cells from CATL. They use a silicon anode and are claimed to provide an energy density of up to 400Wh per litre, making them far more energy efficient than the cells used in the batteries fitted to existing EQ electric models. It is also claimed to be 50% smaller and 30% lighter than today’s batteries.