Agent47 Posted January 4, 2022 Posted January 4, 2022 The new Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept is claimed to set new energy efficiency benchmarks to get a “real-world range of more than 620 miles” – 167 more than the EQS flagship EV. The rakish compact saloon is the latest in a long line of design studies made public by Mercedes-Benz. It has been conceived to challenge existing EV principles in a programme aimed at hatching new ideas, processes and innovations for adoption on upcoming EVs. But asked what would stop Mercedes putting the radical concept itself into production, chief technology officer Markus Schäfer told Autocar: "Basically, not much. You can have a spin with it in a few months." Schäfer noted that the concept is a running and driving protoype, which even uses a version of the existing MBUX infotainment system. It uses a prototype of Mercedes-Benz's next-generation EV drivetrain, with innovative battery technology that will enter production in 2024. "There are many, many elements of the vehicle which are very close to moving into series production," he added. "We can look at the shape and form of the vehicle, and we are very close to the series car that we are going to see in 2024 with all the ingredients to make it one of the most efficient electric vehicles that exists". Chief designer Gordon Wagener confirmed that the EQXX is "at least one segment smaller" than the recently revealed EQE, hinting at its eventual production potential as an electric equivalent to the C-Class, which Autocar has previously reported is due around that time, likely using the all-new MMA platform for compact and mid-sized EVs. Despite conforming to all existing German roadworthiness regulations and providing seating for four adults, the EQXX is claimed to set a new record for aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag rating of below 0.18Cd. This compares with the 0.20Cd of the EQS. The development programme for the EQXX is said to have seen key contributions from UK-based Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, which builds the complex V6 turbo-hybrid powertrains for Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars. In developing the one-off prototype, Mercedes not only focused on the drivetrain but also challenged its designers and engineers to rethink other key areas of EV development. Central to the outstanding range achieved by the rear-wheel-drive saloon is its high efficiency rating, which at more than 6.2 miles per kWh is almost double that of the Mercedes-Benz EQS on the WLTP test procedure – a figure that Mercedes says is the equivalent of more than 282mpg in a petrol car. It has been achieved using a newly developed motor and a bespoke lithium ion battery, which, at just under 100kWh, has a lower overall energy capacity than the EQS – the longest-range version of which lasts 453 miles. Using cells supplied by Chinese battery specialist CATL, the 1750kg EQXX’s new battery is also claimed to be “50% the size” of the EQS’s 107.8kWh pack and is some 35% lighter, at about 495kg. Mercedes said that the new high-silicon-content battery operates at more than 900V and features “active cell balancing” – a process whereby energy is drawn evenly from each cell for enhanced efficiency at a cruise. Link : https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-mercedes-benz-vision-eqxx-hyper-efficient-ev-saloon
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