Instead of putting a giant battery into the Vision EQXX to give it more range, the German automaker is trying something different: ultra-efficiency suffused throughout the entire car.
The future of Mercedes' electric vehicle lineup was revealed on Monday ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show. The first all-electric EQS sedan was delivered a few weeks ago, but Mercedes is already looking at what's next.
The first all-electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz is called Vision EQXX. Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
Long ranges for future Mercedes EV are up to 600 miles. The longest-range vehicle on the road is the Lucid Air Dream edition, which has a 520-mile battery.
A compact and efficient battery is important for Mercedes. The energy consumption of the battery is 10 kWh per 100 kilometers. It has 100 kWh of energy, but it's only half the size of the battery pack. 15 kWh per 100 kilometers is what the EQS uses.
Trying to maintain efficient driving meant unique exterior design choices. The shape is more aerodynamic than a football, according to Mercedes. The creators of this sleek vehicle compared it to a "water droplet" with a small front area and an air curtain over the front bumper, along with wheel covers.
This sleek EV has an aerodynamic design. Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
The solar power roof panels can add up to 15 miles of range and power the car lights, infotainment system and other features, which plays into a focus on recycled materials throughout the car.
There's vegan silk-like fabric on the doors, and vegan leather made from mycelium, the roots of mushrooms, along with a cactus-based material also for seating and interior spaces. There's carpeting made from bamboo fiber and a plastic alternative made from bottles.
The EV's interior is vegan. Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
Up to 15 miles of range can be achieved with the solar power roof panels. Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
The front hyperscreen is already impressive, but this concept takes it to the next level. A 47.5-inch display spans the entire dashboard with 8K resolution. There is a navigation system for mapping.
That's a large display. Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes' voice control system is still used, but it's infused with artificial intelligence. The car uses a machine learning company to reduce energy consumption by thinking like a human.
The voice assistant can suggest driving modes and styles. You can see how that is using up energy by looking at a display of speed, incline, wind, and resistance.
It all sounds too good to be true, but remember that other Mercedes concepts have been made into real products.
