Mercedes launches e-car with EQXX technology

With the EQXX, Mercedes-Benz has shown how efficient an electric car can be.

Thanks to the latest e-car technology and several efficiency measures, the concept car, a mid-size sedan, covered more than 1200 kilometres on just one battery charge. Now the Swabians want to transfer the technology to series production. Robert Lesnik, who is responsible for the manufacturer's exterior design, told the British Autocar that the first e-car with EQXX borrowings will be in what Mercedes calls the "Entry Luxury" segment and will be a good 4.7 metres long. The vehicle is expected to launch in 2024.

Lesnik did not give more information, so we are left with speculation. Autocar suspects that the new Entry Luxury Stromer will be similar to the current CLA saloon. This is a segment in which electric cars such as the BMW i4, the Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3 are currently courting customers. It is said to be one of the first to use the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) e-car platform, which was designed specifically for small and medium-sized electric cars. As a small loophole in the drive turnaround, however, MMA also allows the integration of an internal combustion engine.

As one of four new e-car architectures being developed by engineers in Stuttgart as part of the manufacturer's electric offensive, the MMA platform is expected to play a key role in future-proofing some of the best-selling and most important models in Mercedes' entry-level ranges.

A year after the release of the production model, an AMG variant is also planned, Lesnik said, which will feature some of the EQXX's active aerodynamic elements, such as a movable diffuser and active spoiler. The sleek EQXX will also shape the look of Mercedes-Benz's new e-cars, Lesnik said, with clear inspiration from the concept.  

Above all, Mercedes highlights the new battery technology as instrumental in the EQXX's long range. A significantly increased power density allows for much longer ranges while still maintaining a low weight and volume. The latter helps to maximise the space in the interior. The 100 kWh battery of the EQXX is a good third lighter and only about half the size of the 108 kWh battery pack used in the EQS luxury-class electric vehicle. The new electric motors for the MMA platform are also trimmed for compact dimensions and low weight with the greatest possible efficiency.