A Road Trip With The Vision EQXX…Concept
The Vision EQXX
It’s not often that you see a concept car that is actually being driven, as they are usually constructed with the purpose of flaunting themselves on a fancy auto show and maybe wowing onlookers with potential new technologies. However, in perfect Mercedes-Benz fashion, the luxury brand proved that its EQXX is more than a concept piece, but rather a full-breed and developed vehicle with new electrified technologies.
“The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars. Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometers. It has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars.” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, about the EQXX.
The German car manufacturer proved its point by driving the EQXX from Sindelfingen, Germany to Cassis, a Mediterranean fishing port in southern France. The car traveled approximately 626.3 miles and was still able to arrive at its destination with about a 15 percent charge remaining, which would allow for an additional journey of 80 miles.
“With our successful road trip to the South of France, we’ve shown that efficiency is the new currency. And this success also clearly speaks for our new collaborative development process, incorporating many learnings from the Mercedes-AMG® F1 team and its cutting-edge expertise in electric powertrains. The VISION EQXX is the result of a comprehensive program that provides a blueprint for the future of automotive engineering. Many of the innovative developments are already being integrated into production, some of them in the next generation of modular architecture for compact and midsize Mercedes-Benz vehicles. And the journey continues. With the VISION EQXX, we will keep testing the limits of what’s possible,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Purchasing.
According to a car reviewer at CNET’s RoadShow site, there were many otherworldly elements on the concept vehicle, such as 3D-printed elements on the door panel trim made with the purpose of sustainability, along with smooth leather seats made from a cactus, silk-like fabric from recycled plastic bottles, shag carpet from plastic refuse. The only animal-like material used were on the seat inserts, which were made from mycelium, a root-like structure of a fungus.
According to the Mercedes-Benz media site, Mercedes-Benz Group, aside from its achievements in its powertrain (and sustainable materials), the concept has also made significant advancements with its new software-focused approach to UI/UX (user experience/user interface) systems. This game engine only promotes the possibilities of digital luxury.
The user interface is also made to show real-time graphics, immediately reacting to the needs of the driver.
Mercedes-Benz of Washington
While it’s not set and stone just how long it will be till the Vision EQXX concept makes a complete transition to a production model, what is certain is that the brand always has a highly selective bunch of creative and intuitive vehicles at its disposal, namely, Mercedes-Benz of Washington.
We have vehicles ranging from coupes, sedans, SUVs, convertibles, and more. Simply view our online new car inventory, and if you find something that suits your interest, chat with a representative for further assistance.
Photo Source/Copyright: Mercedes-Benz Group Media