Chapter 1: Overview of the EV Landscape

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the spotlight has often been on American manufacturers renowned for their outstanding performance and range. Companies like Tesla set the standard, while newcomers such as Rivian and Lucid are quickly gaining traction, providing an EV experience that challenges even the most established brands.

Recently, the competition has broadened, with South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia, and Swedish brand Polestar making significant strides in the EV market. However, German manufacturers have been relatively quiet in the race for competitive electric offerings. For example, Volkswagen has introduced the ID.4 in North America, but it struggles to compete with newer models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. Although VW has a more extensive lineup abroad, many of these vehicles share similar foundations and ownership experiences.

On the luxury front, brands like BMW, Audi, and Porsche are refining their initial electric models but are still lagging behind the likes of Lucid and Tesla. In contrast, Mercedes has recently demonstrated its potential to rival Tesla with the introduction of the EQXX concept.

Chapter 2: The Mercedes Vision EQXX

The Vision EQXX, while still a prototype, employs technology that is readily available and could be adopted by any manufacturer today. It features a modest 201-horsepower motor paired with a 100-kWh battery. Although these numbers may not seem impressive at first glance, the EQXX excels with a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.17 and weighs just 3850 pounds. This combination allows the vehicle to achieve an exceptional 7.1 miles per kilowatt.

This means Mercedes has engineered an electric vehicle capable of exceeding 700 miles on a single charge! For those skeptical of this claim, the efficiency was validated through a real-world test covering 1000 kilometers, which included driving on the autobahn at speeds of 87 mph, navigating mountain roads, and enduring temperatures between 37 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

The engineering behind the EQXX’s aerodynamic shape is as innovative as its performance. The vehicle's design features an elongated roof slope, rear wheels positioned closer together than the front, an active rear diffuser, and a compact sedan profile that is 3 inches shorter than Tesla’s Model 3.

Although the Tesla Model 3 is technically lighter, weighing as little as 3650 lbs, the EQXX’s weight of 3850 lbs is commendable given its larger battery. The battery technology also plays a critical role in weight reduction, utilizing in-house designed silicon carbide anodes that enable a high energy density of 200Wh/kg. Compared to existing batteries in models like the EQS, this new battery can deliver equivalent energy storage in a package that is 50% smaller and 30% lighter, while still offering rapid charging capabilities.

Chapter 3: Implications for Mercedes' Future

While this cutting-edge technology could propel Mercedes to the forefront of the EV market, its true potential hinges on its implementation in production vehicles. Fortunately, Mercedes has announced plans to incorporate variations of the EQXX’s powertrain into its upcoming models starting in 2024. With a real-world range exceeding 700 miles, even integrating this powertrain into the current EQS—which has a drag coefficient of 0.20 and weighs 5400 lbs—could enable it to achieve over 500 miles of range.

While the EQXX’s 201 horsepower may seem insufficient for a heavier vehicle, it reportedly accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. Although this power output may not match Tesla's performance, no Tesla can rival the EQXX’s efficiency. Furthermore, Mercedes has the option to incorporate a front motor, alleviating any power concerns.

As Mercedes begins to deploy this drivetrain with various motor and battery combinations, it is poised to offer a highly attractive lineup that surpasses current German competitors. The only remaining question is the pricing of this advanced technology, which will likely come at a premium compared to Mercedes' existing offerings.

Nonetheless, Mercedes can provide smaller battery options than the 100kWh pack in the EQXX, while still achieving impressive range. Clearly, Mercedes appears to be on the right track, and if the powertrain lives up to its promises, it could very well emerge as a leader in the luxury EV segment.

A promising outlook, wouldn’t you agree?

The first video, "The Reality of Owning an Electric Mercedes EQE," explores the ownership experience of the EQE, detailing its capabilities and features.

The second video, "We Put the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 on a Race Track," showcases the performance of the EQE 53 in a racing environment, highlighting its speed and handling.