2016 Paris Preview: The Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept previews an EV crossover family

Mercedes-Benz plans a new family of EVs, starting with this Generation EQ Concept.

The 2016 Paris Auto Show is in full swing and Mercedes-Benz revealed a new all-electric crossover SUV concept.

Over the past several months, Mercedes has been confirming their new efforts to develop all-electric luxury vehicles. The plan is to produce more EVs to compete with Tesla Motors.

What is it?

The latest effort is the all-new Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept. Revealed at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, the new concept previews these exact efforts in a crossover EV form.

The idea of the Generation EQ Concept combines the popular crossover with an all-electric powertrain. The goal: to produce a better EV crossover than the Tesla Model X. Given how the Model X isn’t without its flaws, Mercedes sees this opportunity to one-up Tesla.

It starts with the name, EQ. Mercedes-Benz is all about sub-branding these days and so, the “EQ” line represents Mercedes’ new family of EVs. Featuring the latest in electric propulsion and lithium-ion battery technology, the family will lead to the introduction of an SUV, a sedan, coupe, wagon, and a range of convertibles.

 

“Our new EQ brand goes far beyond electric vehicles,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche said at the press conference. “EQ stands for a comprehensive electric ecosystem of services, technologies and innovations.”

Helping to lead the way establishing the brand is the Generation EQ Concept. It might look like more slickback version of the GLE Crossover. But its familiar design trumps the Tesla Model X in familiarity, meaning customers won’t have to adjust to odd quirks, which the Model X has.

What powers it?

Powering the Generation EQ Concept is a combination of two electric motors to simulate all-wheel drive. Juice is provided by a 70-kWh battery pack, yielding a combined output of 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of twist. A range of 311 miles on a full charge is estimated using the European testing cycle.

 

Will it hit production?

 

Yes. It will. Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the Generation EQ Concept is planned to go into production. Figure the production model will be slightly fixed and dumbed-down stylistically to meet strict EU and US crash and safety standards.

What else is cool about it?

The production model should be made of a unique mixture of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber to keep weight down. Charging efforts are still largely dependent on the infrastructure, which is still deep in the development phase. But Dr. Zetsche promises that infrastructure will improve by the time the Generation EQ Concept hits production.

Recently, Europe’s new emissions laws also call for the improvement of EV charging infrastructure. This led to the development of Europe’s new standard, Combined Charging System or CCS. The new systems set requirements for charging stations providing between 50 kilowatts and 150 kilowatts of charging power.

Expect some new tricks up its sleeve with future connectivity and autonomous driving tech.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Daimler

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