Hyper efficiency and futuristic drivetrain design meet in the 1,000km range Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Vision EQXX, an all-electric hyper-efficient saloon with a claimed 1,000km range.

The concept car has a sportscar-like design, with a low front and a silhouette that takes the shape of a water droplet, flowing smoothly towards the rear. The two-dimensional star pattern on the front bumper of the EQXX is said to preview the font-end design detailing that will feature in future Mercedes-Benz models.

Contributing to the significant range of the concept car are its state-of-the-art batteries. Developed by the Formula One experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, the batteries of the Mercedes-Benz EQXX sport an energy density of 400Wh/l, allowing the compact car to carry a net energy capacity of close to 100kWh.

This combines with a power electronics unit based on the one in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar sporting an output of 201bhp.

Mercedes-Benz states this power unit is highly efficient, able to convert up to 95% of the energy from the batteries into forward motion. For comparison, ICE vehicles typically operate at around 30% efficiency.

Also aiding the Vision EQXX's hyper efficiency are aerodynamic touches including its small frontal area. Active aero-shutters, special air channels in the car's bonnet, as well as the installation of a cooling plate on the vehicle floor all further add to the car's aerodynamic efficiency. Final aerodynamic efficiency for the EQXX stands at 0.17Cd.

The concept car further sports 117 solar cells on its roof. Used to power the air-conditioning fan and other ancillaries, Mercedes claims this addition will add another 25km of range in a day by reducing the drain on the high-voltage battery. All these lead to a final energy efficiency of more than 10km/kWh for the concept.

Those that step into the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX will face an immersive seamless display unit. Spanning 47.5-inches, the unit stretches from one A-pillar to the other. With an 8K (7,680 x 660 pixels) resolution, the thin, lightweight LED display acts as a portal connecting the driver and occupants with the car and the world outside.

Housed within the display is a star-cloud avatar, reminiscent of our name-sake Mercedes Jelinek, that shape-shifts in response to the driver's needs while taking care of passengers, turning every journey into a luxurious experience.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX also sports the use of innovative materials sourced from start-ups around the world. These include a sustainable cactus-based biomaterial as an alternative to animal-based leather, while the floor carpets are also made from bamboo fibre.