Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ makes debut in Paris

Generation EQ, Exterieur ;
Generation EQ, exterior;

At long last, Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed its new electric vehicle sub-brand – EQ – and to mark the occasion, the Generation EQ makes its official debut at the ongoing Paris Motor Show.

Along with the reveal, the German carmaker has stated that the first series-production EQ model will be launched in the SUV segment before the end of this decade, which could explain why the Generation EQ bears some resemblance to the company’s GLC (a hint, maybe?)

On this concept, there are two electric motors fitted on both axles, powered by a battery pack mounted in the vehicle’s floor. The lithium-ion batteries adopt a modular design, allowing for a total capacity of over 70 kWh, and charged via the usual wallbox or wireless induction.

Generation EQ, Exterieur ;
Generation EQ, exterior;

Mercedes expects a reduced charging times with the introduction of fast charging by the European Combined Charging System (CCS) standard. Currently, charging capacities from 50-150 kW are possible but could soon go up to 300 kW in the medium to long term.. This would enable sufficient power for 100 km of electric range to be recharged within five minutes.

In terms of performance, the Generation EQ has a claimed zero-emissions range of 500 km. The electric all-wheel drive setup also has a total output of 300 kW (402 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, so the century sprint is dispatched in under five seconds.

The electric powertrain sits in a modular architecture developed by Mercedes specifically for battery-electric models. This allows the vehicle’s wheelbase and track width as well as all other components, like the batteries, to be scaled to suit SUVs, sedans, coupes and other models. Mercedes says that its platform employs a mix of steel, aluminium and carbon-fibre, ensuring that the requirements in terms of lightweight design, strength and cost efficiency are ideally met.

Of course, this being a concept, the design is expectedly futuristic, and fits into the whole “hot and cool” philosophy put forth by Gorden Wagener, head of design at Daimler AG. The sleek and curvaceous boasts a coupe-like roofline, enhanced by an elongated greenhouse to ensure the cabin gets plenty of natural light.

The “electro-look” front-end hosts a display-like grille and headlamps, accentuated by lots of blue accents (also found near the door sills). The rear lamps are part of a “Black Panel,” and surrounded by an LED optical fibre that changes colour from blue to red when the vehicle is moving, doubling as a taillight and indicators.

The concept also features large 21-inch wheels, a black bonnet, concealed windscreen wipers, cameras instead of conventional side mirrors, and an alubeam silver paintjob (with touches of rose gold).

Inside the four-seater, the concept is a tech fest, where touch-based controls can be found scattered around the cabin. The only thing that remains “traditional” here are the electric seat adjustment controls like what you would find on a regular Mercedes.

You’ll also notice several displays while in the passenger seat, chief among which is the 24-inch TFT high-definition widescreen directly in front of you that can be configured to display the usual driving data, navigation and map details.

Meanwhile, the steering wheel features two OLED (organic light emitting diode) touchscreen displays on two of the three spokes, which indicate icons and symbols in the respective menus, along the driver to swipe through them and confirming their selection.

There are also integrated displays in the doors that are hooked up to the “side mirror” cameras. Access to the automatic climate control and the infotainment system is done via another touchscreen on the centre console, complete with a modern reinterpretation of the COMAND touchpad.

As one of the three parties that owns mapping firm Here, the Generation EQ’s satellite navigation system uses the company’s software, which works together with the latest safety and assistance systems like semi-autonomous features.

For instance, the system will ensure the best possible use of available energy in the batteries to achieve the best possible range, and show the the current energy consumption along the route. Car-to-X technology also downloads the latest data to warn the driver of imminent dangers up ahead, or inform them on nearby recharging opportunities, uploading them to the navigation map.

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