Mercedes-Benz looks to the future with Generation EQ concept
When it comes to EV innovation and forecasting, Paris seems to be the place to be with VW debuting its forward thinking I.D. concept.
Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz has also been showing off with the reveal of their Generation EQ - an electric concept vehicle with the appearance of a sporty SUV coupe.
Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, Generation EQ is the forerunner of Mercedes-Benz's new product brand for electric mobility.
The dynamic exterior design underlines the focus on the powerful electric drive system, comprised of two electric motors, with a system output that can be increased to up to 300 kW thanks to scalable battery components.
The permanent all-wheel drive system guarantees dynamic high-level performance, and with a projected range of up to 500 kilometres as well as the typical Mercedes strengths of safety, comfort, functionality and connectivity, Generation EQ has aimed to meet every demand.
"The mobility of the future at Mercedes-Benz will stand on four pillars: Connected, Autonomous, Shared und Electric.” said Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Generation EQ is the logical fusion of all four pillars, and the emission-free automobile is the future.”
Like VW, though much more restrained in regard to its futuristic design, Mercs new generation of electric vehicles will be based on an architecture developed specifically for battery-electric models, which is scalable in every respect and usable across all models.
The vehicle concept is thus optimised to meet every requirement of a future-oriented, battery-electric model family. The basic architecture is suitable for SUVs, saloons, coupes, cabriolets and other model series.
The monolithic basic form of Generation EQ unites the genes of an SUV with the dynamic character of a coupe and a dash of shooting brake at the rear end. The new electro-look is the result of a flowing transition from the gleaming black bonnet across the windscreen to the dark-tinted panoramic roof - an exciting contrast to the alubeam silver paintwork.
Scarcely visible body panel joins, concealed windscreen wipers, cameras instead of exterior mirrors and an absence of conventional door handles emphasise the stretched, dynamic silhouette, making the SUV crossover appear as a unified whole while reducing its air resistance.
The focus of the driver-oriented cockpit is on simple, touch-based controls with a new electro-look consistently reflecting the exterior styling. The asymmetrical design of the instrument panel with its large, floating wide-screen display is tailored to the driver.
Generation EQ also comes with four individual seats and the reduced volume gives an impression of floating in space. TFT monitors for rear-seat entertainment are integrated into the front backrests.
Continuing, Dr Zetsche commented: "We're ready for the launch of an electric product offensive that will cover all vehicle segments, from the compact to the luxury class."
With the two electric motors on the front and rear axles and a battery in the vehicle floor, Generation EQ promises a total output of up to 300 kW in the most powerful variant and an acceleration to 100 km/h in under five seconds. In combination with the intelligent operating strategy from Mercedes-Benz, they forecast a range of up to 500 kilometres.
Generation EQ also promises to bring together the latest-generation charging technologies, ensuring that it is able to charge at home by induction or wallbox and for fast charging.
Things are certainly heating up in regard to emission-free motoring, and with concepts coming thick and fast we can’t wait to see who will lead the way in years to come.