Concept EQ premieres in South East Asia

By ahmadzulizwan, 03 May 2018

Here’s something you can do this weekend – head to Mercedes-Benz EQ Brand Exhibition at The Waterfront, Desa Parkcity KL. Why? For the car you see here, the Concept EQ which makes its first appearance in South East Asia. You may remember it from the concept’s debut during Paris Motor Show 2016; and now it is here.

You might also recall the term EQ from the recent Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launch, and yes, they do share the same philosophy of future mobility. However, the Concept EQ takes it much further than just electric powertrains and incorporates the design and functionality of the vehicle as well.

Future battery-electric vehicles from Mercedes will all be based on an architecture specifically designed for such use, and scalable across the range (SUV, sedan, coupe, etc.). The Concept EQ, for example, is an SUV, and has a length of 4,730mm, with 1,948mm and 1,560mm for width and height respectively. This makes it roughly the size of a Mercedes GLC, only wider and shorter (in height).

“EQ offers a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies and innovations. As the premium market leader, we are committed to remaing an industry pioneer with state-of-the-art products and innovations.”

- Dr Claus Weidner, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

Mercedes Concept EQ

Powertrain

The Concept EQ features two electric motors on the front and rear axles (all-wheel drive, with axle-variable torque distribution), producing 300kW of total output (402bhp) and 700Nm for the most powerful variant. The vehicle goes from standstill to 100kph in under five seconds, and a total range of up to 500 kilometres.

Currently, charging capacities from 50 to 150kW are possible. But in the future, a capacity of up to 300kW is planned, allowing for an electric range of 100km from just a five minute charging time.

Mercedes Concept EQ

Design

Mercedes has the term electro-look, which for the Concept EQ includes the flowing transition from its black bonnet to the panoramic roof. Also unique is the ‘Black Panel’ front grille with blue illuminated surround for a new take on the Mercedes radiator grille. Expectedly, the headlights are LED.

As for the interior, the Concept EQ boasts an all-new interface that includes a massive 53cm x 11cm display. You don’t see the usual switches and knobs except for adjusting the seats. Instead, inputs are done using the touchscreen, and via the steering wheel which incorporates touch controls via the OLED displays.

Mercedes Concept EQ

Driver assistance

Car-to-X technology is a big feature, essentially where the Concept EQ talks and exchange information with other Car-to-X-enabled cars, as well as infrastructure.

Using accurate maps from its partner HERE, the vehicle may adjust its speed and driving dynamics automatically if the system finds it best for comfort. An example would be the approach to a roundabout, where the roundabout’s curve radii is considered to decide best approach speed.

Naturally, this also means that the system can make best possible use of available battery energy for maximum possible range.

“In every way, this vehicle proudly manifests its claim of being a technology leader – meeting the demands of sustainable and future-driven motoring. We are delighted to be able to showcase the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ here in Malaysia, marking the beginning of a pure-electric product offensive which will wear the EQ badge,”

- Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia