At CES 2023, Mercedes-Benz revealed a milestone in electric vehicle design: the Vision EQXX. This concept car is not only a visual statement of future mobility — it is the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever created.
With its record-setting aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.17 and a real-world range exceeding 1,200 kilometers, the EQXX serves as a technological showcase of what’s possible when lean engineering meets relentless innovation. Munro went behind the scenes with Julien Pillás of Mercedes-Benz to explore how this ultra-efficient electric vehicle came to life.
Aerodynamics by Design — Shaving Every Point of Drag
Mercedes engineers began by tackling the most crucial component of EV efficiency: aerodynamics. The EQXX features a sticker badge instead of a traditional hood ornament — a seemingly minor change that helps eliminate turbulence and air resistance. But that’s just the start.
The entire exterior was sculpted to control and guide airflow precisely. Specially designed air curtains around the front wheels and rear air breathers manage turbulence. The design team even narrowed the rear track by 50 mm (25 mm per side) to pull the rear wheels slightly inward, reducing drag without resorting to full wheel covers that might compromise aesthetics.
The result is a car that looks sleek and elegant — not unlike pre-1950s luxury vehicles — yet slices through the air with astonishing efficiency.
A deployable rear diffuser adds active aerodynamic functionality. It extends automatically at around 60 kph to further reduce the drag coefficient by 0.01 — a testament to Mercedes’ race-derived engineering. Even the underbody is flat, supporting laminar airflow and thermal performance.
Formula 1 DNA: Collaboration with High Performance Powertrains
Mercedes-Benz didn’t work alone. Their Formula 1 teams at High Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth and chassis specialists in Brackley contributed directly. This collaboration yielded key breakthroughs in underbody cooling and drivetrain integration.
In just 18 months — from a blank page to press-ready concept — the EQXX was developed using F1-style timelines and cross-discipline cooperation. That speed didn’t come at the cost of precision. Instead, it enhanced it.
Underbody thermal plates allow airflow to pass beside (not through) the cooling hardware, increasing thermal efficiency and maintaining that low drag profile. The EQXX team turned over every stone in search of savings — every detail reflects that purpose-driven obsession.
Weight Optimization: From Materials to Mechanics
Reducing vehicle weight was another key focus. A mixed-material body structure integrates large rear castings and tailored reinforcements to save mass. Even the seats use plant-based cactus-derived materials and skeletonized structures to cut grams while improving sustainability.
Mercedes skipped traditional air suspension systems to save weight. Instead, the EQXX employs glass fiber rear springs that offer both stiffness and comfort. The result? A taut, responsive ride — ideal for a lightweight vehicle designed for long-distance travel.
Eliminating liquid cooling from the battery pack was another radical choice. Because of the car’s low weight and moderate power demands, liquid cooling wasn’t necessary. This decision helped Mercedes avoid the typical cascading weight problem — where heavier components demand stronger suspension, bigger brakes, and more robust structures.
Even the door handles were replaced with simple cloth pull-straps, a nod to vintage automotive design and another smart deletion of unnecessary mass.
Battery Chemistry and Energy Management
The Vision EQXX uses high-silicon anode cells, an advanced battery chemistry chosen to improve energy density while maintaining manageable thermal properties. These cells support the vehicle’s ability to travel over 1,200 km on a single charge.
The solar roof adds a layer of passive range extension. While it doesn’t recharge the main drive battery, it supports the 12V system, powering auxiliary components like sensors and infotainment. This design harvested up to 45 kilometers of extra range when driving northbound across France, thanks to rear-facing sunlight exposure.
Internally, the EQXX is equipped with a mini-LED screen that stretches across the dashboard. The screen boasts 3,000 dimming zones, reducing power usage based on content — black pixels consume no energy. These features reflect how every subsystem was reviewed for efficiency, including seemingly minor elements like infotainment.
Ride and Drive: Efficiency That Feels Good
On the road, the EQXX defies expectations. Despite its rigid, ultra-lightweight build, it delivers a smooth, quiet ride. The steering is linear, cornering is crisp, and the entire experience feels tailored — not raw or stripped down.
Though its motor delivers just 180 kW (245 horsepower) to the rear wheels, the Vision EQXX doesn’t feel underpowered. Thanks to its lightweight design and optimized rolling resistance, the car accelerates briskly and maintains composure at high speed.
The mirrors — kept just within legal size limits — further highlight the team’s unwillingness to compromise efficiency. Mercedes explored camera-based replacements but stuck with physical mirrors due to energy costs and 3D visual ergonomics. The team noted that eyes adjust faster to real reflections, especially in the dark.
Even tall drivers (up to 2 meters) can fit comfortably, thanks to smart interior design — a nod to both ergonomics and inclusivity in concept development.
Toward a Leaner EV Future
One of the most telling insights from the Munro interview was the discussion around power expectations. Many consumers associate EVs with massive torque and high performance, often requiring 500–1,000 horsepower — which drives up cost, complexity, and weight. The EQXX challenges this paradigm.
By focusing on what’s necessary — not excessive — Mercedes created an EV that’s fun to drive, cost-effective, and sustainable. A car with 245 horsepower can still offer thrilling acceleration, especially when it weighs far less than its competitors.
This kind of lean design and forward-thinking engineering is exactly what the EV industry needs. It opens the door for more $20,000–$25,000 vehicles in the future — but only if consumers are willing to embrace efficiency over ego.
Conclusion: More Than a Concept
The Vision EQXX isn’t just a pretty face or a test bed. It’s a rolling manifesto. Every gram, every watt, and every decision serves the singular goal of maximum efficiency. By merging Formula 1 technology, sustainable materials, and radical aerodynamic solutions, Mercedes-Benz has proven what’s possible when nothing is left on the table.
As Munro’s ride-along revealed, the EQXX feels ready for the road — and many of its design breakthroughs are likely to shape the next generation of Mercedes-Benz EVs. For engineers, enthusiasts, and investors watching the future of mobility unfold, this is the benchmark to beat.
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