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Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ revealed: Electric SUV debuts in Paris

The Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ all-electric SUV concept has been revealed at the Paris motor show, previewing the direction of the company’s upcoming range of ‘EQ’-branded electric models.


Featuring two electric motors with a combined output of up to 300kW, Mercedes-Benz says the Generation EQ shows how electric vehicles (EVs) “can soon move into the fast lane”, while still offering a zero-emissions range of up to 500 kilometres.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, said: “The mobility of the future at Mercedes-Benz will stand on four pillars: Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric. Generation EQ is a logical fusion of all four pillars”.

“The emission-free automobile is the future. And our new EQ brand goes far beyond electric vehicles.”

“EQ stands for a comprehensive electric ecosystem of services, technologies and innovations,” he added.

Underpinning the Generation EQ concept is the company’s new modular architecture developed specifically for battery-electric vehicles. Thanks to the platform’s building-block system, the wheelbase, track width and batteries can all be varied to suit sedans, coupes, SUVs, and other types of vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz’s new electric component set also makes use of numerous materials including steel, aluminium and carbon-fibre.

Previewed earlier this week in a teaser video, the electric SUV sports a completely new design - particularly its face - which the company labels as an “electro-look”.

A departure from the more conventional styling of the company’s current range, the Generation EQ adopts a very futuristic design, combining elements of an SUV, coupe and shooting brake.

Up front is a new “Black Panel” front grille, which incorporates blue LED optical fibres, flanked by full-LED headlights.

A similar design is echoed at the rear with another black panel extending from both sides of the tailgate flanked by slim LED optical fibre tail-lights, which start as electric blue and then change to red when the vehicle is in motion.

Both Mercedes stars at the front and rear are illuminated in white.

Filling the arches are 21-inch alloy wheels, asserting the concept’s dynamic intentions.

Inside, the Generation EQ features a four-seat layout, with speakers integrated into the headrests for a “tailored sound experience”. The seats’s side bolsters are upholstered in light-white leather, with perforations reveal rose gold highlights.

Rear passengers are kept entertained with a TFT monitor mounted onto the front backrests.

The information displays at the front of the cabin can be tailored to show varying amounts of information, including data on speed and range. A colour theme of electric blue and rose gold flows throughout the interior.

A real-time 3D navigation display offers a high-resolution three-dimensional city view, based on the map platform HERE.

Touch controls adorn the steering wheel and centre console, allowing the driver to manipulate the vehicle’s climate control and infotainment systems.

Additionally, the Generation EQ features a side camera system as opposed to conventional wing mirrors, which project an image of the traffic behind onto displays integrated into the doors.

Pitched as a high-performance offering, the Generation EQ features total outputs of up to 300kW and 700Nm in its most powerful configuration, which allows the electric SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in under five seconds.

An exact battery capacity has not been detailed for the concept car, however Mercedes-Benz does mention that its modular battery systems have a “model-specific” total capacity of over 70kWh.

The company plans to introduce charging capacities of up to 300kW with the Combined Charging System (CCS) in the near future, which would be capable of replenishing 100 kilometres of range within five minutes. However, current European charging capacities range from 50kW to 150kW.

Numerous technologies help the Generation EQ to stay one step ahead, including a navigation system that allows the vehicle to determine things like the precise curve radii, position and size of a roundabout, so it can adjust its speed accordingly to maintain a comfortable ride.

Car-to-X technology is also featured, allowing the Generation EQ to exchange information with infrastructure and other vehicles.

The production version of the Generation EQ concept will be released within three years, with Mercedes-Benz claiming it will retail for around the same price as a mid-spec GLC.

Furthermore, the company aims to release 10 new electric models by 2025, with EVs accounting for 15 to 25 per cent of its global sales by the same year.

To support its shift into all-electric projects, the Mercedes-Benz has invested 1 billion euros into battery production, and is launching a new sub-brand.

Other plans include car-sharing services, connected parking resources and parcel delivery integration.

For more of our 2016 Paris motor show coverage, follow our live feed here.

Click the photos tab for more images of the Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept

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