German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has again demonstrated the incredible electric efficiency of its Vision EQXX concept, with a recent 1,000-kilometre-plus drive in the Arabian Desert ending with a groundbreaking energy efficiency of only 7.4kWh per 100 kilometres.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Vision EQXX concept all the way back in early 2022. A four-door concept vehicle with a real-world range of over 1,000 kilometres, the Vision EQXX was built to target a single-digit kilowatt-hour efficiency.
To demonstrate its bona fides, the Vision EQXX completed a picturesque European journey of over 1,000-kilometres on a single battery charge in early 2022 with electric power consumption of only 8.7kWh/100km.
Later that same year, the Vision EQXX completed a journey of 1,202km from Stuttgart to Silverstone and Brixworth on a single charge ahead of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, clocking an even better figure of 8.3kWh/100km.
The Vision EQXX has again broken its own energy efficiency record, however, further reducing electric power consumption down to 7.4kWh/100km.
“With an exceptional consumption of just 7.4 kWh/100 km1, the VISION EQXX continues to provide valuable data for ongoing development of advanced electric efficiency technologies,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG and chief technology officer.
“As expected, all systems performed perfectly in the desert conditions, handling challenges such as road surface finish and temperature as well as dust with ease. Further proof that electric drive is ready for global markets.”
The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept travelled from the Mercedes-Benz Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to the recently opened Mercedes-Benz Brand Center in Dubai, UAE – a journey of 1,010km which was completed in a total driving time of 14 hours and 42 minutes. The journey covered both busy city streets and open desert.
Having left Riyadh with a full battery, the Vision EQXX still had 309 kilometres of range left when it arrived in Dubai.
During the drive, the air conditioning system was operating with minimal negative impact on the overall energy efficiency of the drive, thanks in part to the multi-source heat pump – a further developed version of which has been integrated into the Concept CLA Class unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023.
Working similarly well was the EQXX’s solar roof, consisting of 117 solar cells which are used to power many of the vehicle’s ancillaries. The drive to Dubai saw the roof harvest a total of 1.8kWh, adding around 24 kilometres to the overall range of the car.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.