There’s zero chance that The Mercedes-Benz EQC 4×4² will come to life as is, but that doesn’t stop one from dreaming. Designed to be “an electric car of extremes”, the model was designed to move the traditional thoughts of electric mobility away from city centers and onto more rugged terrain.
The EQC 4×4² was developed by a cross-departmental team under development engineer Jürgen Eberle, which has already been responsible for another daring off-roader, the E 400 All-Terrain 4×4². The new model can drive through sand and on rocky terrain, and through mountain streams.
It’s capable of helping drivers stay off the grid for a spell. A roof tent and inflatable dinghy make adventuring with the concept even more possible.
Ground clearance? It has that in gobs. At 293 millimeters, EQC 4×4² has more than twice the ground clearance of the typical EQC production mode. This enables 40 centimeters (just over 15 inches) of water fording depth. Engineers have attached the vehicle’s unique suspension at the same mounting points as the standard component.
Traditionally, off-roaders like to be able to listen their engine from inside the cabin to hear if it’s operating correctly. With an all-electric powertrain, such as that in the EQC, there’s no engine noise (because there’s no engine) so drivers are able to create their own sound experience, whether it’s rolling down the windows to enjoy nature or turning up the volume on the stereo. The model does use an external noise generator (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, AVAS) as required by law to reproduce sounds. It is housed in the car’s headlight surrounds.
While this model won’t be arriving at dealerships anytime soon, it is a nod in the direction of what’s next for Mercedes. It’s likely that this concept was developed as part of a larger off-roading testing program for the company’s existing and forthcoming fleet of electric vehicles.
