Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ is an All-Electric SUV Concept to Compete With Tesla

Giving us a glimpse at its vision for emissions-free motoring, Mercedes-Benz revealed something of a Tesla-killer at the Paris Motor Show. The concept is called the Generation EQ, which, according to the press release, stands for “Electric Intelligence.”

Beneath that coupe-like styling, this four-seat vehicle is motivated by two separate electric motors that provide some 400 horsepower and about 516 pound-feet of torque. Storing and releasing electrons as required is a lithium-ion battery pack that clocks in at more than 70 kWh, which is generous enough for a claimed driving range of about 310 miles.

Permanent all-wheel drive ensures the Generation EQ never loses its footing and helps it scamper to 62 miles an hour in less than five seconds.

The structure this vehicle is built on is made specifically for electric vehicles and it’s expected to spawn all kinds of future models from SUVs and sedans, to coupes and even convertibles. The architecture in question is comprised of an intelligent mix of materials including steel, aluminum, and even carbon fiber.

Generation EQ is the forerunner to a new Mercedes-Benz sub-brand that will focus on electric mobility, ostensibly like BMW’s i Division. An entire generation of EVs is projected to be based on this architecture, which is modular with respect to size.

As for this design study, it rolls on 21-inch alloy wheels and features cameras instead of exterior mirrors. Inside, it showcases an all-new user interface, which almost completely eliminates traditional knobs and switches, replacing them with OLED displays and a touch-sensitive surface. A 24-inch high-definition display provides more information than most drivers could ever need.

In addition, the Generation EQ also comes with plenty of intelligent driver-assistance features as well as car-to-infrastructure and car-to-car communication capability. But what really matters here is not the latest technology because this is so much more than just a concept vehicle, it’s a harbinger for an entire electric product revolution at Mercedes-Benz.

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