VISION EQXX breaks own efficiency record.

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX beats its own efficiency record in real-world driving with another 1,000 km+ journey on a single battery charge. Following its record-breaking maiden drive from Stuttgart to Cassis (France) in April, the research vehicle set the bar even higher, with a 1,202-kilometre road trip from Stuttgart to Silverstone in the UK. After negotiating an autobahn closure and demanding cross-country diversion near Stuttgart, the VISION EQXX crossed the French border near Strasbourg then cruised across northern France at highway speeds to Calais, where it boarded the Eurotunnel.

Continuing its journey in the UK, it took the M25 around London then stopped off at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix in Brackley. Waiting to greet it there were the Formula 1 and Formula E experts who helped develop its advanced drivetrain. The VISION EQXX then carried on to Silverstone, where it was welcomed by special guest driver Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman, who races for the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, opted not to go easy on the research vehicle, taking it up to its maximum speed limit of 140 km/h on the iconic British race track. Making the most of the occasion, he completed 11 laps, using the last of the charge on the pit lane. Throughout the road trip, the VISION EQXX took advantage of its innovative thermal management system to achieve an average consumption of 8.3 kWh/100 km in the face of heavy traffic and summer temperatures.

The proof of success for the VISION EQXX came in April this year. A record-breaking maiden road trip saw it cover 1,008 kilometres from Stuttgart to Cassis on the French Mediterranean coast. With temperatures ranging from a chilly 3 to a more springlike 18 degrees Celsius, it completed that journey with energy consumption of 8.7 kWh/100 km and a remaining range on arrival around 140 kilometres.

This time, the route profile did not come with lower temperatures nor the demanding energy usage and recuperation scenarios presented by the Alps. The main challenges on this trip were summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius, paired with increased traffic density around Stuttgart and in the southeast of England. Nevertheless, the VISION EQXX kept a cool head the whole way thanks to its innovative thermal management system.

With two successful 1,000 km+ road trips under its belt, the VISION EQXX has well and truly justified its claim as the most efficient Mercedes ever built. But the story doesn’t end there. Work continues on the development of many VISION EQXX technologies for application in future series-production vehicles. For the team behind it, gathering invaluable real-life data, the most important question is: Where next?