After the two 'variations on the theme' G 500 4x4 six-wheeled series produced since September 2015 and the 2017 E 400 All-Terrain 4x4 study, Mercedes is now launching the EQC 4x4, another concept raised to the square that aims to demonstrate that electric cars can tackle even the toughest off-road situations.
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Mercedes EQC 4x4², portal axles to beat even the G-Class
Developed on the basis of an EQC 400 4Matic, this SUV is an unprecedented technological platform that will be used to develop the next models of the EQ range, including the electric G-Class recently announced by Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius.
It is obviously a unique piece made by an interdepartmental team led by the engineer Jurgen Eberle, who has already 'signed' the E 400 All-Terrain 4x4.
One of the standout features is the ground clearance of 2.93 cm more than double that of a stock EQC (14 cm) and even 5.8 cm higher than a G-Class. This enormous ground clearance is made possible thanks to the adoption of portal axles, a solution that is also present in the Unimog.
Unlike conventional bridges, the wheels are not in the center of the axle, but much lower and are moved by the internal gears of the portal axle.
Note that the suspension of the EQC 4x4 is attached to the same body mounting points as the standard suspension.
This new high stance has made it possible to obtain angles of entry and exit (fundamental characteristics for driving in severe off-road) equal to 31.8 degrees at the front and 33 degrees at the rear.
Again a significant advance over the conventional G-Class which offers 28 degrees both front and rear.
The off-road driving programs of the current GLC models are present, adapted to electric propulsion.
A specific reprogramming of these electronic controls, in combination with 285/50 R 20 tires, results in an impressive ability to move on any terrain and also tackle apparently very complex off-road situations.
Another interesting novelty of EQC 4x4 is its sound experience, which uses not only the internal speakers but also special external speakers in the housings of the front projectors.
Acoustic production - which also uses an external noise generator called the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) - includes sounds that give the driver exciting feedback on vehicle operation.
Everything is influenced by various parameters such as the position of the accelerator pedal, the speed or the rate of energy recovery and uses intelligent sound design algorithms to divide the sound experience indoors and out.
