Mercedes’ Tesla-Rivaling EQ SUV Concept Is The First Sign Of A New Electric Era

The Generation EQ concept is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of this Paris Motor Show, signifying not only the birth of the new EQ sub-brand but also is the first solid proof of what Mercedes is planning for the next few years.

The new electric crossover concept is powered by a pair of electric motors, good for 402hp and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 62mph (0-100km/h) in under five seconds. Mercedes claims a driving range of up to 310 miles (500km) on a single charge, with the battery pack sitting low between the axles.

Mercedes didn’t reveal the exact capacity of the battery pack, mentioning only a model-specific total figure of over 70kWh. The all-electric concept can be charged either wirelessly or via a cord, and is even compatible with fast-charging standards. The company even claims that in the future and when a 300kW charging capacity is introduced, their car will be able to gain 100km (62 miles) of range with just five minutes of charging.

The design approach of the car is rather simple and elegant, with the Generation EQ getting a clean shape and an overall figure that isn’t much different than that of the Mercedes GLC. It even pretends to have exhaust pipes for no apparent reason. One of the highlights is of course the Black Panel front grille which hosts a white-illuminated Mercedes star and keeps all the front lighting elements under the same cover.

The production version of the Generation EQ is scheduled to hit the market in 2019, with the asking price said to be at the same range “of a reasonably equipped Mercedes GLC”. One of the most obvious rivals of the car will of course be the Tesla Model X but also Audi’s production version of the e-Tron Quattro which is reportedly going to use the Q6 nameplate.