Mercedes-Benz’s new EQC 4×4² all-electric crossover is not the dour urban runabout it appears to be. This new concept version is nearly eight inches taller than the standard model and can ford water up to 15.7 inches deep.
Keen to prove that electric mobility isn’t simply relegated to urban environments, Mercedes engineers teamed up to create the high-riding crossover you see here. It’s called the EQC 4×4². It’s based upon the all-electric EQC crossover, but it’s been lifted 7.8 inches.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
This new elevated electric crossover has a ground clearance of 11.5 inches — that’s 2.2 inches more of ground clearance than the G-Class. So, it can clearly hold its own on the trail.
What’s more, EQC 4×4² boasts a 31.8-degree approach at the front and a 33-degree departure at the rear. By way of comparison, a conventional G-Class has an approach and departure angle of 28 degrees. That’s pretty good for a vehicle designed for urban mobility rather than tackling trails.
READ MORE: HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED FOR OVERLANDING?
Mercedes engineers were able to get the EQC 4×4² lifted so high thanks to its ingenious “portal axles.” Here’s how Mercedes explains how they work:
“Unlike conventional axles, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre, but are instead situated much lower down on the axle hubs owing to the portal gears. Or conversely, the entire vehicle moves up. The 4×4² suspension is attached to the same body mounting points as the standard suspension.”
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
I have re-read that maybe four times and I still can’t picture it. Whatever, it’s neat.
Engineers have made other 4×4² versions of the brand’s vehicles. If my memory serves, only one of those, the G550 4×4² made it into production. The others were left to linger on the design floor.
That said, I hope the good folks at Benz find it in their hearts to build this little eco-friendly trail charmer. It’d be fun to see this peppy little runabout out on the trails in the future.
Header image: Mercedes-Benz
