4. Mercedes Generation EQ
[Not a valid template]Sticking with the electric-motor theme for now, next on our list is Mercedes’ first dedicated electric vehicle, the new 402bhp ‘Generation EQ’ SUV concept. Planned as an electric rival to Jaguar’s E-PACE, Audi’s e-tron Quattro and the Tesla Model X, the EQ – or ‘Electrical Intelligence’ – is set for a 2019 production date and could become a further sub-brand for Daimler alongside AMG and Maybach: Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche has already confirmed a 1 billion euro investment in the company’s global battery production.
Beneath the curvaceous bodywork lies a scalable platform Mercedes says will underpin a whole range of new electric vehicles. Power and 516lb ft of torque come from two electric motors, mounted front and rear, the four-wheel drive setup allowing for a theoretical 0-100kph time below five seconds. The more prevalent figure though is the electric range, Mercedes’ hinting that a production EQ could go as far as 500km.
