How Is a Concept Car Like the VISION EQXX Developed?

Just a few more days to go until our VISION EQXX celebrates its 1-year anniversary! This will mark the end of an extremely exciting year for us. A year in which we have attracted – and of course will continue to attract – a lot of attention with our efficiency champion. Its 1st birthday presents an excellent opportunity for another glimpse behind the scenes of its development.

The starting point for a successful concept car is always a good idea. In the case of the VISION EQXX, the objective was to develop the most efficient Mercedes ever, and to demonstrate this on public roads. What are the steps involved to get from idea to finished concept car?

The vehicle concept starts with a blank sheet of paper and is developed in coordination with the Design and Aerodynamics departments plus the component departments to produce what is known as a rough dimensional concept. This stipulates the main dimensions, the seating position of the vehicle occupants and the defining components such as the drive, chassis and body-in-white.

Based on these initial designs, the designers create 3D CAD models of the exterior and interior. Meanwhile, the Overall Vehicle department carries out initial investigations into component layout and packaging. This process results in the first virtual representations of the vehicle interior, which are used for things like visual inspections with 3D goggles or in the CAVE.

The body-in-white of the VISION EQXX is subjected to particularly stringent tests, as the prerequisites for roadworthiness are detailed simulations of rigidity and crash performance. The body must nevertheless be light to ensure the vehicle achieves the efficiency targets.

These stringent requirements for functionality, safety and lightweight design apply just as much to all safety-relevant parts such as the chassis with brakes and steering, driveline, glazing, lighting and much more. Particularly demanding was the fact that the technology development had to take place within a very tight project schedule – because repeated test loops can result in setbacks.

Before fitting exterior and interior parts, we get the rolling chassis up and running. This comprises the body-in-white and all driving-related components – i.e. driveline, running gear, HV wiring harness and basic production seats. During this phase, access to the components is still relatively easy in case further modifications are necessary.

As development progresses, the electrics/electronics become increasingly important. The wiring was already designed during vehicle assembly and installed in the vehicle. The final work involves breathing "life" into the vehicle and validating all the electrical consumers and the control and display concept.

During the extremely short 18-month development programme, our developers had to simulate all vehicle functions in advance in the early stages. Only then could they test the VISION EQXX for real in Idiada (Spain) and Immendingen (Germany). This was accompanied by further tests on test stands. Once all had been successfully completed, the vehicle was fully disassembled and the weight reduced by around 50 kilograms using optimised exterior and interior components.

Various development partners, suppliers and institutes as well as many partners from research, advanced development and series-production actively and successfully helped us realise this remarkable vehicle. Without such close cooperation, the success that is the VISION EQXX would not have been possible.