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Mercedes-Benz has revealed the EQC 4x4² concept to showcase the off-road potential of the brand’s future electric SUVs.

 

Based on the EQC400, the 4×4² concept is differentiated by 20-inch wheels wrapped in 285/50 off-road tyres, and 100mm wide arch flares.

 

The ground clearance has been raised to 293mm while the wading depth is a reasonable 400mm. For context, the EQC has a ground clearance of 140mm and is capable of wading through 250mm of water.

 

According to Mercedes, the extra ground clearance is thanks to the conversion to portal axles: 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 4x4² suspension is attached to the same body mounting points as the standard suspension.

 

Mercedes says the concept offers a 31.8-degree approach angle, a 33.0-degree departure angle and a 24.2-degree breakover angle.

 

The electric powertrain has been carried over from the EQC400 meaning an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack that drives two asynchronous motors (one on each axle) to produce 300kW of power and 760Nm of torque.

 

When the battery in the standard car is fully charged, a driving range of up to 434km is possible, however, the suspension and tyre changes are likely to see the range reduced.