【】

Tesla has the lock on the all-electric SUV market with its Model X. But it won't for long. That's because Mercedes is gunning for the upstart electric-car-maker with its very own luxury EV crossover, dubbed the EQ, that it debuted in Paris Thursday morning.

Historically, the Paris show has been the place that the world's carmakers debut some of their higher-end vehicles. This year, however, the show has been highlighted by eco-friendly family haulers like the EQ and the all-electric Volkswagen I.D.

Clearly, the Germans love to give their EV concepts two-letter acronyms.

Also like the VW I.D., the EQ rides on a new vehicle platform designed by Mercedes specifically for battery-electric vehicles. Like most new chassis designed today, this one is scalable. That means, with it, Mercedes can make all kinds of electric cars -- not just a compact crossover.

On the inside, it's as techie as you'd expect from an all-electric Mercedes. A 24-inch TFT hi-def widescreen display sits atop the dashboard, playing the role of the instrument cluster and infotainment display.

Taking a page from the Apple playbook, the center console is bordered with rose gold. What's more, it appears to float in the center of the vehicle. All controls are operated with touch-sensitive elements, instead of physical buttons.

As for range, Mercedes says the EQ can do 310 miles (500 km) on a single charge. It is also said to do 0 to 62 mph in under 5.0 seconds. Of course, it can say whatever it wants without impunity since the car is a prototype and won't actually be put on sale.

That said, the EQ likely previews features and specs of future all-electric Mercedes models. Just don't expect a Mercedes electric SUV to arrive in showrooms sans door handles, though.

最新评论