Mercedes-Benz showcases the EQC 4x4² – a nutty electric off-roader

Mercedes-Benz recently launched the EQC, the first luxury electric car to make its way to India. Now to draw more attention towards its expanding electric car line-up, Mercedes-Benz has taken a step further by showcasing a modified version of the EQC that is more capable off-road. Don’t get too excited though, as this is a one-off experiment and is unlikely to make it to production.

Changes for the off-road version

It is needless to say that Mercedes has clearly worked hard on the EQC 4x4² to make it look like a rugged and capable off-roader. This variant is based on the EQC400 4Matic but now gets multi-link portal axles, taller ride height and headlamps that double up as speakers to alert people around. It gets 285/50 R20 tyres with a more aggressive tread pattern. The ground clearance of the off-road version is almost double the standard EQC. The approach angle, departure angle and break-over angles have obviously changed as a result. Since the EQC is a pure-electric vehicle and carries a battery pack the water wading capacity stands at 400mm.

Powertrain

Under the hood, the off-road version is powered by the same 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack that drives the two electric motors, one mounted on each axle. The combined output is identical to that of the standard version which is 402bhp and 760Nm of torque. Also, the off-road version gets new off-road drive modes borrowed from the GLS.

Mercedes-Benz, before showcasing the off-road version of the EQC 4x4², had the G-Wagen and an all-terrain Mercedes-Benz E-Class station wagon in the 4x4² lineup. Since Mercedes-Benz has showcased the off-road version of the EQC 4x4² it has clearly made its statement that an EVs can be taken off-road if it is rugged enough. Is this a precursor to the upcoming electric G-Wagen?