No, your eyes don’t deceive you. Mercedes-Benz has indeed given its EQC electric vehicle the 4x4² treatment.

It follows the G500 4x4² that went into production late in 2015 and the E400 All-Terrain 4x4² concept unveiled in 2017.

Described as a “drivable” one-off developed by a cross-departmental team, the new EQC 4x4² is based on the EQC400 4Matic production model but boasts multi-link portal axles.

With a listed ground clearance of 293 mm, the EQC 4x4² rides more than twice as high as the standard EQC. Interestingly, the 4x4² suspension is attached to the same body mounting points as the standard suspension, while 285/50 R20 tyres have been adopted.

The approach and departure angles are 31,8 degrees and 33 degrees, respectively, while the vehicle's off-road drive modes have been reprogrammed. The concept is finished in matte-metallic gun-metal grey with black wheel-arch flares and furthermore features a roof-tent and inflatable dingy.

While the production EQC uses an external noise generator (required by law in some markets) to warn pedestrians, the EQC 4x4² has upgraded to a more powerful system that uses the headlamps as external speakers.

Mercedes-Benz makes no mention of changes to the powertrain, so we’re assuming it’s just as it is in the EQC: two asynchronous electric motors (one on each axle) with a combined output of 300 kW and 765 N.m.

"Our aim is to combine modern luxury and sustainability with emotional appeal. The EQC 4x4² shows how enjoyable sustainable mobility can be. This is where electromobility high-tech and an intriguing customer experience are transferred to the mountains, thanks to MBUX and over-the-air updates. To put it succinctly, electric, progressive luxury goes off-road," said Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO.

"This drivable study clearly shows that alongside a passion for e-mobility, we at Mercedes-Benz lay a strong claim to leadership in this sector and will heighten the emotional appeal of this even further in the future."

Original article from Car