The new Mercedes EQC 4×4² concept is the latest one-off creation of the German carmaker, turning the electric SUV into an extreme off-roader. In true Mercedes off-road fashion, the new EQC 4×4² now stands around 20 cm taller than the standard production model thanks to the work of the same team that gave us the E 400 All-Terrain 4×4² concept.

That includes a heavily modified suspension that now features a set of multilink portal axles, attached to the same body mounting points as the production model. Combined with a set of 285/50 R 20 tires, the new EQC 4×4² has a ground clearance of 293 mm, 153mm more than the standard EQC, and 58mm taller than the G-Class.

                                                                                                   

The concept’s huge wheels dictated the use of plastic fender extensions, which add 200mm to the EQC width, giving the German electric SUV that lovely ‘Big Foot’ appearance. Having a set of portal axles is a surefire way to maximize your key off-road stats: fording depth now stands at 40 cm (a 15 cm increase), approach and departure angles are 31.8 and 33 degrees (up by 11.2 and 13 degrees respectively) while the breakover angle is increased by 12.6 degrees, at 24.2 degrees.

Mercedes has also added a custom acoustic system to the EQC 4×4², which plays sounds both in the interior and the exterior; the headlights now also function as loudspeakers too as part of the system, which employs intelligent sound design algorithms to calculate the sounds coming from the amplifier in real-time. The sounds played are influenced by a wide range of parameters, including the position of the accelerator pedal, speed, or energy recovery rate.

 

The electric powertrain remains unchanged over a regular production EQC 400, which features a dual-motor setup with a combined 408 HP and 562 lb-ft of torque and an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes won’t say how far you’ll go in the Bigfoot version of the EQC on a full charge but we’re guessing it will be significantly less than the EPA-estimated 220 miles of the regular model.

The new Mercedes EQC 4×4² will sadly remain a design study, just like the E 400 All-Terrain that came before it. However, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for the image of electric SUVs.