Is The Mercedes-Benz EQC 4×4² The Most Badass Off-Road EV Ever?
It’s not going into production, but it would be awesome if it did because it’s more capable than a G-Class.
Mercedes-Benz once made a 4×4² version its E-Class wagon, but it never went into production. Now, the manufacturer has revealed yet another one-off 4×4² model, this time based on the all-electric EQC SUV; just like the 2017 E-Class All-Terrain 4×4², the EQC 4×4² won’t be available for purchase and that’s a pity, because going off-road in an EV is a surreal and unique experience.
Creating it is the manufacturer’s way of flexing its muscles, showing what it could do; if you want a 4×4², the only one you can get is the G-Class (based on the previous generation of the model, because a new one is still undergoing testing). And while there will be an all-electric G, expected to be called the EQG, we don’t know if Mercedes will offer that as a 4×4² model.
Gallery: Mercedes EQC 4x4² concept
What makes the EQC 4×4² so great? Two words: portal axles. These unique bits of specialized off-road suspension essentially allow each wheel to sit lower than they normally would. What this instantly translates to is a noticeable increase in ground clearance, which in the case of the EQC 4×4² rises from 140 mm (5.5 inches) to 293 mm (11.5 inches); that’s almost double.
This has also raised the entire vehicle which now sits 200 mm (8 inches) taller overall, allowing the vehicle to wade through 400 mm (15.7 inches) of water; the standard EQC’s fording depth is 150 mm (5.9 inches), so the EQC 4×4² is far more capable in this respect.
We drove the EQC and liked many things about it
Making a vehicle designed to go off-road taller has other benefits. Around 50 percent improved approach and departure angles compared to the standard EQC (31.8 and 33 degrees for the 4×4²) mean it’s better at going obstacles than a standard G-Wagen.
Other features include special 20-inch wheels wearing grippy off-road rubber, 10 cm (4 inch) wheel arch flares to accommodate the large wheels and headlights that double as speakers (to emit the EU-mandated pedestrian warning sound that all EVs must have). If you want to see it in action, check out the video by MercBenzKing posted below.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
The Best EV Lease And Finance Deals In June 2026
General Motors Is Bringing Sodium-Ion Battery Production To America
Amazon Now Has Over 50,000 Electric Delivery Vans In Its Fleet
GM Is Making EV Charging A Lot Simpler With Energy Pass, NACS On All 2027 Models
It's Still Way More Expensive To Insure An EV. But That's Changing
Mexican EV Startup Unveils $8,600 State-Backed EV With 6 Seats
11 Minutes To 80%: There's A New Quickest-Charging EV In America