In a statement, the carmaker said the close-to-production concept vehicle – which is named to mark ‘Electric Intelligence’ – “marks the launch of an architecture for battery-electric vehicles across all models”.

Designed as an SUV coupé, the concept uses an architecture developed specifically for battery-electric models, which can be scaled for use across all models including saloons, coupés, cabriolets and other model series.

“The mobility of the future at Mercedes-Benz will stand on four pillars: Connected, Autonomous, Shared und Electric. 'Generation EQ' is the logical fusion of all four pillars,” says Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The emission-free automobile is the future. And our new EQ brand goes far beyond electric vehicles. EQ stands for a comprehensive electric ecosystem of services, technologies and innovations.”

Mercedes added that the EQ brand will cover all areas of electric mobility including products, services and technologies, ranging from electric vehicles to wallboxes and charging services to home energy storage units.

The Generation EQ concept uses two electric motors, with a system output that can be increased to up to 408hp thanks to scalable battery components, and also offers permanent all-wheel drive.

It also features a high-efficiency lithium-ion battery from Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE with a model-specific total capacity of over 70kWh.

The concept also showcases autonomous driving technologies. Using mapping technology from Mercedes partner HERE, the vehicle can automatically adjust the speed and driving dynamics.

Generation EQ is also equipped with Car-to-X technology and can exchange information with the infrastructure and other vehicles.