The Future Of Mercedes-Benz: EQ Silver Arrow EV Concept

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the EQ Silver Arrow, a 738-hp flagship for its new EQ electric sub-brand motivated by the company's 1930s streamlined high-speed records breakers.

The stunning 5300 mm-long single-seater, unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the United States, pays tribute to the 80-year-old W125 Rekordwagen – a teardrop-shaped concept car driven by a 725-hp 5.6-liter V12 petrol engine that set a public road record time of 269 mph in Germany in 1938.

The idea also alluded to current aesthetic and aerodynamic advancements at the German automaker, as well as upcoming EQ performance versions. In 2019, the EQ C is the first in the company's line of electric production vehicles. The EQ Silver Arrow is a one-off vehicle based on an expanded version of Mercedes-new Benz's MEA (modular electric architecture) platform that employs a flat floor to hold battery modules. Its overall structure is composed of carbon fiber and is coated silvery in honor of the W125.

While the low-slung idea was designed by Mathias Schenker, who works at the brand's North American design studio, the EQ Silver Arrow's flashy exterior was finalized by a team led by Mercedes-Chief Benz's Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Several design features, such as the blue light band between the front headlights and the red light band at the back, are identical to those seen on EQ production vehicles.

The cars have several active aerodynamic components, such as spoilers that grow out of the back bodywork at high speeds and function as an air brake by producing downforce during heavy braking.

The EQ Silver Arrow, like the W125 Rekordwagen, had a single-seat cockpit and is based on Mercedes-Grand Benz's Prix vehicle of the period. With a big central digital display and steering wheel with a second display, the wood and leather-lined cabin gets a sophisticated aspect.

The Silver Arrow was designed with a 100% electric powertrain capable of producing up to 738-hp. An 80kWh battery provides electric power, giving the single-seater a potential range of up to 249 miles.

A comparable drivetrain is said to be in the works for a new electric-powered AMG performance vehicle, which Mercedes-Benz insiders say is being evaluated as a flagship model for the EQ line-up and a challenger to the Porsche Taycan.