In a groundbreaking achievement, the locally assembled Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC luxury electric vehicle (EV) has set a new benchmark by covering 949 kilometers on a single charge, securing the prestigious Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven by a production battery electric vehicle (BEV). The record-breaking journey from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai was accomplished by the team from Autocar India under real-world, challenging conditions, including heavy monsoon rains and multiple road diversions.
This historic drive covered cities such as Davangere, Hubli, Belgaum, Kolhapur, and Pune, and highlighted the EQS 580’s unparalleled range and efficiency. The sleek sedan, known for its world-class aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.20, performed impeccably despite adverse weather and road conditions. Mercedes-Benz’s new-generation battery technology, featuring a massive 107.8 kWh energy pack, powered the EQS through the demanding terrain, showcasing the practicality and reliability of electric mobility.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, emphasized that the record affirms the brand’s commitment to creating a sustainable, emission-free future. He praised the EQS 580 as a prime example of the potential for BEVs to excel in both performance and efficiency, saying, “This achievement will undoubtedly inspire future customers to embrace the shift towards green mobility.”
The team behind the drive, led by Autocar India’s Rahul Kakkar, battled heavy rain and road construction, yet managed to maintain an average speed of 60 km/h, optimizing the vehicle’s range. According to data from the journey, the EQS 580 achieved an impressive energy consumption rate of just 11.36 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India, expressed pride in celebrating the magazine’s 25th anniversary with this remarkable record, calling it “the most challenging drive we have ever undertaken.”
This milestone further solidifies the EQS 580’s status as India’s most efficient luxury EV, with a certified range of 857 kilometers and the added recognition of being the world’s most aerodynamic production car. The achievement also boosts confidence in India’s growing EV market, as the country increasingly transitions to green, sustainable transportation.
Route and Challenges:
The route, which passed through various cities from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai, tested both the vehicle and the drivers as they navigated through treacherous conditions, including multiple detours and torrential rainfall caused by the 2024 monsoon. Despite these obstacles, the EQS 580 performed exceptionally well, underscoring its capabilities in real-world, unpredictable conditions.
The EQS 580’s accomplishment is a testament to the strength of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering, marking a significant milestone not just for the automaker, but for the future of electric vehicles in India.
