What Does Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost Do?
I recently had the privilege of driving the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4-Matic Coupe. While driving it, I noticed that information about the EQ Boost is integrated into the dash display. But wait, this is a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. I thought to myself, “well what the heck is Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost?”
It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz, like virtually every other carmaker, pushes toward electrifying its lineup. Mercedes-Benz EQ models are fully electric, lacking any gasoline engine at all. On the other hand, there are also the plug-in hybrid and plug-in hybrid+ Mercedes-Benz models.
What is Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost?
Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost is a 48-volt on-board electrification system, according to Daimler AG. In the efforts toward complete lineup electrification, Mercedes-Benz added an electrified boost with some additional torque. In fact, this system makes any Mercedes-Benz equipped with EQ Boost a mild hybrid.
This system adds some extra oomph to the powertrain, plus it makes the equipped models more fuel efficient. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz 4-Matic Coupe loaner I drove for a week had Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost. So the powertrain generates 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Plus there’s an integrated Eco start/stop system.
What does the EQ Boost do?
“Essentially, a Mercedes-Benz equipped with EQ Boost is a mild hybrid, or light-electrified, vehicle. The concept isn’t new but is viewed within the automotive industry as an increasingly viable way to improve efficiency and performance at the same time.”
AutoTrader
According to AutoTrader, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost serves several purposes, improving the overall function of the powertrain. The system eliminates turbo lag due to the electric auxiliary compressor powered to supply eight pounds of torque to the turbocharger or straight to the engine itself. Plus, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost powers a supplemental 48-volt electrical system.
In addition, EQ Boost allows the vehicle to propel itself without the engine. People often call this function either “coasting” or “sailing.” Furthermore, it regenerates enough energy to charge the 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that the 48-volt EQ Boost gets electricity from.
On top of all that, the EQ Boost configuration means that the engine lacks both pulleys and belts. This gives the inline six-cylinder engine an even sleeker more compact design. It also eliminates power loss in the auxiliary.
Why is EQ important?
This system can be integrated into a wide range of powertrains across the Mercedes-Benz lineup. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost means the brand can make even bolder claims in terms of how electrified the lineup really is. As every brand strives toward meeting the demands of furthering electrification, mild hybrid systems like this come in to fill in the gaps between fully electric and gas-powered cars and SUVs.
