► EQV is EV version of the popular upscale van-based people carrier
► Battery capacity of 100 kWh ensures a range of up to 250 miles
► Flexible interior boasts six seats – expect eight seats in production
Although it’s called the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQV, expect this all-electric people carrier unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show to be extremely close to the upcoming production EQV, which is expected to be unveiled at Frankfurt later this year. The ‘car’ comes with a 100kWh lithium-ion power pack, which is good for delivering a 250-mile range, and more importantly, the capability of being able to take on 60 miles of electricity in just 15 minutes on a public rapid charger.
As with the current V-Class based MPV – but an EV – the EQV is an electric seven-seater has a highly adaptable interior, with multiple seating configurations, which Mercedes-Benz says is perfect for ‘families, sports enthusiasts or VIPs.’ The good news is that all of this electrically-powered goodness doesn’t encroach on either the passenger or boot space, so it’s just as practical as its diesel- and petrol-powered cousins.
Mercedes-Benz also promises ‘especially pleasant ride comfort’, which should play well to the London VIP haulers it’s aimed at. No doubt, the precious people who ride in the EQV will also love the rose gold stitching and midnight blue trim on dash, door panels and seats.
What’s under the skin of the EQV?
The 100kWh battery pack drives a front-mounted front-wheel drive 150kw (201bhp) motor for a maximum speed of 100mph. Mercedes-Benz says that the production van version will be offered with less powerful – and cheaper – power packs with less performance and a shorter range. You pay your money, you take your choice.
The compact electric drivetrain (known as eATS) incorporates a transmission with fixed ratios, as well as an integral cooling system for improved efficiency. Like all BEVs, it can be charged via three-pin socket (presumably taking days to fully charge) or at home using a Mercedes-Benz wallbox.
It comes with Mercedes-Benz’s highly-rated MBUX interface, as well as number of connected app-based systems to make the most of its range – so there’s a comprehensive range of services, that works with the charging infrastructure to ensure that the navigation system can take into account the charge level of the battery.
‘The cool aesthetics of the interior are supplemented by warm accents in rose gold, which underline the whole “Welcome Home effect”,’ says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler. We’re not so sure the rose gold interior highlights and blue nappa leather that covers the armrests and dash are quite the winning combination Mercedes-Benz reckons.
When does the Mercedes-Benz EQV go on sale?
The van version of the V-Class will be launched at Frankfurt, so expect the MPV version to follow months later – so a 2020 on-sale date looks most likely.
A-Z of the Geneva motor show 2019