For the better part of the year, Mercedes-Benz has been getting the world ready for the first premium electric MPV. Shown for the first time in March in Geneva as a concept, the car is now on the floor of the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, this time in production form.
The V-Class-based EV is the third big Mercedes car powered by electricity, following the eVito and eSprinter, but the first that is likely to attract both private and commercial customers.
Visually, the car does not look all that different from the regular V-Class, and with the exception of the black panel radiator grille with chrome fins and the EQ design 18-inch wheels there are few things giving it away.
The EQV will be offered in two wheelbase variants (either 3,200 mm or 3,430 mm long), and it can be configured to hold six, seven or even eight people, depending on choice.
The element that sets the EQV apart from the rest of the range, the electric drivetrain, is comprised of a 90 kWh battery and a front-axle mounted electric motor. The battery can hold enough electricity to keep the motor spinning for 405 km (251 miles) with a maximum power output of 204 hp.
The MPV can only do at most 160 kph (99 mph), and it needs 45 minutes to be recharged to 80 percent using a Wallbox Home and 11 kW charging output.
"Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect," said in a statement earlier in August Marcus Breitschwerdt, the head of Mercedes-Benz vans.
"It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free."
The EQV will be assembled in Spain, at the Mercedes plant in Vitoria, alongside the rest of the V-Class and the Vito. Pricing is still unknown.
Visually, the car does not look all that different from the regular V-Class, and with the exception of the black panel radiator grille with chrome fins and the EQ design 18-inch wheels there are few things giving it away.
The EQV will be offered in two wheelbase variants (either 3,200 mm or 3,430 mm long), and it can be configured to hold six, seven or even eight people, depending on choice.
The element that sets the EQV apart from the rest of the range, the electric drivetrain, is comprised of a 90 kWh battery and a front-axle mounted electric motor. The battery can hold enough electricity to keep the motor spinning for 405 km (251 miles) with a maximum power output of 204 hp.
The MPV can only do at most 160 kph (99 mph), and it needs 45 minutes to be recharged to 80 percent using a Wallbox Home and 11 kW charging output.
"Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect," said in a statement earlier in August Marcus Breitschwerdt, the head of Mercedes-Benz vans.
"It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free."
The EQV will be assembled in Spain, at the Mercedes plant in Vitoria, alongside the rest of the V-Class and the Vito. Pricing is still unknown.