Mercedes-Benz has revealed the people mover versions of its EQT electric van, and also teased an upcoming Marco Polo campervan version.
Mercedes-Benz is accelerating its all-electric push in the van and MPV sectors, and this is its latest addition: the EQT. It’ll go on sale for around €49,000 (approximately AUD$76,000) in the coming weeks, and next year, a Marco Polo camper van version will arrive in showrooms. Mercedes Australia has not confirmed the model locally.
The EQT is a derivative of the combustion-engined T-Class five-seat MPV, which uses Renault Kangoo underpinnings. Its overall design is almost identical to that of its ICE counterpart, albeit with the firm’s EQ design language applied to the front end in the form of a gloss black grille panel. This integrates with a set of optional LED headlights, while 16-inch alloys are standard, with 17-inch items available for extra outlay.
It also features the same sliding rear doors and interior architecture, with a folding three-seat bench in the second row. The base-spec EQT is trimmed in black fabric upholstery with certain elements finished in man-made synthetic leather, while a long wheelbase version – set to arrive later in 2023 – will offer additional cabin space.
From launch, the MPV offers 89kW and 245Nm from a front-mounted electric motor, powered by a 45kWh battery mounted within the floor. Official range stands at 282km, and thanks to 80kW DC charging capability, the EQT can replenish its cells from 10-80 per cent in 38 minutes. There’s an onboard 22kW AC charger, too.
The EQT’s tech suite is built around Mercedes’ MBUX software, albeit with a smaller seven-inch touchscreen to those found in its mainstream models. A pair of analogue dials display speed and energy usage and these are split by a 5.5-inch instrument binnacle display. A “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is available at extra cost, but every EQT receives Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a DAB radio. Hill start assist, a driver fatigue monitor and lane keep assist are also included.
Buyers can equip their EQT with numerous option bundles, including Driver Assistance and Navigation packages, alongside three core trim levels. These begin with Advanced Plus, which includes a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, ambient lighting and a leather steering wheel. Premium models add a parking assist system, LED headlights, wireless charging and more comprehensive driver assists.
Premium Plus brings the most standard equipment, such as keyless go, exterior chrome trim and bigger wheels, alongside a Navigation Plus package.
Yousuf Ashraf