Mercedes unveils all-electric EQV people-mover

MERCEDES-BENZ has ripped the covers off the production version of its latest all-electric EQ model, with the EQV people-mover becoming the second series-production battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from the German car-maker.

First launching in Europe, there is still no firm timing for an arrival in Australia, however Mercedes-Benz Vans’ local arm believes there will be local interest for the zero-emissions people-mover.

Based on the V-Class MPV, Mercedes has swapped out its turbo-diesel engine for a 90kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor on the front axle for peak outputs of 150kW/362Nm, down from the 176kW/500Nm produced by the diesel V300d.

Mercedes estimates the EQV will boast a driving range of 405km, with an average consumption of 27.0kWh per 100km and a top speed of 160km/h.

Charging the electric battery from 10 to 80 per cent at a fast-charging DC station can be done in about 45 minutes, while using an 11kW AC wallbox or public charging station takes about 10 hours.

Range is maximised with the use of recuperation which can be adjusted via the steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, with one setting, D Auto, helping the driver to achieve the best possible efficiency by using the navigation data, traffic sign recognition and radar and camera systems to automatically adjust braking and suggest when to ease off the accelerator.

Using the E+ driving mode also adjusts the powertrain’s parameters to increase range, by capping the level of acceleration available using a haptic accelerator pressure point.

Mercedes is touting a large amount of usable interior space, thanks to the batteries being stored under the floor of the EQV.

Up to 1030 litres of space is available in the luggage compartment depending on the seating arrangement fitted, with either six-, seven- or eight-seat configurations available.

Two different wheelbase lengths are available, as well, measuring 3200mm and 3430mm long.

Visually, the EQV carries over many of the styling cues from the V-Class, with similarly shaped headlights and tail-lights as well as EQ-specific features such as lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a black panel radiator grille with chrome fins and a charging input located on the front left bumper.

Inside, the EQV projects the MBUX infotainment system via a 10.0-inch screen, which features intelligent voice control, settings for climate control and lighting, and displays and read-outs for electric functions such as charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption.

Decorative rose gold stitching on the seats and a Midnight Blue trim material on the dashboard and door trims give it a further point of differentiation.

First revealed in concept form at the Geneva motor show in March, the EQV is the second vehicle in Mercedes’ all-electric portfolio to be revealed after the EQC mid-size SUV, which is set to arrive in local showrooms in October.

The next EQ model to be revealed is expected to be the EQA small hatchback, which was unveiled in concept form at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show.