…as firm launches electric MPV
● Eight-seat EQV on sale in 2020 ● 252-mile range from £60k van
New EQV focuses on practicality – with zero emissions
MERCEDES has officially unveiled its second all-electric EQ model: the EQV luxury passenger van. It’ll make its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show next month, before going on sale early next year.
The all-electric MPV has a 100kWh battery and a motor producing 201bhp and 362Nm of torque. The EQV offers a provisional range of 252 miles and the battery will charge from 10 to 80 per cent full in “less than an hour”.
Like the new EQC, the van is based on an existing Mercedes platform, rather than a set of bespoke underpinnings. It’ll be built alongside the standard V-Class and Vito at the firm’s plant in Vitoria, northern Spain.
Mercedes has placed the batteries under the floor, claiming there’s no impact on interior room. Other markets will get a choice of wheelbase and seat configurations, but all UK cars will be Extra-Long wheelbase models with eight seats as standard.
All versions use the firm’s latest MBUX infotainment system, ‘refined’ for the EQV. Owners can customise the 10-inch screen to show myriad information, including available charge, energy flow and a consumption histogram. It also uses the same ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-control system found on the latest A-Class.
Different drive modes make the most of the EQV’s charge; the E+ setting uses the car’s navigation system to maximise available range, while adjustable recuperation settings capture energy that would otherwise be lost. In the strongest level, Mercedes claims it is possible to drive the EQV without using the brake pedal at all. Exact specs will be revealed later, but Mercedes says all EQVs will have air suspension and 18-inch wheels, as well as that aforementioned MBUX infotainment system. Prices are expected to start from around £60,000, with first deliveries due in spring 2020.