Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veils off the Concept
EQV, an all-electric version of its V-Class minivan which is ready for
production. The automaker has confirmed the production model will be on display
at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With the Concept EQV, Mercedes says it is
opening up a new segment for electric vehicles, that of premium MPVs.
The EQV pairs a 204 PS electric
motor mounted on the front axle with a 100 kWh battery pack for a range of 400
km. The electric people carrier features a so-called compact
electric drivetrain (eATS) consisting of the electric motor, the transmission
with fixed ratios, the cooling system, and the power electronics — all on the
front axle.
The 100 kWh lithium-ion battery ensures a
“realistic” maximum range of 400 km and provides enough energy to
allow the EQV to sustain a top speed of 160 km/h. Mercedes also offers
a rapid charging function that gives the battery enough juice to cover around 100
km in a mere 15 minutes.
The electric powertrain doesn’t impede on the EQV’s
functionality as an MPV. That’s because the battery is installed in the
vehicle’s underfloor, leaving the interior space unaffected. Possible
configurations go from six to seven or even eight seats using additional
individual seats or benches.
While the EQV is easily recognizable as
V-Class-based, it does feature unique design features typical of the EQ
sub-brand. Those include the radiator grille with chrome inserts and an LED
band, LED headlights, large air inlets in the front bumper and 19-inch
aero-style wheels with blue accents.
Inside, the Concept EQV that’s on display at the
Geneva Motor Show features a dual-color look with the upper part of the cabin
dominated by blue and the lower part set in black. The dashboard adopts a “Midnight
Blue” leather look with rose gold accents that remind of copper wires and the
armrests feature blue Nappa leather, while the seats are upholstered in black
Nappa leather with rose gold topstitching.
