Mercedes-Benz Vans has added a new electric van to its line up with the launch of the new EQV by Mercedes-EQ, the EV-focused division of Mercedes-Benz, which the company says heralds a new era for the luxury people mover.
Mercedes says the EQV has been designed to meet the needs of both family buyers and professional drivers seeking a more environmentally friendly way to transport up to seven people in comfort with what it says is trademark Mercedes-Benz style.
The EQV is the first fully-electric Mercedes-Benz. people mover and the company says it combines zero emission mobility with impressive driving abilities, high functionality and aesthetic design.
The high-voltage battery for the EQV is packaged beneath the floor, which Mercedes says allows for no compromise on space for the driver and up to six passengers, with a standard configuration featuring two armchairs in the second row and a three-berth bench seat in the third row. The EQV can be specified with four individual leather armchairs in the rear compartment as a no-cost option, making it a strong choice for airport transfers or as an executive shuttle.
The EQV features a high roofline, generous proportions and dual electrically-operated sliding doors.
“For large families or transfer operators, the EQV offers all the space and practicality they need, but with less impact on the environment, the potential to lower running costs and no compromise on luxury,” says Diane Tarr, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand.
“This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and category that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle.”
It features power-adjustable seats equipped with memory settings, lumbar support and seat heating. along with the MBUX infotainment system, which operates audio, telephony, navigation and vehicle settings, with many popular functions able to be voice-activated , while all functions including navigation can also be accessed via a 10.25-inch central touchscreen.
EV-specific features on the EQV include pre-entry climate control which can be used to pre-set the desired cabin temperature for a more comfortable start to journeys.
Mercedes says the EQV offers practical credentials that extend to great storage and flexibility, with a configurable space capable of accommodating up to 1030 litres of cargo. while the Easy Pack Tailgate can be opened and closed electrically at the touch of a button and includes a separately opening rear window.
The EQV utilises a single e-motor sending up to 150 kW of power and 365 Nm of torque to the front wheels, delivering driving flexibility around town and quiet highway cruising. The 90 kWh battery delivers an indicative range of up to 418 km1 and uses 26.32 kWh per 100km1 (NEDC). A DC charging capacity of up to 110 kW, allows top-ups from 10 to 80 per cent can be achieved at a rapid charging facility in approximately 45 minute . Using up to 11 kW AC, equipment such as the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox available for residential installations, can be used to recharge from 0 to 100% in approximately 10 hours.
The positioning of the lithium-ion battery pack beneath the floor also contributes to a lower centre of gravity which improves the handling characteristics, while standard Airmatic air suspension adds to the ride with high-quality suspension and damping comfort that continuously adapts to the prevailing road conditions.
The driver can choose from four driving programs, emphasising aspects of economic driving (two modes), comfort or sportiness. There are also five levels of energy recuperation that recover energy during deceleration.
Mercedes says the EQV has a comprehensive suite of safety programs includes DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist cruise control, a 360° camera with dynamic guidelines, driver and co-driver airbags (front, thorax and window), window bags from the A to D pillars, Active Parking Assist, Active Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Crosswind Assist, an LED Intelligent Light System with Highbeam Assist Plus, reversing camera and sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Other standard features include a high-quality Burmester surround sound audio system, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with semi-automatic rear airconditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
The EQV is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for private use (5 Years / 250,000km for commercial use), and eight years or 160,000 km for the battery pack. Servicing is recommended once a year or every 40,000km.
A one-year complimentary Chargefox subscription is also included, providing customers with one year of complimentary, unlimited charging at all Chargefox ultra-rapid stations and participating fast charging stations around Australia included in the pricing of the new Mercedes-Benz EQV which is priced from $155,338 (MRLP) and is available to order now.
