Electric Mercedes-Benz EQV people-mover revealed
Battery-powered V-Class eight-seater could come Down Under after 2021 launchMercedes-Benz has revealed an all-electric people-mover based on its V-Class and there’s a good chance it will be sold in Australia.
The new Mercedes-Benz EQV emerges as the latest evidence of the German luxury car-maker’s promise to offer an electrified version of every model in its model portfolio by 2022.
It was unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva motor show as a concept but has now been revealed in final production form ahead of its world debut at next month’s Frankfurt show.
Taking on much of the V-Class’ styling, the Mercedes-Benz EQV replaces the grille with a black panel, adds rose gold and blue interior trim accents and rides on bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Powered by a 150kW/362Nm electric motor, Benz says the electric van will travel for up to 405km between refills of its 90kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor, which can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 45 minutes.
Regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddles behind the steering wheel and, of course, Mercedes’ voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system will come standard, featuring a 10-inch display showing live energy flow, consumption data, navigation and pre-journey temperature.
Offering seating configurations for six, seven or eight people, the Mercedes-Benz EQV will be built in both short- and long-wheelbase forms, with only the former set to be sold in the UK.
The EQV will go on sale in Europe by 2021 and will be offered in other markets -- including Australia – once production is in full swing.
Mercedes-Benz told carsales it expects demand for the zero-emissions people-mover Down Under, where the EQV could join the upcoming EQC electric SUV and A250e plug-in hybrid hatch as the third member of Merc’s electrified EQ model range.
“The first step for EQV is to launch in Europe,” said PR and Corporate Communications Manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans in Australia and New Zealand, Blake Vincent.
“When series-production starts to ramp up, the intention is that it will start to be offered to other markets. However, when this translates to production availability specifically for Australia is still to be confirmed.
“We expect there to be interest in Australia.”
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