Mercedes-Benz’s embrace of all-electric motoring under its EQ brand is one that continues to expand with the arrival here of the ‘cross-application’ EQV – a quiet, spacious people carrier with an almost inaudible drive train which, at its introduction, was billed as the world’s first fully-electric luxury MPV. Coming hot on the heels of the EQC – and ahead of the soon-to-arrive EQA, EQS and EQE – it is said by Mercedes-Benz to meet every expectation in terms of features and appointments whilst delivering ‘three-pointed star’ standards of passenger comfort and prestige.
Owners are likely to include those with large and extended families for whom generous seating and ample carrying capacity will be key factors. High on the list also will be corporate clients, hotel and hospitality providers and the chauffeur-drive rental sector whose needs include airport transfers, guest transport and VIP fan groups and celebrities whose preference is for discreet transport. Used for group travel, six individual seats convert the EQV into a high-quality people carrier while, alternatively, easily installed individual or bench seats can convert it into a roomy 7 or 8-seater.
Said by Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland, to represent ‘a new milestone’ in the growing family of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles, EQV matches what he terms “impressive driving characteristics, high functionality and aesthetic design with 21st century emissions-free mobility.” Models available here are EQV 300 with six seats as standard with prices from €95,955 (excluding SEAI grant). Seven and eight seat options are also available.
Considering its shape, size, overall spaciousness and carrying capacity, designers have given the EQV a surprisingly dynamic appearance. Highlight features include EQ-specific interior and exterior elements, a black panel radiator grille with chrome fins and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. Interior space is given over entirely to passenger and luggage carrying capacity thanks entirely to the positioning of its high-voltage battery beneath the floor for space-saving reasons – a low central location that has an additional benefit in terms of handling.
Available in two wheelbases, its technical features include a 150kW battery driving a 204hp motor with power consumption weighted of 27.6 – 32.2 kWh per 100 km, a top speed of up to 160 km/h, 0-100km of 12 seconds and zero C02 emissions. Range is of the order of 350kms. A rapid-charging facility can boost battery power from 10-80 per cent in circa 45 minutes. Available also is a Mercedes-Benz 400V 16A wall box home charger that delivers a 10-100 per cent home charge in around 10 hours.
Standard features include electric sliding doors, MBUX infotainment system and voice activated ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assistance feature. A high-resolution, 10-inch media display keeps the driver updated with information across a host of headings, many relating to energy flow, battery power and usage and others relating to driving modes, voice- activated features, infotainment, navigation and route planning.
