What's all this about?
Mercedes-Benz is adding to its fully electric product offering with the introduction of the EQV. As the name might lead you to suggest, it's based on the versatile V-Class. That, according to Mercedes-Benz at least, makes it the world's first premium electric MPV. Tesla, with its seven-seat Model X, might argue the point. Nevertheless, the UK offering is likely only to include the eight-seat version, with prices expected to start at just over £60,000 when deliveries begin next spring.
What else is different about it?
There's a touch more to the Mercedes EQV than a big battery. The visual differences extend to the look of the front grille, though it still draws in air to help with the cooling systems. Other visual giveaways include bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels that are aerodynamically optimised to reduce drag. The charging port is located on the left of the front bumper, seemingly decided upon as the most practical place to put it. EQV badging on the front wings and EVQ300 badging on the vast upward-opening tailgate also set it apart.
What about the battery range?
Being as big as it is means that Mercedes has been able to equip a reasonably large lithium-ion battery. It fits to the base of the floor and doesn't encroach on the passenger compartment, so space isn't affected. It's technically a 100kWh battery, 90kWh of which is a usable capacity. The battery pack sends power to a single electric motor that powers a single-speed transmission to drive the front wheels.
How powerful is it?
The electric motor that Mercedes uses in the EQV is essentially half of the setup that it uses in the EQC. Minor changes mostly focus on the different gearing required for the transmission. The total power output is 204hp and peak torque is a decent 362Nm. As yet, Mercedes isn't throwing about 0-62mph times, and we don't expect it to set any new records, but the top speed is a useful 100mph, though cruising at that speed for any amount of time will make a serious dent in the usable driving range.
Talk to me about charging it.
When you have such a large battery, charging it can take time, so Mercedes has included the ability to utilise rapid DC charging. The common CCS (Combined Charging Systems) connection is present and where possible this can charge the EQV's battery at up to 110kW. That's enough to top up the battery's state of charge from 10 to 80 per cent in under 45 minutes. There is also an 11kW charger for standard domestic and public charge points. Fully charging the same rate with this takes a little under ten hours, so overnight charging should be sufficient.
What about inside?
There are some interior details that are exclusive to the EQV, including different-coloured trim panels. For the most part it'll be familiar to anyone that's already been inside the V-Class. A 10-inch infotainment touchscreen system runs the company's latest MBUX operating system, which includes voice commands. A mobile app will give owners the ability to view charging status and battery charge status remotely, along with preconditioning the cabin temperature.
Anything else I need to know?
For now, there will only be one battery version of the EQV, but it will be available in two wheelbase lengths, 3,200- and 3,420mm. The EQV retains all the same practicality as the V-Class inside and luggage space is rated at 1,030 litres, depending on the seating configuration.
Dave Humphreys - 20 Aug 2019