Geneva show: Mercedes-Benz powers up Concept EQV
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 11th Mar 2019
MERCEDES-BENZ has taken to the Geneva motor show to reveal the Concept EQV, which is claimed to be the first battery-electric people-mover in the premium segment.
With its production model’s debut already confirmed for the Frankfurt motor show in September, the Concept EQV serves up a taster of a zero-emissions V-Class.
As such, the Concept EQV is heavily based on the facelifted V-Class shown last month and due in the third quarter, although it naturally differs in powertrain.
The Concept EQV features a 150kW electric motor on its front axle and a 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack underneath its floor, with the German brand claiming that this combination provides a “realistic” driving range of 400km and a top speed of 160km/h.
Charging can be performed using either a domestic power outlet or a Mercedes-Benz-supplied wallbox, while quick-charge functionality allows the Concept EQV to add about 100km of driving range in just 15 minutes.
Externally, the Concept EQV and V-Class are closely related, with the only changes being unique 19-inch alloy wheels, a clean front bumper with large side air intakes, and a six-louvre grille insert with an LED band atop that connects the slick LED headlights.
Configurable as six-, seven- or eight-seater, the Concept EQV differs from the V-Class in only its choice of in-cabin materials, with Midnight Blue and black Nappa leather upholstery contrasted with Rose Gold stitching.
Notably, the Concept EQV also picks up the marque’s new MBUX infotainment system, which the V-Class misses out on, meaning a new touchpad and shortcuts have been added alongside always-on natural voice control.
“Mercedes-Benz Vans is consistently advancing the electrification of its product portfolio,” Daimler AG member of the board of management Wilfried Porth said. “With the Concept EQV, we are now taking the next step.
“The concept offers all of the brand-typical attributes familiar from this segment which Mercedes-Benz customers have come to know, appreciate and also expect.
“As a family companion, a leisure-time adventurer or a shuttle vehicle with lounge ambience, the combination of these characteristics with a battery-electric drive mean the Concept EQV is a concept car with a future.
“And so, we're particularly excited that we will soon be able to offer a series-production model on the basis of this concept.”
Mercedes-Benz’s move to electrify the V-Class falls under its plan to offer at least one electrified variant in each vehicle segment it competes in by 2022, whether it be powered by a mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric powertrain.
