Mercedes-Benz previews T-Class van with Concept EQT

MERCEDES-BENZ’S long-promised T-Class is another step closer to reality with the debut of the Concept EQT; an all-electric compact van previewing the production-spec T-Class and its battery-electric counterpart.

Destined to go toe-to-toe with future iterations of the Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Caddy, the T-Class will reportedly be available in both commercial and people mover guises with the electric version looking to be the first commercial member of Mercedes’ rapidly expanding EQ portfolio.

Described by Mercedes as a ‘near-series-production concept vehicle’, most of the styling features flaunted on the Concept EQT should make it across to the finished product.

The front end is ruled by the large but sweeping mesh grille outlined by a flowing piece of chrome trim and matched at the top by a set of slimline LED headlights.

Moving back along the body, the Concept EQT flaunts a low window and hip line which should result in decent visibility for both the driver and passengers alike while the high roof will ensure plenty of headroom for all occupants as well.

Daimler Group chief design officer Gorden Wagener said the Concept EQT was designed under the ‘Sensual Purity’ philosophy.

“Sensuous shapes, elegant trims and sustainable materials show that this van clearly belongs to our Mercedes-EQ family,” he said.

Measuring in at 4945mm long, 1863mm wide and 1826mm tall, sliding side doors are featured on both sides for maximum accessibility and practicality while the people mover version sports three rows of seating.

Reflecting the electric powertrain lurking under the skin, the interior of the Concept EQT has been upholstered in white recycled leather with matching highlights on the steering wheel and dashboard.

Contrasted against the black dash, all of the key controls – steering wheel, gear selector and instrument panel – seem to pop in a particularly eye-catching way.

Unsurprisingly infotainment duties come courtesy of the brand’s proprietary MBUX system which in this instance boasts artificial intelligence and learning capabilities, live traffic information and over-the-air updates.

A panoramic sunroof adds an extra whiff of luxury and helps to make the cabin even more airy when paired with the tall glasshouse.

In a bid to emphasise the vehicle’s versatility, Mercedes has fitted its latest concept with an integrated electric longboard which even it says is a “rather surprising feature.”

No details have been revealed as to the Concept EQT’s powertrain at this stage however we would expect the production version to feature a similar, if not the same arrangement as the EQA and EQB SUVs given its ‘small’ van classification.

Fore reference, the current EQA and EQB ranges develop between 140-215kW and 375-520Nm courtesy of both single and dual-motor drivetrains, all paired to a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery.

According to Mercedes-Benz Vans boss Marcus Breitschwerdt, the T-Cross range will appeal to private and family-minded customers who have an eye for leisure and versatility.

“The T-Class provides them with an attractive introduction into the world of Mercedes-Benz,” he said.

“And as the Concept EQT shows: We are consistently implementing our claim to leadership in electromobility and will also be offering a fully electric model in this segment in the future.”

Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia has sold 1372 new vehicles so far this year ending April, marking a 25.6 per cent sales slip compared to the 1845 units shifted over the same period last year.

Of those 1372 deliveries, 803 of them were the full-sized Sprinter.