The new EQV by Mercedes-EQ, the EV-focused division of Mercedes-Benz, heralds a new era for the luxury people mover. It has been designed to meet the needs of both family buyers and professional drivers seeking a more environmentally friendly way to transport up to seven people in spacious comfort and trademark Mercedes-Benz style.
The latest member of the Mercedes-EQ family combines low emission mobility with impressive driving abilities, high functionality and aesthetic design as the first fully-electric luxury people mover from Mercedes-Benz.
Clever packaging of the high-voltage battery beneath the floor means there is no compromising on space for the driver and up to six additional passengers, with a standard configuration featuring two armchairs in the second row and a three-berth bench seat in the third row. As a no-cost option, the EQV can be specified with four individual leather armchairs in the rear compartment, making it the ideal choice for airport transfers or as an executive shuttle.
With its high roofline, generous proportions and dual electrically-operated sliding doors, the EQV manages to be both practical and luxurious at the same time.
“For large families or transfer operators, the EQV offers all the space and practicality they need, but with less impact on the environment, the potential to lower running costs and no compromise on luxury,” says Diane Tarr, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand.
“This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and category that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle.”
The luxurious ambience extends to the driver and front-seat passenger, with power-adjustable seats equipped with memory settings, lumbar support and seat heating. There’s also the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system, which operates audio, telephony, navigation and vehicle settings, with many popular functions able to be voice-activated simply by saying “Hey Mercedes” followed by a command. All functions including navigation can also be accessed via a 10.25-inch central touchscreen.
Pre-entry climate control is an EV-specific feature that can be used to pre-set the desired cabin temperature for a more comfortable start to journeys. This can be activated via the instrument cluster or the MBUX system.
Other features and displays available via the EQ tile in the main menu of the MBUX system include the charging current, energy flow and consumption histogram. The media display can also be used to operate the navigation and charge functions, as well as the driving modes.
The EQV’s practical credentials also extend to exceptional storage and flexibility, with a configurable space capable of accommodating up to 1030 litres of cargo. The lift-style Easy Pack Tailgate can be opened and closed electrically at the touch of a button and includes a separately opening rear window.
Assured power and progress
The EQV utilises a single e-motor sending up to 150 kW of power and 365 Nm of torque to the front wheels, lending impressive driving flexibility around town and composed highway cruising. The 90 kWh battery delivers an indicative range of up to 418 km1 and uses 26.32 kWh per 100km1 (NEDC). Thanks to a DC charging capacity of up to 110 kW1, top-ups from 10 to 80% can be achieved at a rapid charging facility in approximately 45 minutes1. Using up to 11 kW AC, equipment such as the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox available for residential installations, can be used to recharge from 0 to 100% in approximately 10 hours1.
The positioning of the lithium-ion battery pack beneath the floor contributes to a lower centre of gravity which improves the handling characteristics, while standard AIRMATIC air suspension adds to the luxurious experience with high-quality suspension and damping comfort that continuously adapts to the prevailing road conditions.
The driver can choose from four driving programs, emphasising aspects of economic driving (two modes), comfort or sportiness. There are also five levels of energy recuperation that recover energy during deceleration. In the most active mode, D-, deceleration and therefore recuperation is at its strongest, requiring less manual braking and maximising driving range. The D, D+ and D++ modes progressively reduce active deceleration, while DAuto mode uses a radar sensor to automatically adjust the recuperation level to the traffic situation.
Safety is standard, in every seat
A comprehensive suite of safety programs includes DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist cruise control, a 360° camera with dynamic guidelines, driver and co-driver airbags (front, thorax and window), window bags from the A to D pillars, Active Parking Assist, Active Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Crosswind Assist, an LED Intelligent Light System with Highbeam Assist Plus, reversing camera and sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Other standard features include a high-quality Burmester surround sound audio system, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with semi-automatic rear airconditioning, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
The attractive exterior is finished with the EQV Exterior Design Package including black and chrome highlights and an AMG spoiler lip. Anodised roof rails and 18-inch black high-sheen alloy wheels complete the sleek, distinctive appearance.
The EQV is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for private use (5 Years / 250,000km for commercial use), and eight years or 160,000 km for the battery pack. Servicing is recommended once a year or every 40,000km.
Included is a one-year complimentary Chargefox subscription, providing customers with one year of complimentary, unlimited charging at all Chargefox ultra-rapid stations and participating fast charging stations around Australia.*
(*Chargefox Rapid and Ultra-rapid charging stations only, some exclusions apply. Customer must register with Chargefox to receive these services.)
Pricing
The new Mercedes-Benz EQV is priced from $155,338 (MRLP) and is available to order from 1 December 2022. (For drive away price information, customers should contact authorised Mercedes-EQV Retailers).
1 The declared range and energy consumption figures are indicative only and determined by testing under standardised laboratory conditions to comply with ADR 81/02. Real world energy consumption is influenced by many additional factors such as individual driving style, load, traffic, ambient temperature and vehicle condition. Charging times are indicative only and can vary depending on many factors including but not limited to ambient conditions, auxiliary consumables (e.g. seat heating and air-conditioning) and capabilities of charging infrastructure capacity and/or supply. The declared energy consumption figures should only be used for the purpose of comparison amongst vehicles.
