Mercedes-Benz launches its first fully-electric premium MPV

Mercedes-Benz Vans presented the Concept EQV as a study at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Now the series version of the Mercedes-Benz EQV (combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures) has been launched.

The next member of the Mercedes EQ family combines emission-free mobility with impressive driving abilities, high functionality and aesthetic design as the first fully-electric premium MPV from Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz EQV will be displayed to the public for the first time at this year's IAA (12 to 22 September). 

The technical highlights include a range of 405 km(provisional figures) and the rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 45 mins. The Mercedes-Benz EQV also offers ultimate comfort in the interior and unparalleled flexibility. Customers can also choose between two different wheelbases.

"Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. 

As a series-produced vehicle, the EQV is fully integrated into the production operations of the plant in Vitoria in northern Spain, where the V-Class and Mercedes-Benz Vito are also made. This facilitates flexible and synergetic production in direct correlation with customer demand. 

The electric drive train (eATS) of the Mercedes-Benz EQV is situated on the front axle under the dynamic front end of the car with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150 kW. The electric motor, the transmission with a fixed gear ratio, the cooling system and the power electronics constitute a highly integrated, compact unit. The power is provided by a lithium ion battery under the floor of the vehicle. Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQV. A top speed of up to 160 km/h also ensures that you quickly get to where you are going outside an urban environment. 

Feature-loaded
As standard the Mercedes-Benz EQV is equipped with a water-cooled on-board charger (OBC) with a capacity of 11 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. The battery, which has a usable capacity of 90 kWh, facilitates a maximum range of 405 kilometres (provisional figures).

The installation of the battery in the space below the floor means that all of the space is available, with no impact on the interior of the vehicle. Families could benefit from a multitude of seating configurations as well as a good conscience from producing zero local emissions. Six individual seats, on the other hand, turn the Mercedes-Benz EQV into a representative shuttle vehicle that meets all of the requirements for the high-quality transportation of people with a comfortable and particularly quiet driving experience. The flexible installation of individual or bench seats also allows the EQV to be converted into a 7- or even an 8-seater. 

The vehicle comes with a 10-inch media display which shows charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. The media display can also be used to operate the navigation and Mercedes me Charge functions, as well as the driving modes. It also features intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension, which is activated by the keyword ‘Hey Mercedes’. The voice control supports many infotainment functions (e.g. destination input, phone calls, music selection, writing and hearing messages, weather forecast), as well as numerous convenience functions such as climate control/lighting. And MBUX also applies its strengths in combination with the Mercedes me App outside the vehicle. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQV also charges its batteries when on the move. When accelerating or braking, the mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation). The driver has a major influence on recuperation. He/she is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. At the weakest level the vehicle "coasts", while at the strongest level it is possible to drive using a single pedal. 

The automatically activated ECO Assistant helps the driver to achieve the best possible efficiency. It combines navigation data, road traffic sign recognition and information provided by the intelligent safety assistance systems (radar and camera), and adjusts the level of recuperation itself. In combination with EQ-optimised navigation, active range monitoring ensures that the driver reaches the destination safely even if a charging stop is missed. 

Mercedes me Charge also allows access to the quick-charging stations of the pan-European network IONITY. Especially over long distances, the short charging times make for a pleasant journey. By 2020 IONITY will construct and operate around 400 quick-charging stations along the main traffic arteries in Europe. IONITY was founded in November 2017 as a joint venture by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen group with Audi and Porsche. 

Mercedes-Benz also offers easy and rapid installation of the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox and professional advice on all aspects of e-mobility. DC charging using the series-standard CCS (Combined Charging Systems) is claimed to be even faster. In Europe the EQV can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. It then takes less than 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent SoC (State of Charge).