Mercedes-Benz EQV Review 2024

Mercedes-Benz EQV At A Glance

+Available as a six, seven or eight-seater, will cover 252 miles on a single charge, exempt from Congestion Charge fees.

-Prices expected to start at £60,000, not available until late 2020.

The Mercedes-Benz EQV is a fully-electric van-based MPV that's designed for airport shuttle firms and taxi operators who want to avoid the fees associated with Congest Charging and low emission zones. 

Capable of covering 252-miles on a single charge, the EQV can be specified with eight, seven or six-seats, with the latter getting seats that can be individual configured. 

The luxury van-based MPV is powered by a front-mounted 150kw electric motor and 90kWh battery pack located under the passenger floor. The driver can set the energy recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left, for example, increases regeneration while the paddle on the right reduces it. The system also has an automatic E+ driving mode, which optimises the parameters to maximise the range.

The battery pack features a fast charge function that allows the lithium-ion batteries to be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes when plugged into a 110kW DC rapid charger. A full charge from a home wallbox or public charging station, however, takes an estimated 10 hours. 

The EQV gets the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which features a voice operation that lets the driver set the navigation or make a phone call by saying “Hey Mercedes, call the office”. The navigation system can also automatically factor in the battery level and reroute to a charger if the vehicle has insufficient range to complete the journey.

Model History

August 2019

Mercedes-Benz EQV unveiled

The technical highlights include a range of 252 miles (provisional figures) and the rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than an hour.

The electric drive train (eATS) of the Mercedes-Benz EQV is situated on the front axle under the front end of the car with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150kW. 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.

The refinement of MBUX specifically for EQ is a particular highlight. In the high-resolution, ten-inch media display, the EQ tile in the main menu serves as a central point of access to the specific displays and settings. These include the 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.

To ensure that the technical operating range is used to the maximum, 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. This is because, in most situations, the slowing effect of recuperation is sufficient to make the brake pedal redundant.

The recuperation level D Auto reflects the intelligence of the EQV. 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. It is also assisted by the E+ driving mode, which optimises the vehicle's parameters to maximise the range.

With the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home and 11kW charging output, the EQV can be charged significantly faster than using a domestic socket. In cooperation with country-specific charger installation partners, 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 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 much less than an hour to charge from 10 to 80 per cent SoC.

CO 2 emissions

0 g/km

Electrical combined

27,0 kWh/100 km (provisional figures) 1

Range

405 (provisional figures) 1

Charging time at a Wallbox or at public charging stations (AC charging, 11 kW)

<10h

Charging time at a fast charging station (DC Charging, 110kW)

10-80% SOC in <45 min

Drive system

Front-wheel drive

Output

150 kW (204 hp)

Peak torque

362 Nm

Top speed

160 km/h

Battery

Lithium-ion

Battery energy content (installed)

100 kWh

Battery energy capacity
(usable)

90 kWh

Length/width (incl. mirrors)/height:

5,140 mm (5,370 mm)

Wheelbase

3,200 mm (3,430 mm)

Luggage compartment (depending on equipment fitted)

1030 l

GVW

3500 kg