Currently reading: Mercedes EQV: electric MPV priced from £70,665

All-electric people carrier available to order now with 213-mile range, rapid charging and choice of seating configurations

The new Mercedes EQV, an electric version of the Mercedes V-Class large MPV, is now available to order in the UK, with prices starting from £70,665.

It's the second EQ-branded electric Mercedes on sale, and first deliveries are due to commence in the autumn. One powertrain option and three trim levels feature. 

The base model comes with Mercedes' latest EQ-specific MBUX infotainment and sat-nav system, plus a driving assistance package, multibeam LED headlights, electric sliding doors, a reversing camera and ambient lighting as the kit highlights.

Image from ios 12

Stepping up to Sport Premium (£72,895) adds a 360-degree camera, electric memory seats, an upgraded exterior design, smartphone integration and a table package for the rear seats. The range-topping Sport Premium Plus (£77,145) adds a Burmester sound system, air suspension and 18-inch wheels. 

Claimed to be a pioneering electric premium MPV, the EQV has been designed to appeal to fleet and private buyers alike with a dual focus on practicality and comfort.

The EQV's official range is up to 213 miles from a full charge, with power stored in a 90kWh lithium ion battery pack mounted under the floor for enhanced dynamics and maximum interior space. It can be charged from 10% capacity to 80% in less than 45 minutes. 

Power is sent through a fixed-gear transmission to a front-mounted electric motor producing 201bhp and 267lb ft – enough to propel the 3500kg EV to a 99mph top speed.

Benjamin Kaehler, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans' eDrive initiative, said: "Numbers are not so important, but when you drive in traffic on highways or in cities, you want to always be able to match the speed of other people.

“You want to have the feeling that whenever you hit the throttle, you can merge into the traffic right away.”

Regenerative braking maximises range and can be adjusted using paddles behind the steering wheel. With the brake energy regeneration on its highest setting, Mercedes says the EQV can be driven with just the accelerator pedal. 

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The EQV’s interior dimensions are the same as those of the standard V-Class on which it's based, and it can be used as a six, seven or eight-seater. The EQV will be built in two sizes, but only the long-wheelbase variant will be sold in the UK. 

Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system comes as standard, with a 10.0in high-definition display offering live energy flow and consumption data. The system also supports voice control, plus pre-journey temperature and navigation configuration via an app. 

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European EQV buyers will be able to use the Ionity charging network, which will comprise 400 rapid-charging stations across Europe by the end of 2020. 

The EQV retains the silhouette, dimensions and overall styling of the V-Class but features an EQC-aping black front panel in place of a grille and bespoke 18in alloy wheels, as well as gold and blue interior trim accents. 

It will be built alongside the conventionally fuelled Vito and V-Class at Mercedes’ Vitoria commercial vehicle factory in Spain, enabling production of the new model to be adjusted easily to suit changing customer demand. 

The EQV starting price is around £20,000 more than the entry-level V-Class. Mercedes said a less premium version is unlikely to enter the market at a lower price, given the availability already of the more commercially oriented e-Vito and the imminent arrival of the new e-Sprinter. 

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Kaehler said: "The longer you drive, the bigger the chance you can recover that investment," referring in particular to London's congestion charge and ultra-low emission zones as likely incentives for British buyers. 

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Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

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jag150 29 July 2020

I travel 7 up once a year on

I travel 7 up once a year on a ski trip to the Alps. With a 200 mile range, I'll be going in a diesel.Until electric vehicles can compete range wise, they are only good around town.
jason_recliner 30 July 2020

jag150 wrote:

jag150 wrote:

I travel 7 up once a year on a ski trip to the Alps. With a 200 mile range, I'll be going in a diesel.Until electric vehicles can compete range wise, they are only good around town.

LMAO!  Awesome!

"Because this vehicle is unsuitable for a trip I make once per year the category is useless!"

Love it!!!

streaky 30 July 2020

jason_recliner wrote:

jason_recliner wrote:

"Because this vehicle is unsuitable for a trip I make once per year the category is useless!"

I think that puts the problem of EV acceptance in a nutshell; everyone considering an EV  immediately thinks of the one or two long drives per year that would be beyond the range, even though the charging network is (gradually) improving.  I guess it just goes against the grain to buy a car, and then have to go to the inconvenience and expense of renting another to suit a couple of longer journeys.  Rental companies with a bit of nouse could exploit a niche here, offering good rates, a quick swap over and secure parking.

Andrew1 29 July 2020

@gavsmit

gavsmit, maybe we can't call Mercedes models "prestige" but we can certainly call you a brand snob.

@Autocar - please fix your quoting functionality on mobile!

SheldonCooper 30 July 2020

Its only the little engines

Its only the little engines that are Renault and i can't image an a160d customer is too worried about whether they have a Merc engine.

Either way the french have been making little diesels longer than most

gavsmit 29 July 2020

£71k for a van?!

When is anyone going to address the elephant in the room - WTF is going on with all vehicle pricing now?!!

It's not just EVs from 'prestige' makes (if you can call a German car manufacturer that uses engines from Renault Clios / Nissan Micras in their exec models as prestige) either - just look at recent ridiculous price hikes of mainstream ICE models too!

 

xxxx 29 July 2020

It's not a van

end of.

Andrew1 29 July 2020

gavsmit wrote:

gavsmit wrote:

When is anyone going to address the elephant in the room - WTF is going on with all vehicle pricing now?!!

It's not just EVs from 'prestige' makes (if you can call a German car manufacturer that uses engines from Renault Clios / Nissan Micras in their exec models as prestige) either - just look at recent ridiculous price hikes of mainstream ICE models too!