Mercedes Benz has big plans for its range of EQ models – pure-electric vehicles – which started in the EQC. Second to launch under the all-electric sub-brand is the EQV, an EV version of its V-Class people carrier. A range of more than 200 miles on a charge and ultra-rapid charging abilities, plus the ability to seat seven with luggage, puts the Mercedes Benz EQV in a niche of its own currently.
There is one configuration available:
With the EQV, Mercedes Benz offers an electric vehicle in a somewhat under represented market – MPVs. The Nissan e-NV200 is, at the time of writing, the only other conventional MPV available with seven seats and a pure-electric powertrain, though the Tesla Model X SUV is also a seven-seater it must be said, and Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall are soon to bring out mass-market rivals. However, the EQV is larger than both the Nissan and Tesla, and certainly a more premium offering than the e-NV200.
Range is good too, which is an important point for those likely to buy the EQV. The Mercedes Benz will likely live life as a workhorse of some sort, either ferrying a large family around or finding use as an executive taxi. Either way, range will be relatively high up the list of priorities for buyers, and the 200+ miles available on a charge will help sway them.
On top of that charging is available at 11 kW for AC charge points and 110 kW DC for ultra-rapid units, so charging times for the 90 kWh battery are kept relatively low. Effectively a full charge on an 11 kW or 22 kW unit will take 10 hours, and a top-up to 80% on an ultra-rapid point will take 45 minutes.
Only a short drive was available on this occasion, so a full test of the range in real-world conditions wasn’t possible. However, the trip computer’s efficiency score of 1.9 miles/kWh puts the Mercedes Benz EQV’s range at around 180 miles – particularly as the economy figure was still rising come the end of the drive, which took around an hour.
To drive, the Mercedes Benz EQV certainly makes its size felt, but it’s not unduly bulky. It’s heavy, but the suspension set up and Mercedes’ expertise in refinement make for a comfortable ride. In fact, because of the quiet electric motor and smooth power delivery, the EQV is more refined than the V-Class on which its based – an in this market, that’s important.
The handling is a little wallowy around fast corners, but body all is kept relatively under check, and the EQV is unlikely to be driven hard down country roads much of the time. Instead, the Mercedes Benz is expected to find much of its work in built up areas or on faster roads such a motorways, and here the long wheelbase and comfortable suspension comes into their own. There are few more comfortable or refined motorway cruisers, and I can think of none that can match that refinement and travel a good distance with seven occupants and luggage inside.
