Mercedes Concept EQV Heralds Electric V-Class Arriving This Fall

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veils off the Concept EQV, an all-electric version of its V-Class minivan which is ready for production.

The automaker has confirmed the production model will be on display at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With the Concept EQV, Mercedes says it is opening up a new segment for electric vehicles, that of premium MPVs.

The EQV pairs a 150 kW (204 PS/201 hp) electric motor mounted on the front axle with a 100 kWh battery pack for a range of 400 km (248 miles). The electric people carrier features a so-called compact electric drivetrain (eATS) consisting of the electric motor, the transmission with fixed ratios, the cooling system, and the power electronics — all on the front axle.

The 100 kWh lithium-ion battery ensures a “realistic” maximum range of 400 km (248 miles) and provides enough energy to allow the EQV to sustain a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). Mercedes also offers a rapid charging function that gives the battery enough juice to cover around 100 km (62 miles) in a mere 15 minutes.

The electric powertrain doesn’t impede on the EQV’s functionality as an MPV. That’s because the battery is installed in the vehicle’s underfloor, leaving the interior space unaffected. Possible configurations go from six to seven or even eight seats using additional individual seats or benches.

While the EQV is easily recognizable as V-Class-based, it does feature unique design features typical of the EQ sub-brand. Those include the radiator grille with chrome inserts and an LED band, LED headlights, large air inlets in the front bumper and 19-inch aero-style wheels with blue accents.

Inside, the Concept EQV that’s on display at the Geneva Motor Show features a dual-color look with the upper part of the cabin dominated by blue and the lower part set in black.

The dashboard adopts a “Midnight Blue” leather look with rose gold accents that remind of copper wires and the armrests feature blue Nappa leather, while the seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather with rose gold topstitching.