Mercedes Concept EQT (2022): Preview of electric small van 

With the Concept EQT, Mercedes-Benz Vans gives a concrete preview of the first premium vehicle for families and leisure-oriented private customers in the small van segment: the T-Class and its fully electric variant, which is to be launched later this year.

 Mercedes is still silent about the EQT's electric drive. Since the EQT will be based on Renault, it can only be assumed that it will have similar technical specifications. The Kangoo Rapid E-Tech Electric has a 44 kWh battery in the underbody and an electric motor with 75 kW power on the front axle. The latter achieves 265 WLTP kilometres, which would not be too much compared to the Mercedes E-Van. The near-production concept vehicle combines a spacious and variable space for up to seven people and ample luggage volume with the typical Mercedes design. "With the upcoming T-Class, we are expanding our portfolio in the small van segment. With this, we are addressing families and leisure-active private customers of all ages who need a lot of space and maximum variability, but do not want to sacrifice comfort and style. We are consistently implementing our claim to leadership in electric mobility and will also be offering an all-electric model in this segment in future," says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Balanced proportions and sensuous surface design are to characterise the design. The characteristic Black Panel front with LED front headlights flows seamlessly from the bonnet and shines with a star pattern. The 3D-effect stars extend in varying sizes from the front across the 21-inch gloss-turned alloy wheels and panoramic roof to the e-longboard at the rear. In addition, there is an illuminated band that connects the LED headlights and the LED rear lights. But the interior is also impressive: The seats are upholstered in white Nappa leather, and the applications of braided leather on the seat mirror are made of incorporated recycled leather. A special eye-catcher in the interior is the instrument panel. The upper section is shaped like a wing profile and merges with the instrument cluster. Above the instrument cluster is a semi-enclosed storage compartment for accessing important utensils or documents. In addition, round air vents in high-gloss black, galvanised trim and the multifunction steering wheel with touch control buttons emphasise the modern feel. Ambient lighting rounds off the design language.

The Concept EQT (length/width/height: 4,945/1,863/1,826 millimetres) has wide-opening sliding doors on both sides for easy access to the two individual seats in the third row. Three child seats can be fitted side by side in the second row. A panoramic roof with a lasered starry sky provides a light-flooded interior. Its elegant bottle shape, which narrows from front to rear, also creates visual length. The steep rear end with an upright tailgate and window also makes for a particularly spacious load compartment. If more space is needed, the seats in the third row can be folded down or removed. This provides ample space for prams, dog carriers and other leisure equipment. The concept car illustrates the space and variability for families and leisure enthusiasts with a lot of luggage or sports equipment with a surprising solution - an electric longboard integrated into the load compartment. It is located on a double floor under a cover made of Plexiglas, which is enclosed in an aluminium frame and is flush with the load compartment floor. The electric longboard, also made of aluminium, looks quite classy thanks to its star pattern.

With the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the operating and display concept to the small van segment. The system can be operated via the free-standing central display with touch function, the touch control buttons on the steering wheel and optionally via the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant. A new feature is its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. For example, MBUX can anticipate what the driver will want to do next thanks to prediction functions. For example, if you often talk to a certain person on the way home on a Friday, their phone number will be suggested on the display on that day of the week. Other features in conjunction with Mercedes me connect include Live Traffic Information and Over-the-Air updates.

In the high-resolution display of the infotainment system, there is an "EQ" tile in the main menu as a central access point to the specific displays and settings. These include charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. In addition, the navigation and driving programmes can also be operated via the media display. In conjunction with Mercedes, me connect, EV-specific navigation services and functions will also be offered, such as the display of charging stations, the electric range and optimised route planning taking into account the charge status, weather or the traffic situation.

With the "Ambition 2039", the company is pursuing the goal of offering a CO2-neutral vehicle fleet by 2039 that will have no relevant impact on inner-city air quality. Already by the end of this year, Mercedes-Benz wants to offer battery-electric vehicles in all segments in which the brand is represented. Accordingly, from 2025 onwards, all new vehicle architectures are to be exclusively electric. Customers will then have a fully electric alternative to choose from for every model. With the future EQT, which is still in development, Mercedes-Benz intends to follow the eVito, eSprinter, EQV and the upcoming eCitan in offering an electric alternative for commercial and private customers in all van categories - from the small van to the large van.