Mercedes-Benz EQV: electric, versatile, intelligent

20 September 2020 | David Young

The Mercedes-Benz EQV (combined power consumption: 26.4-26.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)is the first premium MPV from Mercedes-Benz with purely battery-electric drive.

Mercedes-Benz EQV: electric, versatile, intelligent

The EQV combines the versatility of the V-Class with the benefits of zero local emissions. Furthermore, the EQV is part of an electric-mobility ecosystem of intelligent navigation incorporating active range management and cloud-based services and apps. The central control unit is the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The EQV also sets the benchmark in its class with its range of up to 418 kilometres and its broad usage spectrum covering a diverse array of customer needs.

Because the battery is installed in the underfloor area, where it saves space, is protected and beneficial to the vehicle's centre of gravity, the EQV offers the same level of interior versatility and functionality as its conventionally powered sibling, the V-Class. It can seat up to eight in multiple configurations and boasts a substantial and flexible luggage capacity of up to 1,410 litres. The EQV is well suited to family and leisure applications as well as for use as a prestigious company vehicle or VIP and hotel shuttle.

Alongside its high level of functionality, the EQV is also a lot of fun to drive, with a maximum torque of 362 newton metres delivering exceptional pulling power. The electric motor has a peak output of 150 kW (204 hp) and a sustained output of 70 kW (95 hp), making the EQV not only smooth and quiet to drive, but also extremely agile – not least because of its low centre of gravity. The electricity is supplied by the water-cooled lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 90 kWh.

For an extra-smooth ride, there is the optional AIRMATIC air suspension with automatic level control. It has the ability to raise ground clearance as required and will also lower the ride height at higher speeds, thus reducing drag, which has a positive impact on electricity consumption and therefore range.

The EQV is part of an electric-mobility ecosystem that helps the driver reach the destination without suffering range anxiety. The key to this is the innovative MBUX infotainment system and the Mercedes me app. All the displays and settings specific to the EQ are controlled via the high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen using the MBUX EQ menu. For instance, users can activate the pre-conditioning, adapt the charge settings and operate the navigation with electric intelligence as well as the Mercedes me Charge functions.

Electric Intelligence begins as soon as the user starts planning a trip – either via MBUX in the vehicle itself or in advance via the Mercedes me app. This means a family day out can be planned at the breakfast table by simply selecting the destination and the desired departure time for the pre-conditioning, meaning the EQV is already at a comfortable temperature when you set off. At the start of the trip, MBUX updates the route sent to the vehicle by the app on the basis of multiple factors such as current traffic and weather data, route topography, the current range and available charging stations.

The EQV comes as standard with the choice of charging via alternating current (AC) at home or at public charging stations with up to 11 kW as well as with direct current (DC) at fast-charging stations with up to 110 kW. The fast-charging function means that, for instance, taxi or shuttle drivers can recharge frequently between runs or while the vehicle is being prepared, without losing time. It's also possible to define the state of charge at which the vehicle recommends the next charging stop, or the range you want to have remaining on arrival at the destination.

Source: Daimler