Model upgrade for Mercedes EQV: How does the electric van perform?

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Space is the new luxury! Anyone who has been stuck in the back of a small car and has to get out of the vehicle with sore limbs after the journey knows this. As a result, in our test we first sit in the right rear seat of the renewed, all-electric Mercedes EQV (prices starting from 87,129 francs).

Of course, in luxurious air-conditioned seats that can optionally massage your back. We choose the strongest massage level and let the mechanics really knead us. Splendid. The head rests on a fluffy, soft pillow. Next to us is an armrest with a folding table, a shelf for a smartphone, a magnetic storage table to which special champagne glasses are glued, and two USB-C charging sockets for each of the two separate seats.

Combination of space, luxury and tranquility

Measuring 5.14 meters long (5.37 m extra long option is also available) and 1.93 meters wide, the Mercedes EQV is very quiet while driving. Electromobility with all its advantages. The large sliding glass roof also provides pleasant light into the interior. We enjoy the beautiful living environment and become more conscious with every kilometer: Forget the EQS sedan! The EQV van offers true electric luxury; A combination of space (up to 4630 liters of cargo space), luxury, peace and quiet. Real VIPs appreciate this. No wonder Robbie Williams once wanted to be chauffeured in a Mercedes minibus, not an S-Class limousine, on a tour of Germany.

To make the all-electric wheeled sedan look more modern from the outside too (the new transporter generation on the all-electric Van.EA platform will not follow until 2026 at the earliest), the designers gave the EQV a new front. “The grille was our playground,” explains designer Denis Di Pardo, pointing to the illuminated frame of the large radiator hood with a star at its center and narrow ventilation slots. EQV’s plastic surgery looks successful.

Slightly outdated concept

We understand that the technical basis has been in place for several years from this detail: There is no trunk under the hood, i.e. no additional storage compartment (for example for the charging cable), only the open-top electric motor. This drives the luxury passenger carrier, weighing around 2.7 tonnes, with front-wheel drive with 204 hp (150 kW) and 365 Nm of torque. This distinguishes the electric car from diesel versions, which are offered with rear-wheel drive or optional 4×4.

We’ve since gotten behind the wheel and the first thing we noticed is the lack of a head-up display. Let’s say that this is not possible in terms of installation space. Because, among other things, this is required for air conditioning and other components, and the conversion costs a lot of money. Here too you may notice that the base is now a bit outdated. After all, Mercedes has given the revised EQV a second sliding door at the left rear. It’s fine this way.

Air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers

When we drive ourselves, we feel just as comfortable in the right rear seat as before. The front seats are also comfortable. And the latest version of the Mercedes MBUX system provides us with all the information we need. Two 12.3-inch monitors now serve as projection surfaces. The infotainment system does not present us with any major difficulties; we just need to get used to using the touch pads on the steering wheel remote control. But we still prefer to use voice control, which works well.

The chassis of our EQV consists of air springs and frequency-selective shock absorbers. It is tightly coordinated, but does not cope particularly well with rapid succession of transverse connections. It shakes when there are large rough surfaces. At least when it’s just the two of you. If all four places are occupied, compensation for bad roads occurs more harmoniously.

Not a designated long distance vehicle

So what will be the consumption and range of the electric minibus, which reaches 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds? We generally travel with a light foot on the accelerator and no rapid movements on the highway. We never reached a top speed of 140 km/h (optional: 160 km/h) and rarely went above 100 km/h; We also used the smart recovery system. However, the on-board computer shows a consumption of 28.7 kWh/100 km; This is close to the 28.8 kWh stated by Mercedes.

It’s clear that the EQV is not a designated long-distance vehicle. However, if you choose the version with a larger 90 kWh battery, you will only have a range of 365 kilometers, according to Mercedes. Therefore, a taxi company would probably need two EQVs to transport passengers at all hours of the day. Especially since the maximum DC charging power of 110 kW for a 90 kWh battery (80 kW for a 60 kWh battery) is not particularly outstanding. Nominally large batteries are charged from ten percent to 80 percent in 40 minutes, which isn’t exactly a record.

However, you can spend this charging time comfortably by sitting in the luxurious seats in the back with a glass of champagne in your hand. The revised V-Class is also available with a diesel engine starting from CHF 69,833, and a petrol engine (mild hybrid) will be added to the drive range later this year.

Source: Blick