Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ V previews new electric-powered MPV

Mercedes-Benz has previewed a pure electric version of its popular V-class MPV with the unveiling of the Concept EQ V at the Geneva motor show

Created by Mercedes-Benz's Van division, the new eight-seat model is planned to go into production in 2021 as an extension to the German car maker's newly established EQ electric vehicle sub-brand, which kicks off with the introduction of the GLC-based EQC later this year.

The EQ V builds on the existing V-class, featuring a 201bhp electric motor mounted up front where it drives the front wheels and 100kWh battery within its floor structure.

The new concept, which Mercedes-Benz says is unrelated to the electric-powered eVito commercial vehicle offered in selected markets, is claimed to boast a top speed of 160km/h and a range of up to 400km.

A high powered charging system is said to allow the battery of the EQ V to be charged to 80% of its capacity in just 15 minutes.

Although presented with a single electric motor and front-wheel drive, Mercedes-Benz claims development has also begun on a four-wheel drive version of the EQ V using two electric motors.

The new concept boasts the same external dimensions as the existing V-class and, despite the packaging of the battery within the floor, the same interior space. This allows it to offer a wide range of seating combinations for six, seven and eight occupants.

Stylistically, it follows the lead of the GLC-based EQ C with a reworked front and rear ends as well as the adoption of a new aerodynamic wheel design.

Inside, it uses a largely unchanged V-class interior featuring an upgraded infotainment system with a large central touch screen featuring gesture and voice control as part of Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX operating system, as introduced on the A-class in 2018.

“Customer feedback on the V-class interior is very strong, so it made sense for us to keep it very much the same,” said Benjamin Kaehler, head of Mercedes-Benz Van’s electric vehicle division.