Did everyone forget that Mercedes makes a compact van? Well, they do and it's called the Citan. It's about to be replaced, and Mercedes has shown off this thinly disguised concept model that previews a new all-electric model.
EQT, T-Class, and Citan
This then is the EQT, and it previews both an all-electric panel van (the Citan) and an all-electric version of the new passenger version, which will be sold with conventional engines and badged as T-Class. "We are expanding our portfolio in the small van segment with the forthcoming T-Class. It will appeal to families and all those private customers, whatever their age, who enjoy leisure activities and need a lot of space and maximum variability without forgoing comfort and style. The T-Class provides them with an attractive introduction to the world of Mercedes-Benz. And as the Concept EQT shows: We are consistently implementing our claim to leadership in electromobility and will also be offering a fully electric model in this segment in the future," says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
21-inch wheels
Don't expect the final production version, which will go on sale in 2022, to look quite like this concept. The overall size and shape, the packaging and space inside are about spot on, but some of the styling elements both inside and out will be toned down for sale.
Sadly that star-spangled front end, which blends seamlessly into the headlights, is not likely to make it to showrooms, and neither are the rather lovely 21-inch wheels. The LED lighting strips that connect both headlights and tail lights probably will make it though. "The Concept EQT is a new, holistic van with the Design DNA of "Sensual Purity", says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group. "Sensuous shapes, elegant trims and sustainable materials show that this van clearly belongs to our Mercedes-EQ family."
White Nappa leather
Inside, there's a dramatic black-and-white interior, with white Nappa leather on the seats, and some rather groovy plaited leather trim, that's actually made from recycled leather. The dashboard gets an upper section that's meant to replicate the wing of a plane, and there's a mixture of high-tech touch-sensitive buttons, LED mood lighting, and practical touches such as lots of storage spaces for odds and ends.
There is, of course, also the MBUX software system for the touchscreen, which includes the 'Hey, Mercedes' digital voice assistant. There are functions you'd expect, such as live traffic information, and some you might not, such as software that anticipates what the driver would like to do next with the help of predictive functions. For instance, if someone regularly calls a certain person on Fridays on the way home, the system will suggest their telephone number on the display on this day of the week.
In the specific 'EQ' menu on the screen, there's a full rundown of the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. There are specific electric displays, too, including a display of charging stations, the electric range and optimised route planning taking into account the charge level, weather or the traffic situation.
From the EQT we can tell that both the new Citan (which will share its chassis, engines, and electric powertrain with Renault's new Kangoo) will be pretty practical. It's 4.9 metres long, 1.863 metres wide, and 1.826 metres high. There are sliding doors on both sides, but - again - don't expect the vast glass roof, laser-etched with Mercedes stars, to be fitted as standard to production cars. Maybe not even as an option.
In the back, the EQT is a seven-seater, with space for three child car seats side-by-side in the middle row, and a third row that can either fold flat into the boot floor or be removed entirely.
There's a nice touch for those with an enthusiasm for skateboarding, as there's an electric long-board actually built into the EQT, which is stored under the false panel in the floor, beneath a plexiglass lid fitted in an aluminium frame and flush with the load compartment floor.
"The Concept EQT gives an outlook on how space and maximum variability can also be combined with stylish comfort in the small van segment. Our future T-Class is a true multi-talent and with it we will attract new customer groups and grow sustainably," says Marcus Breitschwerdt.