Mercedes-Benz has further expanded its all-electric EQ range with the unveiling of the all-new EQT, a people carrier based on the underpinnings of the Citan van. It is expected to sit alongside the internal-combustion-engined T-Class MPV when it hits the Irish market in 2024. Rivals will include the Citroen e-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Rifter.
Unique look, plenty of go
Fitted with new radiator fins and a 'Black Panel' grille, the EQT sports a clean-cut look, and is instantly discernible from its petrol and diesel counterparts. At launch, the base EQT will be powered by a 90kW electric motor producing 122hp and 245Nm. Ahead of the rear axle is a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable 45kWh capacity. Usefully, recharging on AC power is possible at up to 11kW, while faster DC-charging is rated at up to 80kW. Mercedes quotes 38 minutes for 10-80 per cent charge on the latter.
Though the range on a charge for the EQT has not yet been released, Mercedes did quote an energy consumption figure of 19kWh/100km and mentioned that a heat pump is fitted.
Lots of space for the family
Practicality is of paramount importance in this sector - and with a low loading sill, room for three child seats on the rear bench and ample space in the cabin, the EQT should prove up to family demands. There are sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle
Step inside
Like most Mercedes, the EQT is typically well-appointed inside, with a seven-inch touchscreen and plenty of user-friendly buttons on the centre console. Smartphone users are well-catered for as well, the car featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system features an artificial intelligence program, which takes note of the driver's habits and can anticipate what they will do next - for example, it can remember certain parking spaces, and can suggest them based on the route the driver takes.
Safety first
The EQT has a whole host of features to keep the passengers safe should it come to the crunch. Seven airbags are fitted as standard, including a centre airbag that can deploy between the driver and passenger when required. Along with the usual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), the EQT gets electronic assistance for hill starts, crosswinds and even a driver's wavering attention, offering audible and visual prompts if the driver starts to doze off.
Electric future
Although the EQT is a car, the Mercedes-Benz Vans division took the lead on its development and hence it falls under its remit. Nonetheless, that sector is committed to the wider Mercedes-Benz Group's 'Ambition 2039' and defines it as "by 2039, the entire fleet of new private and commercial vans is to have a neutral CO₂ balance along the entire value chain - from development to the supplier network, our own production, electrification of products and use of renewable energies in the use phase of electric vehicles, and recycling of vehicles to close the loop." As part of that, all vehicles launched by Mercedes-Benz Vans from "the middle of the decade" will be fully electric.