The muted exterior appearance of the EQV is built around practicality and nods to signature EQ styling can be found, such as the black radiator grille. Emphasising its MPV nature, it features electric sliding doors and sits on 17” wheels, which increase to 18” if you opt for the Sport Premium Plus model, while the charging connection can be found at the front bumper. The EQV places an emphasis on versatility when it comes to the interior space, offering a multitude of seating configurations to make room for up to eight people. What’s more, the EQV Exterior Design Package comes as standard in the Sport Premium and Sport Premium Plus model lines. The Table Package also features a folding, moveable table, cup holders in the sidewalls, additional stowage options and 12 V charging sockets – making for a next-level style of school run. There’s a cosy and comfortable atmosphere emphasised by the almost silent EV drivetrain, making for tranquil journeys (depending on the passengers, of course). Ambient lighting in the cockpit can be adjusted to three colour shades – neutral, solar and polar – and brightness can be adjusted according to outside light, too. Look closer and you’ll notice styling tweaks of rose gold accents and midnight blue leather upholstery.
TECHNOLOGY
The EQV adopts the MBUX infotainment system, which in turn uses AI to predict driver habits over time. The 10” touchscreen display shows information such as the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption data. It can also be used for navigation and the Mercedes me Charge app functions, as well as selecting driving modes. The MBUX intelligent voice control is activated by the driver saying “Hey, Mercedes” and supports a range of infotainment and convenience functions. The Mercedes me Charge App provides drivers with access to over 300,000 charging points (including the Ionity charging network), displays charging stations along planned routes (prioritising rapid charging points), shows the car’s battery level and features an integrated payment function for quick and easy public charging. Active range monitoring ensures that the driver reaches a destination safely even if a charging stop is missed.
SAFETY
Mercedes-Benz maintains its reputation for safety in the EQV, with airbags and windowbags inbuilt as standard. As well as this, there are a number of driver assistance systems available. The EQV Driving Assistance Package features Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist to help relieve strain for the driver. For Sport Premium and Sport Premium Plus models, Active Parking Assist uses a 360-degree camera to look for parking spaces and automatically steers the vehicle into them, particularly handy for a van that’s just over 5.3 metres long.
FEATURES
Powered by a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor, the EQV produces 201bhp, has a top speed of 98mph and makes the 0 – 62mph run in 12.1 seconds. Boasting an all-electric range of up to 213 miles, it can charge in approximately 45 minutes from 10% to 80% at a rapid charging station with an output of 110kW. Alternatively, at-home charging from 10% to 100% will take roughly 10 hours – ideal for leaving overnight. Drivers can also choose between a range of driving modes, including Eco, Comfort and Sport. Regenerative braking is also utilised to maximise range and efficiency, which reclaims the energy that would otherwise be wasted when braking and can be adjusted using paddles behind the steering wheel. At its highest level, the EQV can be driven with just the accelerator pedal.
