The Mercedes V-Class has its electric counterpart EQV. A perfect van for families and full of space, although it stands out especially in the luxury segment.
Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Mercedes EQV. A van with the spirit of an electric car and focused on the luxury segment. Although it is clear, the capabilities of this counterpart version of the Mercedes V-Class go much further.
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I moved to France, around Nice, to drive this interesting vehicle with an even more curious unit: gold in color. Too visual? Well, when you see the Mercedes parked next to a yacht worth more than 150 million euros, everything looks sensational. I guess that's how the rich must feel, of course.
Design of the Mercedes EQV
The Mercedes EQV is really elegant. Its main difference compared to the model with internal combustion engines (ICE) is a new bumper, which eliminates the grille and seeks the best possible aerodynamics without neglecting battery cooling.
It has two types of body: a long one with 5.14 meters in length and the extra-long one with 5.37 meters. All of them with fine body lines, an elegant edge that runs along the side from the front wing to the rear and a rear where its vertical LED optics and a large moon stand out.
The exterior is nothing special, it could pass as a more high-end van with two sliding doors. But as the Arabs say, beauty is inside. And specifically, in the options with Luxury seats. Two spectacular seats with electric adjustment that I was able to test during a long journey. Heated, ventilated and with massage mode.
You can practically lie down completely. Or move them forward to work at a fold-out table on the back of the front seat. A wonder, although some of us are not used to these luxuries and prefer to drive.
At the front we have a large interface that integrates a digital instrument panel and multimedia screen, with sensational options such as navigation with augmented reality. Of the best? That does not give up physical buttons for air conditioning. Made of metal materials and high quality, in the style of aviation levers, on the floating center console.
However, it has a steering wheel with haptic buttons and we all know that practically no one likes this option. That is why Volkswagen, without going any further, has removed them from its vehicles. Beyond these details, dashboards with wood-style finishes, hard plastics and leather everywhere. Sensational.
Engine and dynamics of the Mercedes EQV
During the test of the electric Mercedes V-Class I drove the only existing model, with 201 HP and 362 Nm of maximum torque. Although this is a peak power, since as standard it develops somewhat less to preserve the energy of its battery.
And here we have two options: the Mercedes EQV 250 has a 66 kWh package and the Mercedes EQV 300 with 100 kWh and up to 357 kilometers of autonomy. Exactly the same configuration as in the model launched in 2019.
The dynamics are quite surprising. Its center of gravity is very low and, therefore, it has great cornering performance even at high speed. Meanwhile, in the city it behaves calmly and the acoustic insulation in any situation is very high.
Of course, we carry out the tests with only two people inside and these vans can have space for up to 8 passengers in total. Four occupants (two in the back) in the case of the Luxury seats that we mentioned above. Loading capacity? Well, a 1,030-liter trunk, expandable to 1,410 liters with the extra-long body.
How much is the Mercedes EQV worth? It's worth it?
It should be noted that this is a luxury car. An heir to the minivans of yesteryear and with extensive customization options. Illuminated frame on the front “grill”, 12 exterior colors, five new tire designs… To build the van you like the most.
Although… It holds the title of the most expensive car manufactured in Spain, because its price starts at 89,014 euros with the EQV 250 and rises to 96,658 euros with the Mercedes EQV 300 Largo. A good way to go all out, but with the DGT Zero label.
Obviously, the main market for these vehicles is for VIPs, people transportation, senior officials or simply fleet vehicles. Its representation in the private market is relative, even more so in Spain, where the V-Class diesel options are more attractive.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV has improved the interior compared to the previous version. As standard, it now has two sliding doors, a much more technological cabin and the option of luxury seats is a real delight for passengers. Furthermore, on the road it behaves like a normal car despite its size.
The best
An elegant aesthetic with a comfortable and very modular interior. Large cargo space and sufficient autonomy for cities.
Worst
The maximum recharging power is 80 kW and in alternating current, 11 kW. A notable slowness. Its haptic buttons on the steering wheel are not comfortable.