Mercedes EQT Concept – electric small van + longboard presented
The transition to electromobility is in full swing. A good example of this is the Mercedes EQT Concept that was presented today. It is a small van. The small van vehicle class is actually totally uninteresting for me personally, but similar to the EQV, I find the path shown by Mercedes exciting and worth mentioning.
Mercedes describes the EQT in the press release as follows:
With the Concept EQT, Mercedes-Benz Vans is giving a concrete outlook on the first premium vehicle for families and leisure-oriented private customers in the small van segment: the T-Class and its fully electric variant. The near-series concept vehicle combines spacious and variable space for up to seven people and a generous amount of luggage with the typical Mercedes design and standard of value, comfort, functionality, connectivity and safety. Mercedes-Benz Vans is thus transferring the V-Class’s recipe for success into a compact format and bringing a new level of quality to the small vans segment. The Concept EQT underlines the unique combination of premium comfort and uncompromising functionality with electric driving fun with an e-longboard that is perfectly integrated in the cargo area.
Mercedes sees a claim to leadership in electromobility. And even if the start with the Mercedes EQC was a little late and sluggish, the Mercedes EQS showed that you are probably able to build the technically best electric car at the moment.
After my first ride in the EQS, it was clear to me that it was the beginning of a new era. Mercedes EQS – the beginning of a new era (mobilegeeks.de)
I was also able to test the EQV and even if I found it uninteresting as a vehicle, the signal that was set with the car was special for me. Mercedes EQV a special or boring electric car? (mobilegeeks.de)
With the upcoming T-Class, we are expanding our portfolio in the small van segment. We are addressing families and leisure private customers of all ages who need a lot of space and maximum variability, but who do not want to forego comfort and style. The T-Class offers you an attractive entry into 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 “, Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
With three rows of seats and seven seats and sliding doors on both sides, the EQT will offer quite a bit of space and is primarily aimed at families. There should be space for three child seats on the second row of seats.
Personally, I’m not a fan of concept cars. Mercedes in particular has shown things in the past that were more nonsense than vehicles. I’m thinking, among other things, of the Vision AVTR Mercedes Vision AVTR – What’s the nonsense? (mobilegeeks.de).
Although I have to admit that it was a vision back then and that the EQT is a concept vehicle after all. When you look at the design of the EQT, it becomes clear that this should probably be quite close to the series.
Although I’m a little skeptical about the 21 ”rims.
A look into the interior also shows that the EQT should be very close to the series. With the analog cockpit and the small display for the MBUX system, I suspect that the EQT may have a premium claim, but will be more in the lower price segment in order to be competitive and interesting for the target group.
My personal highlight is in the rear of the EQT. There is space in the floor for an electric longboard, where it is automatically charged when it is inserted.
I’ve been telling you about such a solution for years and I really hope that Mercedes will manage not to lose this extra in the leap from concept to series.
Full commitment. I am now walking 15 minutes to my next appointment so that the #Polestar can load in the meantime. The next thing I need is one #EScooter #phev #electric car pic.twitter.com/JRqmlRMFAk
– Mark Kreuzer (@kramkr) September 16, 2020
Personally, I believe that an e-scooter might be the better choice for the average customer, but maybe there will be a corresponding option at Mercedes.
At the moment when the charging infrastructure in cities is not yet as optimal as it could be, it would be a damn cool feature to move from the charging station to your destination with an electric longboard or scooter.
First impression of the Mercedes EQT concept
As you have probably noticed, I like the EQT concept a lot, more for what it stands for than the actual car itself. I’m curious to see how the car will classify in terms of price and performance, even if I believe that these should be of secondary importance.
In addition to the EQS, the EQA and EQB have been presented in the last few weeks and there are still a few cars on the agenda. In any case, it becomes clear to me that Mercedes wants to catch up with the bad (because late) start into electromobility and the EQT will certainly play a small role in this.
