The Mercedes-Benz EQV battery-electric people mover is now available to order in Australia.

Priced at $155,338 before on-road costs, the latest member of Mercedes-Benz’ EQ electric vehicle family is a seven-seater powered by a single e-motor sending up to 150kW and 365Nm to the front wheels and has a 90kWh battery offering a range of up to 418km (NEDC testing). Top speed for the EQV is 140km/h and it can reach 100km/h in 12.1 seconds.

A DC charging capacity of up to 110kW means the EQV can be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent charge in around 45 minutes. Using 11kW AC (with the Mercedes-Benz household Wallbox), charging from 0 to 100 per cent is done in around 10 hours.

Included with the EQV is a one-year complimentary Chargefox subscription, enabling customers to access unlimited charging at all Chargefox ultra-rapid stations and participating fast-charging stations around Australia.

The driver can choose from four driving programs – E+, E, C, and S, with E+ delivering maximum range by lowering output and torque as well as reducing heating and air conditioning, and S delivering at the other end of the scale – a performance mode that puts the emphasis on the best responsiveness.

There are also five levels of energy recuperation that recover energy during deceleration. In the most active mode, D-, deceleration (and therefore recuperation) is at its strongest, requiring less manual braking and maximising driving range. The D, D+ and D++ modes progressively reduce active deceleration. A DAuto mode uses a radar sensor to automatically adjust the recuperation level to the traffic situation.

Designed ‘to meet the needs of both family buyers and professional drivers seeking a more environmentally friendly way to transport up to seven people . . .’ the EQV offers space for the driver and up to six passengers, with a standard configuration featuring two armchairs in the second row and a three-berth bench seat in the third row. As a no-cost option, the EQV can be had with four individual leather armchairs for passengers.

As you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz, quality is top notch and there are plenty of tech and safety features. The driver and front-seat passenger have power-adjustable seats equipped with memory settings, lumbar support and seat heating. There’s also the MBUX infotainment system, which operates audio, telephony, navigation and vehicle settings. All functions, including navigation, can also be accessed via a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. Other features and displays available via the MBUX system include the charging current, energy flow and consumption data.

The EQV’s offers a configurable space capable of accommodating up to 1030 litres of cargo. A lift-style Easy Pack Tailgate can be opened and closed electrically.

Safety systems include Active Distance Assist cruise control, a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines, driver and co-driver airbags (front, thorax and window), window bags from the A to D pillars, Active Parking Assist, Active Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Crosswind Assist, an LED Intelligent Light System with Highbeam Assist Plus, reversing camera and sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.

Other standard features include a Burmester surround sound audio system, automatic climate control with semi-automatic rear air-conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather multifunction steering wheel.

The EQV is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for private use (5 Years / 250,000km for commercial use), and eight years or 160,000 km for the battery pack. Servicing is recommended once a year or every 40,000km.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2022/January 2023)

18 January 2023