New Mercedes EQT electric minibus revealed with 175-mile range
Electric version of the latest Mercedes T-Class comes with five seats at launch, with long-wheelbase and camper versions to be introduced in late 2023
In May 2021, Mercedes revealed a zero-emissions people carrier concept that hinted at a rival for the Peugeot e-Rifter, Citroen e-Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life Electric. Now the new Mercedes EQT has finally been unveiled, with the electric version of the latest T-Class arriving in 2023.
The EQT is based on the T-Class with the powertrain tech from the eCitan panel van that launched earlier this year, but the MPV gets a slightly more powerful electric motor producing 120bhp and 245Nm of torque. It also features 45kWh of usable battery capacity, which according to Mercedes is good for a range of 175 miles – not a huge figure, but on par with those rivals we mentioned earlier. Drivers get a choice of either Comfort or Eco driving modes and three levels for the regenerative braking system.
With 80kW rapid-charging capability, a 10-80% top-up takes 38 minutes from a public rapid charger. The EQT can also charge at up to 22kW using a suitably fast AC charging point or wallbox, though a typical 7kW home charger will need just over six hours to fully recharge the battery.
Inside, the EQT’s cabin is nearly identical to that of the diesel T-Class, aside from replacing the rev counter with an energy gauge for the battery. At launch, the EQT is only available in five-seat configuration, but a long-wheelbase version with seven seats is due to arrive in 2023, as is a micro camper hinted at by Mercedes’ Concept EQT Marco Polo.
The long-wheelbase EQT is also likely to offer more luggage capacity than the standard EQT’s 551-litre boot, and 1,979 litres of space available with the rear seats folded down. You can fit up to four child seats in the regular EQT, and installing them in the back should be easy thanks to the twin sliding doors that come as standard.
Standard kit in the EQT includes 16-inch alloy wheels, twin sliding doors, a seven-inch central touchscreen running Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 5.5-inch digital display for the instrumental panel, touch controls on the steering wheel and safety systems such as active lane-keeping assistance, driver fatigue warning and blind-spot assistance.
More equipment and safety systems are available as part of several options packages, but entry-level versions of the Mercedes EQT should start from just over £40,000.
Mercedes will also offer a ‘Macro Polo Module’ for EQT in the near future, which will include a two-metre by 1.15-metre bed, two camping chairs and a table, while the optional kitchen unit includes an integrated fridge, stove, basin, fresh water storage and extra storage. Prices for the module haven’t been announced, but you’ll be able to order directly from Mercedes dealerships soon.
The EQT will be the fourth electric car from Mercedes to be offered with seven seats, following the EQV minibus, EQB SUV and flagship EQS SUV. The next EV the brand is due to launch is a fully electric version of its iconic G-Class 4x4: the EQG, which got to ride in earlier this year.