Mercedes-Benz Officially Launches the EQV, its First Fully-Electric Passenger Van With a 100 kWh Battery

author: Manish Kharinta   

The German luxury automaker Mercedes Benz has announced the pricing of its first battery-powered passenger van. Unfortunately, this new premium electrified offering will not be arriving on North American shores anytime soon. 

The fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 van is officially on sale in Germany starting at US$78,476, which also includes the country's hefty 19% value added tax (VAT). 

The EQV is the first fully-electric premium passenger van from Mercedes-Benz. However, the EQV 300 is not the automaker's first all-electric van. Earlier offerings in the segment include the Mercedes Benz eVito and eSprinter cargo versions. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 is the second model to join the company's EQ lineup, following the EQC, luxury electric SUV. The automaker has also confirmed that a fourth battery-only electric van called the eCitan will be introduced sometime in the near future.

The EQV 300 can be ordered in several different seating configurations, including 6-, 7-, and 8-seater layouts. The EQV also comes with either a 3,200 mm standard or a 3,430 mm longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase is called the AVANTGARDE version, and its gross vehicle weight is a whopping 7,055 pounds due to the additional weight of the battery, which sits under the floor. However, the added weight translates into better handling on the road. 

Although Mercedes offers a 100 kWh battery pack in the EQV 300, only around 90 kWh is available for use. Still, this large luxurious van gets an impressive range of around 260 miles per charge, as per NEDC.

The EQV is offered in two different fast charging configurations. The standard 50 kW fast charging configuration can charge the lithium-ion battery pack from 10% to 80% in about 80 minutes. Whereas the optional 110 kW fast charging capability offers the same charge in just 45 minutes.

The Mercedes Benz EQV 300 is also offered with an optional, more powerful powertrain setting, which delivers a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). Whereas the standard model gets an 87 mph (140 km/h) top speed. 

The 100 kWh electric drivetrain (eATS) produces a peak power output of 150 kW (204 horsepower) with 267 lb ft of peak torque. The propulsion duties are taken on by the front wheels.

The EQV 300 distinguishes itself from the company's other people carriers with the EQ design language. The highlight of the exterior design is the large gloss black styling element disguised as a faux grille which is complemented by subtle chrome fins.

On the inside, the carmaker has maintained the same minimalist "clear" styling approach and the highlight of the cabin has to be the 10.25-inch touchscreen media display which comes with natural speech comprehension and intelligent voice control that can be accessed by using the command "Hey Mercedes".

Costing over $78,000, the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 is priced at a premium, but for that kind of money customers also get a free 4-year maintenance package, which includes the cost of all maintenance work as per the OEM's recommended guidelines in the service booklet. 

The German car manufacturer also offers a Mercedes-Benz battery certificate for the car's power pack, with a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.