FUTURE TAXI? The Mercedes-Benz Vans Concept EQT electric T-Class
The Mercedes-Benz Vans Concept EQT is giving us a sneak peek at its first premium vehicle in the small van segment for families and private customers: the T-Class and its fully-electric variant.
The near-series-production concept vehicle combines space for up to seven occupants and a generous luggage compartment with a Mercedes-typical design and approach to comfort, functionality, connectivity and safety.
Interestingly for the licensed taxi trade, Mercedes-Benz Vans is said to be translating the V-Class success to the small van segment. The Concept EQT provides a combination of comfort, functionality and electric driving.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "We are expanding our portfolio in the small van segment with the forthcoming T-Class. It will appeal to families and all those private customers, whatever their age, who enjoy leisure activities and need a lot of space and maximum variability without forgoing comfort and style. The T-Class provides them with an attractive introduction 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."
The Concept EQT is recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-EQ family. Its design is distinguished by a characteristic black panel front with LED front headlights and different-sized Mercedes-Benz branded stars featured throughout the vehicle.
The vehicle also has 21-inch light-alloy wheels, a large panoramic roof and a light strip which connects the LED headlamps with the LED rear lamps.
With the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), Mercedes-Benz brings its innovative operating and display concept to the small van segment.
The system can be operated using the free-standing central display with touch function, the touch control buttons on the steering wheel and, optionally, the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant.
The Concept EQT features sliding doors on both sides with a large opening so that both full-sized individual seats in the third row can be reached without difficulty. A panoramic roof with a starscape lasered into it floods the interior with light.
Marcus Breitschwerdt said: “The Concept EQT gives an outlook on how space and maximum variability can also be combined with stylish comfort in the small van segment. Our future T-Class is a true multi-talent and with it we will attract new customer groups and grow sustainably."
The new T-Class, which will be launched onto the market in 2022, complements the portfolio in the small van segment together with the commercially-positioned Citan which will launch this year including a fully electric variant. The fully electric version for private customers will follow later.
Details around the drivetrains offered have yet to be revealed, but motoring experts are edging towards them being similar to the the petrol and diesel options offered up by the Kangoo. That would mean the EQT could be set for a 101bhp electric motor working in combination with a 45kWh battery.
To give you an idea of range, the Kangoo E-Tech Electric, provides a claimed electric range of approximately 165 miles.
This could be an interesting future black taxi option depending on price.
