Mercedes EQT rendered in production guise, to launch later this year [Update]

Update: ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans sales improve marginally in 2021’ section updated.

Daimler unveiled the Mercedes EQT, the pure electric variant of the Mercedes T-Class in production-oriented concept in May 2021. The final product is expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in Europe during the second half of this year.

We’ve constructed a realistic rendering of the final version of the Mercedes EQT drawing inputs from the concept, recent EQ model launches, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric, the new Citan, and current electric van designs such as the EQV. Production car elements such as the radio antenna on the front, conventional door handles, the position of the door mirrors, traditional roof rails, fender badge, windshield wipers, production headlamps and bumper, and a realistic alloy wheel design are added to our illustration.

Here’s everything that you need to know about the Mercedes EQT, a small van that is targeted at families that love weekend trips and pack a lot of luggage:

Mercedes EQT Design & Features

Video Source: YouTube/MercBenzKing

With the EQT, Daimler is reusing the formula of the V-Class in the smaller segment and promises a new level of quality. The interior is roomy and flexible, says Daimler, and buyers can expect the usual safety, value, connectivity, and comfort standards.

As expected, the Mercedes EQT has a compact and curvy design. The new MPV embodies the Sensual Purity design theme elements, said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler. The main highlight of the sensual surface design is the curvaceous front-end that gives it an emotional look. A huge V-shaped black panel (closed grille) connected to thin LED headlamps flows seamlessly from the hood.

The Mercedes Concept EQT is 4,945 mm long, 1,863 mm wide, and 1,826 mm tall, and it features sliding doors. There are three rows of seats in the electric luxury van, and the cabin is well-lit with natural light in the daytime, thanks to a panoramic sunroof. The third-row seats can be folded or completely removed.

Mercedes EQT concept interior dashboard
The EQT will have Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system and the latest driving-assistance systems. Image: Daimler

The interior design of the seven-seat electric van is quite familiar and reminiscent of the compact Mercedes passenger cars. The instrument cluster, AC vents, and the dashboard have been given a rounded design to go with the curvaceous exterior.

Mercedes EQT specifications

We reckon that the specifications of the Mercedes EQT would be similar to the 2022 Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric.

When Renault announced the Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric in March 2021, it said that it is equipping the all-new electric van with a 75 kW/245 Nm motor. However, later it confirmed a more powerful, 90 kW/245 Nm motor. Moreover, the company revised the battery pack to 45 kWh instead of the earlier 44 kWh unit.

The 45 kWh Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric offers a range of up to 300 km (186 miles) on the WLTP cycle. An 11 kW three-phase chameleon charger is standard, while a 22 kW chameleon charger is available as an option. Recharging from 15 to 100% SoC using a 7.4 kW Wallbox charger takes close to 6 hours, while an 11 kW Wallbox charger allows accomplishing the same in 3 hours and 50 minutes. At a DC fast-charging station, it’s possible to recharge the battery pack at 80 kW and recuperate 170 km of range in just 30 minutes.

The Renault EV allows the driver to choose from three regenerative modes. ‘B1’ is a limited regenerative mode suitable for highways and fast lanes. Then there’s a maximum regenerative mode called ‘B3,’ intended for use in traffic jams and on mountain roads. The third mode is the default ‘B2,’ and it offers a middle-ground between the other two modes. Expect the same levels to be available on the Mercedes EQT.

Positioning

Taking birth in the Mercedes-Benz Vans division, the Mercedes EQT will further expand the German automaker’s range of electric vans. The EQT is to be positioned as the entry-level model for families and leisure active personal vehicle buyers to enter the Mercedes-Benz family.

Mercedes EQV charging
Daimler sells three electric vans, namely eVito, eSprinter, and the EQV (pictured). The Mercedes eCitan and the Mercedes EQT will complete this lineup. Image: Daimler

The T-Class and EQT coming off the Citan platform would relatively be better equipped and lifestyle-oriented, targeting the VW Caddy range in Europe.

Manufacturing

The Mercedes T-Class, including the Mercedes EQT, will be manufactured alongside the new Citan, Nissan Townstar, and the third-gen Kangoo at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance plant, Maubeuge, France, with the vans sharing the CMF-C/D platform. In November 2018, Renault Group had announced that it would invest EUR 450 million in the Maubeuge plant over the next five years (2019-2023) to make it a “centre of expertise” in LCVs of the Alliance. The plant will utilize this investment to manufacture the Mercedes vans as well.

We expect the EQT to enter production in the latter half of the year. One competitor that the Mercedes EQT will watch out for is the VW ID. Buzz that premieres in March.

Mercedes-Benz Vans sales improve marginally in 2021

A press release by Mercedes-Benz issued on January 7, 2022, informed that the total sales of the commercial Mercedes-Benz Vans reached 334,210 units in 2021 marking a 2.6% rise. The main contribution comes from the U.S. and China where growth of 4.8% and 11.3% were recorded respectively. In Europe, Spain witnessed a 23.2% increase in deliveries in 2021. The release stated that more than 9,000 Mercedes electric vans for the commercial use were sold in 2021. This figure is double the number of electric vans sold in 2020 by Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes T-Class & Mercedes EQT FAQs

What is the Mercedes T-Class?

A luxury small van based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-C/D platform targeting personal buyers with new comfort, convenience & safety features.

What is the release date of the Mercedes EQT?

Expect the launch of the Mercedes EQT in the second half of the year.

What is the estimated Mercedes EQT price?

Mercedes-Benz Vans could price the EQT starting at around EUR 35,000.

Featured Image Source: Daimler