Mercedes were a bit slow to the electric market, but they are planning to launch several new models in the coming years. First up from the German manufacturer is the electric cross-application EQV.
It’s a quiet, spacious people carrier with an almost inaudible drive train which, at its introduction, was billed as the world’s first fully-electric luxury MPV. Mercedes say it will meet every expectation in terms of features and appointments whilst delivering ‘three-pointed star’ standards of passenger comfort and prestige.
Prospective owners are likely to include those with large and extended families for whom generous seating and ample carrying capacity will be key factors. High on the list also will be corporate clients, hotel and hospitality providers and the chauffeur-drive rental sector whose needs include airport transfers, guest transport and VIP fan groups and celebrities whose preference is for discreet transport.
Used for group travel, six individual seats convert the EQV into a high-quality people carrier while, alternatively, easily installed individual or bench seats can convert it into a roomy seven or eight-seater.
Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland, said: ‘‘This new car represent a new milestone in the growing family of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles, EQV matches impressive driving characteristics, high functionality and aesthetic design with 21st century emissions-free mobility.”
Models available in Ireland will be the EQV 300 with six seats as standard and prices starting from €95,955, which is a bit steep. Recent changes mean that the SEAI grant of 5k is not available for electric cars that cost more than 60k. Seven and eight seat options are available.
Considering its shape, size, overall spaciousness and carrying capacity, designers have given the EQV a dynamic appearance. Highlight features include EQ-specific interior and exterior elements, a black panel radiator grille with chrome fins and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior space is given over entirely to passenger and luggage carrying capacity thanks to the positioning of its high-voltage battery beneath the floor for space-saving reasons, a low central location that has an additional benefit in terms of handling.
Available in two wheelbases, its technical features include a 150kW battery driving a 204hp motor with power consumption weighted of 27.6 – 32.2 kWh per 100 km, a top speed of up to 160 km/h, 0-100km of 12 seconds and zero C02 emissions.
When it comes to electric cars, ‘range anxiety’ seems to be the biggest worry for motorists. Mercedes say that that the EQV will allow you travel to up 350 kilometres before a charge is need. A rapid-charging facility can boost battery power from 10-80% in approximately 45 minutes.
Or you can opt for a Mercedes wall-box home charger that delivers a 10-100% home charge in around ten hours.
Standard features include electric sliding doors, MBUX infotainment system and voice activated ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assistance feature.
A high-resolution, ten-inch media display keeps the driver updated with information across a host of headings, many relating to energy flow, battery power and usage and others relating to driving modes, voice- activated features, infotainment, navigation and route planning.
The top five top selling car brands in March were: Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda and Ford. The electric VW ID.4 was the best selling car in March, but so far this year the Nissan Leaf is the best selling electric car with 445 sales in the first three months, bringing the number of Irish people who now own a Leaf to 5,650.
