Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new EQT ahead of a planned start to UK sales for the electric version of the recently introduced T-class in 2023.
Developed in an engineering partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Renault, the new commercial-vehicle-based, MPV-style offering is closely related to the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, Nissan Townstar EV and Opel/Vauxhall Combo e-life, alongside which it is produced at Renault’s Maubeurg manufacturing plant in France, together with combustion engine T-class, Kangoo, Townstar and Combo models.
The EQT will initially be sold in short-wheelbase five-seat guise with two sliding rear doors and a large tailgate.
Alongside the standard model pictured here in production guise for the first time, Mercedes-Benz is also developing a so-called ‘micro-camper’ variant of its latest EQ badged model previewed by the Concept EQT Marco Polo.
“For us, the future is electric – regardless of the size or purpose of a van,” says Klaus Rehkugler, head of sales Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Previewed in concept car guise in 2021, the EQT is visually differentiated from internal combustion engine T-class models by a uniquely styled front end with a new look bumper and so-called black panel grille treatment.
Eschewing the thin line headlamps of the EQT concept, the production model adopts the same shaped assemblies as the T-class, but with darkened graphics. The exterior mirror housings also come in black.
The length, width and height of the EQT is put at 4498mm, 1859mm and 1819mm , making it just 2mm shorter but 4mm wider and 19mm higher than the new fourth-generation Volkswagen Caddy.
Power comes from the same drivetrain used by the Kangoo E-Tech with a front-mounted synchronous electric motor developing 120bhp and 180lb ft of torque as well as a 400-volt lithium-ion battery with a useable energy capacity of 45kWh mounted within the floor ahead of the rear axle.
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Mercedes seem to be dragging their feet putting the T-Class/Citan on sale here in the UK,unlike Renualt who've got both the electric and ICE versions of the Kangoo on sale here in three different lengths. I wish that Renualt would reintroduce the Kangoo back on sale here,I bought a turbo diesel Kangoo twenty years ago and it was excellent if a little noisy
What a desperate looking thing. I like a van but they don't need to appear so miserable.
No, the Vauxhall/Opel Combo e-Life has no relationship whatsoever to this Renault Kangoo-based van (second paragraph). The Vauxhall/Opel is of course a Stellantis product, closely related to the Peugeot e-Rifter/Citroen e-Berlingo.
It is very surprising that Autocar do not mention these Stellantis products as obvious rivals alongside the VW Caddy/Ford Transit Connect?