Mercedes EQT Concept gives a glimpse of the future

Mercedes-Benz has shown its new concept van – the EQT – which gives a tangible impression of its new premium small van, the T-Class and its fully-electric variant.

The concept, which is close to the series production vehicle, offers space for up to seven occupants.

"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 with-out forgoing comfort and style.

"We will also be offering a fully electric model in this segment in the future," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The Concept EQT is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes EQ electric vehicle family. The characteristic black panel front with LED front headlights flows from the bonnet and gleams with a star pattern.

The different-sized stars with a 3D effect are featured throughout the vehicle, from the front and the 21-inch light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish to the panoramic roof. There is also a light strip which connects the LED headlamps with the LED rear lamps.

The interior is characterised by a contrast of black and white. The instrument panel is particularly eye-catching and features a practical semi-closed stowage compartment located above the instrument cluster.

With the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), as seen in the Sprinter van, Mercedes is bring-ing the operating and display concept to the small van segment. The system can be operated using the free-standing central touchscreen display, the control buttons on the steering wheel and, optionally, the Hey Mercedes voice assistant. MBUX can anticipate what the driver would like to do next with the help of predictive functions.

For instance, if someone regularly calls a certain person on Fridays on the way home, the system will suggest their telephone number on the display on this day of the week.

In the high-resolution infotainment system media display, the EQ tile in the main menu includes the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. The media display can also be used to operate the navigation, as well as the driving modes.

In conjunction with Mercedes me connect, EV-specific navigation services and functions are also offered, such as the display of charging stations, the electric range and optimised route planning, taking into account the charge level, weather or the traffic situation.

The Concept EQT is 4.95m long and features sliding doors on both sides. The production T-Class will follow in 2022, complementing the Mercedes portfolio in the small van segment.

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