Mercedes reveals fully electric EQT campervan concept

Mercedes-Benz has not only released its latest electric vehicle, but the EQT van and MPV range is set to include a campervan. And, just as VW now uses the California brand across different sizes of camper, the EQT will inherit the Marco Polo moniker from the long-established (diesel) V-Class-based campervan. Here, though, the EQT is a smaller vehicle, more comparable to Volkswagen’s Caddy in size – in fact, the new mini-Merc is closely related to the Renault Kangoo

Although entitled the ‘Concept EQT Marco Polo’, this is not just a show vehicle but actually a preview of a new, fully electric and fully fledged micro campervan based on the EQT. It is packed with innovative features and the production version is expected to be presented in the second half of 2023. The EQT van and car models, meanwhile, will soon be available to order.

Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales at Mercedes-Benz Vans, says,

The Concept EQT Marco Polo is based on the long-wheelbase derivative of the EQT and, although it is currently still in development, the production version is expected to be close to the concept in design.

The electric camper includes a pop-up roof with a roof bed (1.97m by 0.97m with a disc spring system for comfort) and enough space in the rear to stand upright. In addition, the pop-top can be opened all around. Down below, there is another bed, measuring 2.00m by 1.15m.

Features in the main living space include a recessed sink and a hidden 16-litre compressor fridge. The furniture also features a drawer system that is said to offer sufficient storage space for camping accessories, while cooking can be carried out either inside the camper on a single-ring induction hob or a one-burner, portable gas hob that slides out at the back of the galley under the tailgate for al fresco use.

On the right-hand side of the campervan there is also a fold-out table, which is electrically height-adjustable. Further storage compartments are incorporated here, too.

All the furniture units have been designed for easy removal by two people in less than five minutes, so the all-electric micro campervan can be used as an everyday vehicle. With its height of less than two metres, it can also easily enter multi-storey car parks and car washes.

The furniture of the Concept EQT Marco Polo fits seamlessly into the high-quality interior of the new EQT. The rear bench and bedroom elements are finished in Artico/Microcut (a faux leather), while the furniture fronts are in Avola cherry wood. Ambient lighting is provided and LED lights are fitted in the upper bed area.

In total, the vehicle offers seven USB ports, including one in the pop-top and two in the living area. Another feature of the Concept EQT Marco Polo is the solar panel built into the top of the pop-top, while the leisure battery is stored in a drawer under the seat and can be removed for recharging. Other highlights include the roll-out awning and an innovative blackout system for the rear windows, which change colour at the touch of a button (no curtains or blinds here!).

Not only is Mercedes-Benz planning to offer a full campervan version of its EQT, but there will also be a Marco Polo Module, which adds basic camping requirements in the boot of a short-wheelbase EQT. The module incorporates a 2.00m by 1.15m bed, manually attachable blackout screens for the window and an optional kitchen unit with sink, 12-litre water tank, 15-litre compressor fridge and a removable gas cartridge cooker. In addition, two camping chairs and a table are available. The whole unit is simply fixed to the lashing eyelets in the luggage compartment.

The electric EQT van will be available in the near future, with European prices starting at around €49,000. UK prices and delivery times are awaited.

From launch, the new van will come with an electric motor with a peak output of 90kW (122bhp) and maximum torque of 245Nm. The lithium-ion battery sits in a crash-protected location in the underbody in front of the rear axle and has a usable capacity of 45kWh. It can be charged at 22kW with alternating current (AC) using the on-board charger, or, at rapid charging stations, using direct current (DC), the charging time will be 38 minutes from 10% to 80%, The charging socket is neatly hidden behind the grille’s Mercedes star.

Mercedes-Benz is investing a further €40 billion in the development of battery-electric vehicles by 2030. From the middle of the decade, all newly launched Mercedes-Benz vans will be exclusively electric.

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