Mercedes-Benz EQV

Model Overview

The Mercedes-Benz EQV is the German marque’s first all-electric luxury MPV and the second production model under the EQ electric sub-brand, built on the internal combustion engine (ICE) V-Class platform. It made its global debut as a concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, followed by the production version at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September that year, before officially going on sale in Europe in 2020. Positioned as a "zero-emission luxury MPV", the EQV is primarily targeted at premium executive chauffeur services and large families, rivaling competitors in the high-end electric MPV segment. The model is sold mainly in Europe and selected Asian markets (including Malaysia), but has yet to be officially introduced to the mainland Chinese market.

Design Language

Visually, the EQV retains the overall silhouette of the V-Class while incorporating signature EQ design cues. Up front, a large closed-off grille seamlessly connects with full-LED headlights on either side, complemented by subtle ice-blue accents within the clusters for a futuristic aesthetic. The charging port is uniquely positioned just below the front-left headlamp. The side profile features clean, upright lines, fitted with 18-inch dual-tone aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels and an "EQV" badge beneath the A-pillar quarter glass. Changes at the rear are subtle, with the facelift model gaining a revised chrome strip with Mercedes-Benz lettering alongside redesigned LED tail lamps. Dimensionally, the MPV measures 5,140 mm long, 1,928 mm wide, and 1,880–1,923 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,200 mm.

Inside, the cabin shares the same layout as the V-Class, featuring a dashboard wrapped in Nappa leather with twin-needle contrast stitching for an opulent feel. The facelifted iteration upgrades to dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays and a redesigned steering wheel, with the MBUX infotainment system supporting "Hey Mercedes" voice activation.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the EQV is the Mercedes-Benz eATS electric drivetrain, featuring a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers 150 kW (approx. 204 PS / 201 hp) and 362 Nm of torque, with a top speed rated at 160 km/h. Energy is supplied by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering an estimated NEDC-rated range of 405–418 km and a WLTP-rated range of 363–374 km. The vehicle supports 110 kW DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in approximately 40–45 minutes, while an 11 kW AC charger takes around 10 hours for a full charge.

Chassis & Handling

The EQV utilises a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout based on the V-Class platform. Its suspension setup is shared with the standard V-Class and comfort-biased, ensuring composed ride quality across both urban commutes and highway cruising. A regenerative braking system is fitted, allowing drivers to adjust recuperation levels via steering wheel paddle shifters. The facelifted version adds a powered left-side sliding door as standard equipment, making ingress and egress even more convenient.

Cabin & Features

The EQV is offered in 6-seater, 7-seater, and 8-seater layouts. The second-row individual seats can be swivelled 180 degrees to face the third row in a conference-style setup, ideal for business meetings on the move. Boot capacity ranges from 1,030 to 1,410 litres. For creature comforts, the facelifted model is equipped with a Burmester surround sound system, Thermotronic three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. It also boasts the latest MBUX system with augmented reality (AR) navigation and Plug & Charge capability.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the active safety front, the EQV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Key features include Active Brake Assist (with Cross-Traffic function), Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Active Parking Assist, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability. In terms of passive safety, the vehicle is fitted with a multi-airbag system, featuring curtain airbags extending from the A-pillar all the way to the D-pillar to provide comprehensive protection across all three rows.

Market Performance & Verdict

The EQV stands as a pioneer among luxury marques in mass-producing an all-electric MPV. When launched in Europe in 2020, it carried an entry price of around EUR 71,388 (approx. RM560,000), whereas the facelifted model in Germany starts at roughly EUR 75,410 (approx. RM590,000). In Malaysia, the EQV300 Avantgarde is priced at around RM450,000 (approx. RM700,000). Targeted primarily at executive transport and affluent families, owners and reviewers have lauded its cavernous cabin space and refined, quiet EV driving experience, although some note that the pricing sits on the steeper side. In late 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced plans to gradually phase out the dedicated "EQ" sub-brand, reintegrating future electric models into the core brand lineup; while the EQV model line will continue as the all-electric counterpart to the V-Class, its naming nomenclature may be revised in the future.