This is the new Mercedes concept EQT. It’s a preview of the brand’s forthcoming compact electric leisure van, which will be revealed next year as an all-electric member of the new T-Class range. 
Mercedes says the concept EQT is a close representation of the eventual production model, with a design that introduces a “premium” element which the brand thinks is missing from the leisure activity car segment.
Advertisement – short article continues below

It’ll share many of its styling and underpinnings with the upcoming T-Class MPV, which is due to go on sale next year, powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines. Both vans will be based on a platform borrowed from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, implying both ought to have the same dimensions.

Plug-in van grant: what is it and how does it work?

Mercedes has confirmed the concept EQT steps 4,945mm long, 1,863mm broad and 1,826mm tall, which is slightly larger than the most recent Volkswagen Caddy. The brand also has a practice of producing production-accurate concept cars, so we expect these measurements will be pretty much identical on the finished model.
The concept shares the same sleek front end as the rest of Mercedes EQ range, with slim headlamps and a broad radiator grille. towards the back, there’s a full-width light bar and two sliding rear doors that are large enough to allow occupants easy access to the third row.
8

However, as it’s still a prototype, the EQT has the typical range of concept automobile touches. In the boot, for example, there’s a “last mile” electric longboard that’s developed to get the chauffeur to their final destination once the van is parked. The unusual bottle-shaped panoramic sunroof and huge 21-inch alloy wheels will also likely be ditched for the production model.
Inside, the concept’s seats are trimmed in white Nappa leather upholstery. three Isofix points are found in the second seating row, while there’s also an ambient lighting system and the infotainment screen.

Electric van guide: can an EV van work for your business?

The touchscreen has an synthetic intelligence programme which learns the chauffeurs practices and automates them. For example, if the chauffeur frequently calls someone on Fridays on their way home from work, the system will display that contact’s phone number on the screen at the ritual hour. The system also has live traffic information and over-the-air updates.

Mercedes hasn’t released any technical specifications for the concept EQT but, as it shares the same underpinnings as the third-generation Renault Kangoo ZE, we expect it’ll feature a similar battery pack and motor configuration.
The pure-electric Kangoo features an electric motor mounted on the front axle, with an output of 100bhp and 245Nm of torque. It’s powered by a 44kWh battery, which Renault says has a WLTP-verified range of 159 miles. Charging at 75kW is also possible.
Check out our list of the best electric vans on sale here…