The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT previews the brand’s new T-Class MPV, the electric version of which will be the ninth model from its EQ sub-brand.
Based on the upcoming second-generation Citan light commercial vehicle (LCV), the concept showcases Mercedes’ plans for an LCV-derived MPV offered with petrol, diesel and pure-electric drivetrains. Combustion variants will be sold as the T-Class, while the EV will take the EQT name into production.
"We are expanding our portfolio with the T-Class. It will appeal to families and private customers who enjoy leisure activities and need a lot of space and maximum variability. And as the Concept EQT shows: we will also be offering a fully electric model in this segment in the future," says Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Set to rival the Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo when UK sales get underway in 2022, the new model has been developed in partnership with Renault; the T-Class is twinned with the third-generation Kangoo, while the EQT is a sister model to the recently announced Kangoo E-Tech Electric.
The Concept EQT previews the styling of the new Mercedes-Benz MPV with production-bound cues including a prominent black panel grille featuring a 3D star effect and slim LED headlamps up front as well as a full-width rear light bar. Concept car flourishes include large wheelhouses, 21-inch wheels shod with low profile 235/45 R21 tyres, an expansive panoramic glass roof and a leather-lined interior featuring an integrated skateboard carrier at the rear.
The production versions of the T-Class and EQT will be unveiled later this year, with toned-down design features but offering overall packaging and accommodation largely unchanged from the concept.
Full details will be revealed closer to its arrival, though the latest offering from Mercedes-Benz’s Van division is planned to offer the choice of either a standard wheelbase in combination with a five-seat layout or, as previewed by the Concept EQT, an extended wheelbase with a seven-seat layout.
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I'm confused. This thing looks huge, the spec says it is 5m long and yet it will get by with a 101bhp motor and a 45kwh battery? This is hybrid spec for new cars of this size and relative luxury.
Daimler/Mercedes Benz really need to understand that there is no "magic of Mercedes" from essentially badge engineering especially with manufactures who are "mainstream" ! Look at the fiasco with a badge engineered Nissan Navara ! Also Maybach simply cannot compete with Bentley or Rolls Royce with a stretched S Class with trinkets. They will never learn until they look back at the success of the 600 which was a wholly dedicated design.
And who wants an A Class with a Renault engine ?