Mercedes-Benz will have not one but two electric people movers in its range soon, at least in Europe.
Based on the latest Renault Kangoo, the EQT will join EQV in the lineup in 2022, and forms part of the broader T-Class range.
Mercedes-Benz Australia is currently investigating both the internal-combustion and electric versions of the T-Class.
“We don’t currently offer anything in the small van category, so a private multi-purpose vehicle presents an exciting opportunity to consider,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told CarExpert.
“It has the potential to complement our existing eight-seater Mercedes-Benz V-Class people mover well.”
Visually, the Concept EQT is differentiated from the Kangoo by its unique front and rear end treatments.
Up front, the Concept EQT features the sub-brand’s slim headlights paired with a glossy black plastic fake grille with built-in illumination.
At the rear there’s a unique tailgate with a light bar linking the tail-light units.
Along the side, the concept has flush-fitting pop-out door handles and a chrome window frame treatment eerily reminiscent of Kia’s “tiger nose” grille.
Quite how much of the concept’s design will filter through to the production car is anyone’s guess, but we’d wager the front-end design and rear light bar are likely to stay.
The doors are likely shared with the Kangoo, with the chrome trim possibly the only differentiator.
The interior has a completely different design to the Kangoo and looks to be production ready. It has styling inspired by the current A-Class, including circular vents and the German firm’s MBUX infotainment system.
There are also unique door cards, leather-like trim on the dashboard, a premium-looking Mercedes-Benz-specific steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, and shiny blue highlights.
It’s possible the EQT will share an electric drivetrain with the Kangoo E-Tech. The Renault has a 75kW electric motor driving the front wheels, and a 45kWh battery good for around 265km of driving using the WLTP standard.
Mercedes-Benz will also offer petrol and diesel versions of this people mover, and these will wear T-Class badges. The van variant will carry on with the Citan name.
The EQT concept measures 4945mm long, 1863mm wide, and 1826mm tall, so it should have plenty of space for people across three rows of seating with sufficient space still available in the boot.
Reports indicate a short wheelbase model with just two rows of seats will also be offered.
Mercedes-Benz claims three child seats can be fitted side-by-side in the EQT’s second row.
When the EQT goes on sale in Europe next year, it will join the company’s growing EV range, including the EQA, EQB and EQC crossovers, EQV van and EQS sedan.
The EQE sedan, and EQE and EQS SUVs have also been confirmed for production.
