What's the difference?
As far as vehicle niches go, this is pretty niche. The Mercedes-Benz EQV is Australia’s first premium electric seven-seat commercial vehicle-based people mover.
The EQV falls under Benz’s electric ‘EQ’ banner and is based on the Vito van platform, but adapted to house an all-electric powertrain.
However, unlike the popular EQA small SUV or recently launched EQB, don’t expect to see too many EQVs on the roads.
It is likely to appeal to airport transfer operators, hotels and other corporate customers that need to ferry multiple people around in comfort.
But given the kilometres those airport limo drivers can clock up in a day, is an EV capable of doing the job? And will these buyers be happy to fork out more than $150,000 for the privilege?
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class van isn’t made for ferrying parcels from point to point. No, even though it is based on the Vito courier van, the V-Class is all about human cargo.
And let’s be clear, here: we’re not talking about chucking people in the back and hoping they get to their destination without cracks or breakages. This is a luxury van made to move people in comfort and style, with all the trimmings you’d expect of a vehicle bearing the three-pointed star badge.
So, is it any good? I played hire-car driver to find out.
The EQV is indeed a curious offering. The driving range is decent, but not outstanding, and depending on what you’re using it for, it could be a savvy investment. Especially if you charge using solar power. You’ll also save on servicing costs. But if you’re a limo operator, it really will depend how many kilometres you’re going to do each day. A V-Class might suffice.
Either way it’s great that Benz is giving buyers electric options in a variety of body styles and segments - an SUV simply won’t suit everyone.
If you can live with that ride quality and have the deep pockets for an EQV, there’s more than enough to like. But I suspect there won’t be many of you.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class, and in particular the Mercedes-Benz V220d, lives up to the notion of a luxury people-mover – for the most part. The leaking door is a concern, but may be confined to this vehicle only.
But in most every other way it has the whole prestige bus thing sorted. There is no denying that a more affordable van from a less, shall we say, desirable brand would do just as good a job.
But if you need to be seen to be offering the most luxurious people-mover you can buy in Australia, then you really ought to be looking at the V-Class…. just maybe go for the V250d, if the budget can stretch that far.