Mercedes-Benz showed up at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with a new vehicle that will expand it's EQ-badge all-electric offering. Following the introduction of the EQC crossover, Mercedes now wants to expand into the van market with the EQV. It's just a concept for now, but it previews an all-electric version of the V-Class passenger van.

It definitely looks like an EQ car

Although it retains the shape and size of the familiar V-Class van, the EQV concept sports radiator grille with chrome inserts and LED band we've seen on the EQC production model and the EQ and EQA concept cars. It also features a unique bumper with large vents at the corners, blue "EQV" lettering in the headlamps, and blue highlights on the wheels. The van is essentially identical to the production V-Class around back, a sign that we're actually looking at a production-ready vehicle and not a full-fledged concept.

The similarities continue inside the cabin, where the EQV is identical to the production V-Class. It looks fancier though, as Mercedes-Benz dressed the dashboard in dark blue leather and added rose cold trim and stitching. There's also blue Nappa leather on the armrests, black Nappa leather on the seats, and again blue leather with rose gold stitching on the central armrest.

It's the technology that sets the EQV apart, starting with new apps that enable control of the pre-entry climate control system or cash-less payments at public charging stations. The EQV is also fitted with MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) that includes a self-learning voice control system and connectivity features.

Not as powerful as the EQC

While Merc's all-electric crossover features two motors that deliver a total of 402 horsepower, the EQV employs just one 150-kW motor. This means it comes with around 201 horsepower on tap. However, the 100-kWh lithium battery is big enough to enable the EQV to run for up to 400 km on a single charge. This converts to more than 240 miles, a 40-mile increase over the EQC. So even though it sacrificed performance, Mercedes added range, an essential feat for a people hauler.

The charging system is similar to the crossover's. The van can be charged at home using a Mercedes-Benz wallbox or a regular household plug socket, and it also comes with a rapid charging function. The latter charges the battery with sufficient energy for a range of around 100 km (around 62 miles) in just 15 minutes.

What does it mean?

The Concept EQV is actually a big deal, as it previews the world's first all-electric passenger van for the premium segment. Electric vans aren't necessarily new. For example, Nissan offers the e-NV200, Renault has the Kangoo Z.E. and the Master Z.E., and these are just a few of the options available. But almost all of them were created for cargo duty and none of them have premium features. So Mercedes is basically kick-starting a brand-new segment with the EQV.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC.