New Mercedes EQT is a luxury rival to the Citroen e-Berlingo

• 175-mile electric range
• MBUX touchscreen infotainment
• Due on sale late 2022 from around £42,000

Mercedes has expanded its fully-electric lineup with a plug-in version of its T-Class van-based MPV. Dubbed the Mercedes EQT, this new model features the same luxury touches as its petrol-powered sibling, however instead of a combustion engine it boasts an electric motor and battery that provide a range of up to 175 miles.

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Due to go on sale before the end of 2022, the new Mercedes EQT will start from around £42,000, with first deliveries arriving in early 2023. The EQT positions itself as a premium alternative to other electric MPVs such as the Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroen e-Berlingo. Buyers could also be looking at the retro-styled Volkswagen ID. Buzz or Ford e-Tourneo Custom, although these are slightly larger than the Merc and a chunk more expensive.

The external differences between the EQT and T-Class are subtle, with the new electric variant wearing a gloss black trim piece in absence of a radiator grille in order to improve efficiency. Unlike other EQ-badged Mercedes models, the EQT does not get a front LED light bar, however a smattering of models-specific badging helps distinguish the electric car from its petrol counterpart.

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On the inside, tweaks for the EQT remain just as subtle, with the T-Class’ analogue rev counter being swapped out for a dial that displays data regarding the car’s regenerative braking function. Nestled between that and the speedometer is a 5.5-inch screen which compliments a seven-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard. Despite being a smaller display than what’s found in more mainstream Mercedes models, this runs the brand's slick MBUX operating software and is available with a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant feature for an extra cost.

At launch, buyers can configure their EQT in one of three trim levels: Advanced Plus, Premium and Premium Plus. As you’d expect from a Mercedes, entry-level Advanced Plus cars still come with a decent amount of standard equipment, with the aforementioned infotainment setup, a leather steering wheel, ambient lighting and a reversing camera coming fitted to all cars.

Mid-spec Premium trim adds features such as full-LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless mobile phone charging and self-parking capability. Top-of-the-range Premium Plus cars boast larger 17-inch alloys, keyless entry and start and chrome exterior trim. Opting for Premium Plus trim also allows buyers to specify built-in sat-nav for an additional cost.

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No matter which version of the EQT you pick, all come fitted with a 120bhp electric motor, alongside a 45kWh battery which together provide a range of up to 175 miles. As standard, the EQT gets access to 80kW DC fast charging, which means a 10-80% top up can be completed in 38 minutes when connected to a compatible public charger. Of course, you can also plug-in at home at a 7kW wallbox or via a three-pin plug, although this will take much longer to recharge the EQT’s batteries.

Full pricing and specs will be revealed when the EQT goes on sale before the end of 2022. Mercedes has stated that a long-wheelbase version will be coming in 2023 with even more interior space, as well as a EQT Marco Polo camper van.

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