quietly at the campsite
Mercedes T-Class in power – to live in the future
by Patrick Broach
12/05/2022 09:29 am
After various announcements, Mercedes is finally unveiling its T-Class with electric drive – the EQT. In addition, the Swabians preview an electrically powered microcamper version of the EQT under the Marco Polo label.
You have to smile when you walk up to the new EQT, which until a few days ago was a top secret. From a formal point of view, this is finally the world premiere of the electric T-Class – basically we are talking only about a new drive, the basic parameters of which are also not really new.
The black-panel grille is reserved for the electric version of the high-roof station wagon.
(Photo: Mercedes)
And what the T-Class looks like has been known for a long time. but! The specially designed black panel grille as a sign of silent drive is definitely worth a look and legitimizes the world premiere – at least from the point of view of the Mercedes group.
EQT gets 45 kWh battery
The Swabians had already let us see a bit of their cards and even a ride a few months back. And the data on the drive is also known: the electric motor has an output of 122 hp and draws its energy from a 45 kWh battery. And so the target group remains sharp.
The smaller EQT also provides plenty of room for camping accessories.
(Photo: Mercedes)
Even if most drivers do not cover many kilometers and drive less than 100 kilometers a day – the low nominal range is difficult to accept by consumers. The EQT should already be able to drive around 280 kilometers according to the practical WLTP discipline. With a charging capacity of up to 80 kW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just half an hour on a direct current charger.
How cool if travel is the goal – then you’ll be happy with the planned microcamper version of the future electric T-Class, too. Eventually, the crew should spend a minute or two on the fast charger if they use it diligently. In any case, interior designers are not lacking for invention, although they are counting on the longer version of EQT that will follow in the future for their conversion measures.
Cooking should not be neglected while camping.
(Photo: Mercedes)
Clever cupboard and drawer systems cover electric (induction) and gas cookers in a few simple steps. The exact replica resides in the vehicle as a 16-litre compressor refrigerator and is also integrated into the camping architecture, which looks classy enough thanks to its use of chic wood. Of course, the developers have also adjusted the sync.
The fairly easy-to-uplift high ceiling with a comfortable zip construction houses the sleeping accommodation which is almost two meters long and almost one meter wide. From there you can even stick your head out and look at the starry sky, for example. The second “bed” concept can be installed at the rear of the EQT Marco Polo1 and is also slightly larger.
Tourist concept has fun gadgets ready
If you order the camping module, there isn’t much storage space left.
(Photo: Mercedes)
The mini mobile home isn’t quite ready yet – it’s expected during the coming year. But even the close-to-production study features clever gadgets like electric height-adjustable tables whose packaging is so clever it can be accommodated in a relatively compact car. In addition, at the push of a button, the windows can be darkened so that you cannot see into the vehicle from outside. Easy to convert into a car, eg.
If you want a fast camping-ready EQT, you’ll have to use the soon-to-be-available modules, with which even the short version can be equipped with the most important features. There’s a cleverly designed bed with so-called plate springs that span the entire rear compartment (where there’s otherwise a table). And of course the gas cartridge cooker with only one plate. There is also a 15-litre cool box with a sink and a 12-litre fresh water tank.
The Concept EQT Marco Polo is nearing series production and a regular version is expected next year.
(Photo: Mercedes)
The still somewhat cumbersome name of the Concept EQT Marco Polo and Camping Module with the complete vehicle looks quite valuable and stylish when seen live for the first time. So it is to be expected that Mercedes will be properly compensated for its efforts.
The group is currently still silent on pricing, but the Miniature EQT in the Basic Edition alone is said to start at around 49,000 Euros (without funds). So there must be a few tens of thousands more. So much for prejudice that camping is something for tighter purses. Certainly not in this form.
