Families, according to the common criticism, are left out when buying electric cars. Instead of affordable station wagons or practical vans, car manufacturers prefer to throw large and expensive SUVs onto the market. With the EQV and e-Vito station wagon, however, Mercedes already has two spacious maxivans in its range. Now, with the compact EQT high-roof station wagon, the Stuttgart-based company is also serving customers who don’t want to shell out 60,000 euros or more for a family-friendly electric vehicle. The EQT is the electric version of the T-Class that was introduced in mid-2022. Which, in turn, comes from the commercial vehicle cooperation with Renault and is almost the prettied up, more comfortable offshoot of the Renault Kangoo trimmed to Mercedes standards. With the same practical details such as sliding doors that make it easier to get in and out of tight parking spaces, a split sliding rear seat with space for three child seats and an easy-to-use luggage compartment with a low loading sill.
The engineers had clear specifications for the development. In terms of space and equipment, the EQT should not differ from the T-Class. Visually, too, it hardly stands out. Only the black grille with the thick slats, which is typical for all e-cars of the brand, identifies it as a Stromer.
Mercedes EQT
The EQT is delivered with a 90 kW/122 hp electric drive including a 45 kWh battery, at a starting price of 49,000 euros.
(Photo: Mercedes)
The practical compact van is initially available as a 4.50 meter long five-seater with a short wheelbase at a starting price of 49,000 euros. The extended EQT, optionally with seven seats, will follow at the end of the year. Both are delivered with a 90 kW/122 PS electric drive including a 45 kWh battery.
That’s a whopping 10,000 euros more than Renault charges for the electric Kangoo. Rightly so, counters the Mercedes marketing. Other seats, more equipment, better insulation – the passengers should not only feel in their wallets that they are sitting in a Mercedes. The MBUX infotainment system is also always on board. Along with digital services such as maintenance management that automatically informs the workshop about pending service or errors in the system.
Mercedes EQT
The practical compact van is initially available as a 4.50 meter five-seater with a short wheelbase.
(Photo: Mercedes)
So pretty much everything is offered that makes driving a pleasure. And safe: in the event of a crash, the passengers are cushioned by up to seven airbags, one more than in the Renault. An additional airbag then unfolds between the front seats in the EQT.
Because of the high body, the EQT also got a crosswind assistant, which keeps the car on course in gusts. On the other hand, a radar-based distance cruise control is not part of the standard equipment, but has to be paid for separately.
Mercedes EQT
Because of the high body, the EQT also got a crosswind assistant, which keeps the car on course in gusts.
(Photo: Mercedes)
So off to the test drive. It’s great that the two front doors can be opened at almost a 90-degree angle. This also makes it easier for older or obese people to get behind the wheel. There are deductions for the powerful tailgate. Even tall people don’t get wet when they load the almost two cubic meter luggage compartment in the rain.
But the flap needs a lot of space behind the car, and to close it, you have to stretch badly. An electric closing aid is also not available. But alternatively there are classic rear doors on request. What does not fit in the rear can be accommodated in the trailer, because the Stromer can pull up to 1.5 tons.
The usual Mercedes order prevails in the cockpit. Anyone familiar with the brand’s cars will find their way around immediately. Operation also follows the usual logic: you can use small touchpads on the left and right of the multifunction steering wheel to wipe your way through the on-board menu, unless you want to tap around on the seven-inch central display or simply tell the car what to do.
Cockpit of the Mercedes EQT
Anyone familiar with the brand’s cars will find their way around immediately.
(Photo: Mercedes)
Nevertheless, the French origin flashes through again and again: The speed and battery indicators are displayed on classic round instruments instead of a digital cockpit. Even the less clear navigation based on TomTom does not necessarily correspond to the well-known Mercedes level. Neither are the many hard plastic surfaces. The crystal-clear displays are very easy to read.
And the fact that the brand’s usual bling is missing has its advantages. Without the digital overkill that is common in many new cars, the driver is significantly less distracted. So I pressed the start button and set the automatic lever to D. As usual for Stromer, the EQT pushes hard. Taking the kids to school, shopping – the city is the typical territory of high-roof station wagons. The 122 hp and 245 Nm are completely sufficient there.
But the EQT also keeps up well in other respects, although 132 km/h is the limit on the motorway anyway. Instead of using paddles behind the steering wheel, as is usual with the star, the three-stage recuperation is set using the shift lever. Pull backwards once to activate single pedal driving. The driver then controls braking and acceleration almost exclusively via the power pedal. Push the lever forward twice and the car sails free.
Interior of the Mercedes EQT
The firm upholstery developed by Mercedes supports the back.
(Photo: Mercedes)
Those who hold back consume less than the factory specification of 19 kWh and can cover 300 kilometers with one charge, even without throttling the heating and engine power in Eco mode. After a few hours behind the wheel, you will notice how relaxed the passengers are in the EQT.
High-roof suits are otherwise not known for being particularly well insulated. The EQT is different, where only the wind and the rolling noise of the wheels can be heard. The seating comfort is also right. The firm upholstery developed by Mercedes supports the back very well. The difference to the T-Class is only noticeable on the back seat. Because of the lithium-ion battery built into the floor, there is no space to slide your feet under the front seat.
Mercedes has been equipping e-cars with more powerful on-board chargers for a long time. 22 instead of the usual 11 kW, which shortens the downtime at the usual public charging stations to 2.5 hours and avoids expensive blocking fees. On the way to the fast charger, the car draws 80 kW, filling the 45 kWh battery from ten to 80 percent in 38 minutes.
The charging socket is located in the front center under the star. This makes it easier to recharge in parking garages and on the side of the road when cars are closely parked. Parallel to the EQT, Mercedes launched the e-Citan Tourer. Same technology, same dimensions, but a look & feel like in a delivery van.
The tourer has the same drive as the EQT, but does without MBUX, optical gimmicks and many extras. But the electric delivery van offshoot costs around 5000 euros less. For families on a tight budget, this could be a decisive selling point.
More: Electric turnaround at Mercedes is taking longer than planned