Mercedes EQT concept previews upcoming T-Class van

Back in July 2020, Mercedes-Benz announced that another van will join the V-Class in the lineup. It is called the T-Class, and it will be based on a Renault minivan, just like the Citan.

After getting a glimpse of it via a teaser image, the company has now revealed it in concept form. Meet the Mercedes-Benz EQT, and it looks sleek and stylish. Billed by the automaker as their first-ever premium vehicle in the small van segment, the EQT previews a new van that eventually joins the brand’s growing EV portfolio.

With no engine underneath, Mercedes-Benz was able to maximize the EQT’s exterior and interior design. Starting with the former, it gets an illuminated three-pointed star, a light-up front grille, and thin LED headlights. Meanwhile, a full-width LED light bar and a massive tailgate make it easy to remove and put cargo in the back. There is also a generous glass area throughout the vehicle to improve overall visibility. Finally, it sits on huge 21-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of size, the EQT measures 4945mm long, 1863mm wide, and 1826mm tall. It may be marginally smaller than the V-Class, but Mercedes-Benz claims the EQT can still accommodate up to seven people. For easier ingress/egress, both sides of the EQT come with sliding doors as standard.

Open the doors, and the EQT invites passengers in a two-tone cabin. Unlike the exterior which still looks like a concept, the interior looks production-ready. It gets the MBUX touchscreen infotainment, a dual gauge cluster with a multi-info display, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and dials for the automatic climate control.

Instead of a bench seat in the middle, the second row has individual seating for a more comfortable ride. The third row also makes use of this approach to ensure passengers remain comfy while on the road. In case you need more luggage space, however, Mercedes-Benz says that the third row can be folded or removed completely from the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to mention its exact powertrain. However, some say it might use the Renault Kangoo E-Tech’s electric powertrain. Also, turbocharged engines available once the T-Class/Citan is officially launched.

The new T-Class will be launched onto the market in 2022 and will be joined by the Citan. As for the production version of the all-electric EQT, the company says it will follow at a later date.

With the V-Class and Vito vans serving as Mercedes-Benz’s biggest people carriers, perhaps the T-Class will be able to attract those that prefer something smaller. The only question now is, will it be available in the Philippines?