In the wave of electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz, as a giant in the automotive industry, is continuously driving its electrification process. Recently, we obtained a set of test spy shots of the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQV, a pure electric model close to mass production status, indicating Mercedes-Benz's ambition in the electric MPV segment.

The EQV is built on Mercedes-Benz's VAN.EA pure electric van platform, which adopts integrated chassis and battery technology, not only enhancing vehicle safety but also ensuring ample interior space. The EQV is expected to have a pure electric range of up to 500 kilometers and is scheduled to be launched overseas in 2026.

Image from Automotive Bulletin Board

From the spy shots, we can see that the Mercedes-Benz EQV adopts Mercedes-Benz's latest family design language in its exterior design. The front face features a hexagonal grille with two horizontal bars, creating a powerful look while hinting at its electric powertrain.

Meanwhile, it appears that a millimeter-wave radar and camera are equipped in the center of the grille, suggesting that the EQV will be equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. The headlights on both sides adopt a sharper design and are connected to the grille.

Moving to the side, the EQV has a steeply angled A-pillar, creating an elongated roofline that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also offers excellent aerodynamic performance. The rear doors retain the sliding mechanism, facilitating passenger entry and exit while aligning with its multi-purpose vehicle positioning. The EQV also features hidden door handles, which help reduce wind resistance and give the vehicle a cleaner appearance.

However, hidden door handles have been controversial lately. Some netizens worry about whether the doors can be opened normally in the event of a collision, and there are also practical issues in daily use, such as unfamiliar individuals not knowing how to open the doors, causing embarrassment. As a product with strong utility, the EQV should prioritize practicality.

Image from Automotive Bulletin Board

At the rear, the EQV boasts a relatively simple design with vertically arranged taillights and a small spoiler above. These design details reflect Mercedes-Benz's meticulous crafting of this pure electric model.

In terms of powertrain, the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQV will offer two versions: a single-motor front-wheel-drive and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive. The all-wheel-drive version is expected to have a combined output exceeding 400 horsepower, ensuring impressive performance. With a pure electric range exceeding 500 kilometers, the new vehicle can recharge up to 80% of its battery in just 20 minutes under fast-charging conditions.

The launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQV represents not only another significant move by Mercedes-Benz in the pure electric segment but also a new exploration of the multi-purpose vehicle market. It further enriches its pure electric product line and provides consumers with more options. However, the question remains: while Mercedes-Benz may need the Chinese market, does the Chinese market really need the EQV?

Judging from Mercedes-Benz's past pricing strategies, new energy vehicles are generally priced higher than their gasoline-powered counterparts in the same segment. Taking the similarly positioned Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV as a reference, it is boldly estimated that the EQV will be priced above 600,000 yuan.

The issue lies in the fact that domestic brands have vigorously promoted their new energy MPV layouts in recent years, with prices mostly set below 500,000 yuan, and even lower for plug-in hybrid models. As a new energy product from a traditional automaker, the EQV does not have a marketing advantage, and its price is unlikely to be favored in the domestic market.

Image from Mercedes-Benz Official Website

Looking at the domestic market, competitors like Landwind Dreamliner, Zeekr 009, Lixiang MEGA, and XPeng X9 offer products that are no less capable than the EQV and have significant pricing advantages.

Given this situation, the target audience for the EQV is likely to narrow further, as it may fail to appeal to both users who prefer new energy MPVs and those who admire Mercedes-Benz. It can be said that the Mercedes-Benz brand effect will weaken further in the domestic market, and the company must strive to improve its new energy technology and enrich itself.

Source: Leitech