As the motoring industry embraces EVs and straight-off-the-showroom-floor campers, Mercedes-Benz has combined both in a compact and attractive package. Scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2023, the EQT Marco Polo will offer buyers the reliability and driver experience expected from the brand with a practical and fully electric small van based on the T-Class.
The van is suitable for flexible everyday use thanks to the option of completely removing the camping features in just a few simple steps. Two people can easily take out all of the furniture units in the interior in less than 5 minutes. The concept combines the high-quality equipment and variability of the T-Class with the advantages of an all-electric drive for families and active explorers.
“For us, the future is electric—regardless of the size or purpose of a van. The latest proof of this strategic direction is our new EQT with an all-electric drive. With the Marco Polo Module, we also have [the] first, simple solution for the all-electric camping trip. In the second half of 2023, we plan to expand our range even further with a fully-fledged and also fully electric micro camper. The Concept EQT Marco Polo already gives a glimpse of the upcoming series production vehicle,”
says Head of Sales Mercedes-Benz Vans Klaus Rehkugler.
Due to the space-saving installation of the battery in the underbody, the Marco Polo offers a favorably low center of gravity. It features almost the same variability and practicality in the interior as the conventional fossil-fuel-powered T-Class, with a low-loading sill and sliding doors. You can expect typical Mercedes standards of comfort, connectivity, value, and safety.
Mercedes equips the Marco Polo with an electric motor that produces a maximum torque of 180 pound-feet (245 Newton meters) and a peak output of 122 PS (120 horsepower); the battery has a 45-kilowatt-hour capacity. The EQT may be charged at a 22-kilowatt rate with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. In comparison, the 80-kilowatt DC charger will juice up the high-voltage batteries even more efficiently. A conventional DC charging source will bring the Marco Polo from 10 percent charge to 80 percent charge in approximately 40 minutes.
The Concept EQT Marco Polo interior is quite ingenious and includes a pop-up roof with a bed. Thanks to a scissor design, the roof can be raised easily with a slight inclination, allowing occupants to stand upright. The bed has a sleeping area that measures 6.5 feet by 3 feet, along with an A-point elastic disc innerspring system that will ensure a high level of sleeping comfort.
In the rear is a second bed measuring 6.5 feet by 3.8 feet, allowing the vehicle to sleep a small family comfortably. The second row of seats, when folded flat, offers a recessed washing facility and a small 16-liter compressor refrigerator. The built-in drawer system provides sufficient storage space for camping accessories. For cooking, the induction hob is complimented by a drawer that can be pulled out of the vehicle’s interior with a flexible, removable gas cartridge cooker so that there are both interior and exterior options for cooking. On the left side of the interior is a fold-out table which is also electrically height-adjustable, and further stowage compartments are found throughout the cabin.
Initial reports suggest that this vehicle is initially intended exclusively for the European market; we certainly hope the car will become available globally.
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