In the world of people-carriers, few names command the reverence and pedigree of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. For decades, it has remained the benchmark of luxury mobility — a rolling lounge for families, executives, and discerning travellers.
Recently, I spent a week with the fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQV, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa, completing my personal journey through every derivative in the V-Class family.
Late last year, I experienced the sumptuous V300d, followed by the extremely capable Vito Tourer Select in August this year.
Yet it was the EQV — the brand’s electric flagship — that offered something altogether different: the quiet confidence of zero-emission travel, wrapped in the unmistakable sophistication of the Mercedes-Benz people-mover lineage.
A New Chapter in the V-Class Legacy
At the unveiling of the refreshed V-Class range in March 2024, Mercedes-Benz outlined a more focused and differentiated luxury strategy — one that emphasises craftsmanship, sustainability, and design. The EQV is the clearest expression of that philosophy.
Inside and out, it exudes an effortless premium aura. The space, comfort and versatility that have long defined the V-Class remain intact, but in the EQV they feel more modern, more serene, and more attuned to the rhythm of contemporary luxury lifestyles.
This is the model for families who travel with intentionality, for hotels catering to global guests, and for business leaders who value refinement as much as responsibility.
What Exactly Is the EQV?
Distinguished by its black-panel radiator shell framed by an elegant LED light strip, the EQV makes its intentions clear from the onset: this is sustainable luxury, not compromise.
A 93.3kWh battery powers a 150kW electric motor delivering 365Nm of torque, quietly moving its 3 500 kg frame while accommodating up to seven passengers in comfort. While Mercedes-Benz quotes a range of up to 365km, I exceeded that figure, achieving an impressive 400km on a full charge — a testament to its efficiency when driven mindfully.
Behind the Wheel: Electric Calm
My test unit, finished in striking Hyacinth Red metallic paint and riding on 17-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, felt both stately and contemporary. Multibeam LED headlamps with High Beam Assist Plus turned night driving into an illuminated theatre of precision.
Over 1 000km of mixed driving, consumption averaged 25–29kWh/100km, respectable for an electric MPV of this scale.
Charging was straightforward: AC charging at the Steyn City Chargify station took 6 hours 19 minutes for a full charge, while the DC fast-charging station at Pantry by Marble in Rosebank took just 1 hour 50 minutes to reach 100 per cent.
The EQV’s Airmatic suspension deserves special mention, effortlessly smoothing out surfaces and allowing height adjustment when needed. My only critique? The brake pedal required firmer engagement than the internal-combustion-engine variants — a small adjustment within an otherwise polished driving experience.
Luxury Meets Digital Ease
Luxury today is not just leather and craftsmanship; it’s also seamless digital interaction. Here, the EQV met expectations.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto ensured effortless navigation through Waze and entertainment through Spotify.
- Wireless charging in the centre console proved invaluable — particularly while I was also testing the new Samsung Z Flip 7, which charged faultlessly.
- The Burmester surround sound system transformed the cabin into a private suite for audio indulgence, with 15 speakers and a bass reflex box delivering 640W of beautifully sculpted sound.
A Business-Class Experience for the Conscious Traveller
The Mercedes-Benz EQV delivers comfort that genuinely feels comparable to business class — silent, spacious, elegant, and unhurried. However, this is an MPV best suited to discerning urban use. Long-distance travel remains possible, but only for those willing to plan charging stops with precision and not mind the fact that their journeys will take longer than usual.
Where the EQV shines brightest is in curated mobility experiences: South Africa’s renowned luxury hotels — from Cape Grace and the One&Only to The Silo, Steyn City Hotel, The Saxon, and The Oyster Box — collect international guests from airports; premium estates offering silent transfers; families completing school runs with near-effortless refinement; or corporate fleets signalling commitment to sustainability without sacrificing luxury.
While the EQV is undeniably ideal for destinations and clients who appreciate the future of premium mobility is quiet, considered, and electric, I personally would still opt for the luxurious V300d, which offers greater peace of mind for someone who truly enjoys long-distance travel.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz EQV starts from R2 300 000, inclusive of a five-year/100 000km warranty. The PremiumDrive maintenance plan is available at R35 650, covering service and maintenance needs, plus Roadside Assistance for complete peace of mind.
