Truth be told, we at TGSA were not expecting the folks at Mercedes-Benz to unveil an MPV or small people mover, much less an all-electric version therefore, nonetheless here it is.
First things first, the Mercedes EQT concept looks eccentric. It combines the styling attributes of a practical people carrier and all the luxury features we’re used to seeing from the German stable. Mercedes-Benz will debut two versions of the T-Class: Internal combustion in the form of petrol and diesel and the EQT all-electric version.
Taking a closer look at the Mercedes T-Class, the one arriving with a slew of petrol and diesel engines in Europe. Interesting enough, it’s based on the all-new, third-gen Renault Kangoo. By now one would reckon Mercedes-Benz knows best to stay clear of cross brand partnerships given the results of the X-Class bakkie.
The T-Class measures in at just under 5m in length, is 1,8m wide, and comes in at 1,8m high. It has seven seats, two sliding doors, and second-row seats that can accommodate up to three child seats.
Up front there’s the MBUX infotainment system, which will come standard, and Mercedes promises the dashboard and control layouts of the concept will make it to production as pictured as well. It will arrive with a hatful of advanced safety features and driving aids.
Moving onto the EQT all-electric version. The EQT is the ninth member of Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric EQ family. The concept bears tasty exterior bits like a black panel grille with 3D star-effect lighting, futuristic LED tail lights, and a full-width LED light bar at the back of the vehicle. It also has 21-inch aero wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres and a unique bottle-shaped panoramic glass roof.
According to Mercedes, the production EQT will be a toned-down version of the concept seen here. Then again, Mercedes-Benz claims the packaging, body style, and practical features will remain the same, and that’s good news. Powertrain options for the EQT remain a mystery.
It is yet to be confirmed whether the Mercedes-Benz T-Class and EQT models will make their way to Mzansi.
