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Mercedes-Benz is getting in on the overlanding craze with the debut of the fully-electric Idea EQT Marco Polo1. The M-B camper van idea could not boast spectacular off-road abilities, however it is exclusive in its personal proper as one of many few EV camper vans we’ve seen. And, as if that wasn’t cause sufficient to cheer on the EQT Marco Polo1, the Mercedes-Benz EV can be making some extent of its small measurement.
The Marco Polo1 is predicated on the Mercedes-Benz T-Class, which isn’t bought in the US. I’m sorry to remind you of that unhappy reality, however the present T-Class — obtainable with a diesel engine and guide transmission — is probably going not ever coming to the U.S., which implies the eventual manufacturing mannequin of the Marco Polo1 gained’t be coming right here both. Mercedes-Benz totally intends to make this idea a actuality, saying it plans to launch one thing prefer it later subsequent yr:
“For us, the longer term is electrical – whatever the measurement or goal of a van. The newest proof of this strategic route is our new EQT with all-electric drive. With the Marco Polo Module, we even have a primary, easy resolution for the all-electric tenting journey on supply within the close to future. Within the second half of 2023, we plan to develop our vary even additional with a fully-fledged and likewise fully-electric micro camper. The Idea EQT Marco Polo already offers a glimpse of the upcoming sequence manufacturing automobile. Because the identify suggests, we’re increasing our Marco Polo household with each merchandise, based mostly on the EQT,” says Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Gross sales Mercedes-Benz Vans.
The manufacturing model of the EV that’s due in Europe subsequent yr won’t be obtainable as a trim or EQT mannequin, however as an add-on module obtainable for the Mercedes-Benz EQT. Sellers will set up the Marco Polo Module within the EQT, which ought to be obtainable early subsequent yr.
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It’s unclear what the module will include, however the Idea EQT Marco Polo1 has a pop-up roof with a mattress that’s about 6.5 ft lengthy by 3.2 ft extensive.There’s a barely larger sleeping space obtainable by folding the rear seats, and the rear will be reconfigured within the day as a full residing and cooking space. There’s a small fridge, sink and range high. There’s even room to face when the pop-up roof is open. There’s additionally a 3.2-gallon water tank on the rear.
The one caveat is that the Marco Polo1 idea EV is predicated on the longer-wheelbase mannequin of the EQT, which gained’t be obtainable at first. The EV minivan — extra like microvan — shall be bought as a short-wheelbase mannequin at first, however the long-wheelbase model will observe.
The shorter EQT shall be 177 inches lengthy, 73 inches extensive and about 72 inches tall. That’s roughly between the scale of the Ford Transit Join cargo van (short-wheelbase) and Transit Join passenger wagon (long-wheelbase).
In different phrases, the EQT shall be a sensible and reasonably-sized automobile with room for as much as 5 adults and their cargo. The “affordable” theme retains going with the EQT’s vary, which is rumored to be 175 miles per cost; and output shall be about 120 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz EQT will begin at round $51,600 in Germany, taxes included, however there’s no phrase but on what the short-wheelbase Marco Polo Module will value.
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