By Otsile Kadiege

Earlier on this year Mercedes-Benz Vans unveiled the all-new T-Class. Fast forward a few months later the Stuttgart based automaker took the veils off the near production ready Concept EQT Marco Polo1, which is an all-electric micro camper van version of the T-Class. Mercedes-Benz said the series version is expected to be presented in the second half of 2023.

Plugged in 

At the market launch, an electric motor with a peak output of 90 kW and a maximum torque of 245 Nm is available. The lithium-ion battery sits in a crash-protected location in the underbody in front of the rear axle and has a usable capacity of 45 kWh. The EQT is equipped with an 80 kW DC charger, the claimed charging time is 38 minutes from 10-80 percent. The EQT is charged in the front under the Mercedes star, which is said to be more practical and convenient, especially when charging in the city in tight parking situations.

Micro camper van

The equipment of the Concept EQT Marco Polo1 includes a pop-up roof with a roof bed. Thanks to a scissor design, the pop-up roof can be raised easily with a slight angle of inclination to the vehicle roof. This means that the Concept EQT Marco Polo offers enough space in the rear to stand upright. In addition, the pop-up roof can be opened all around or in window form with a zip on the rear for that typical camping sense of freedom. The roof bed has a sleeping area that measures 1.97 metres by 0.97 metres. A point-elastic disc spring system, among other things is said to, ensure a high level of sleeping comfort.

In the rear there is a further folding sleeping facility measuring 2 metres by 1.15 metres. Directly in the second row of seats behind the driver’s seat, there is an element with a recessed washing facility and a likewise recessed 16-litre compressor refrigerator box. Directly docked to it is one of two bench seats. Another seat is located on the left side of the vehicle in the interior (facing the rear cockpit).

The drawer system built in here offers sufficient storage space for camping accessories. There is also an induction hob and a drawer that can be pulled out of the vehicle interior with a flexible removable gas cartridge cooker, so that there are two options for cooking. On the right-hand side of the vehicle in the interior (looking towards the rear cockpit) is a fold-out table which is also electrically height-adjustable. In addition, further stowage compartments are incorporated.

The seats, the kitchen, bench and bedroom elements are done in Artico Microcut. The panelling of the furniture fronts, meanwhile, is finished in Avola cherry wood by way of contrast. Ambient lighting in the joint areas creates the right atmosphere. There is also a dark roof liner and LED lighting in the upper bed area. In total, the vehicle covers 7 USB ports, one of them being in the pop-up roof area and two in the living area of the micro camper van.

Concept EQT Marco Polo1 exterior styling

The future long-wheelbase version of the EQT, which has been used as the basis for the concept car, is painted in chromite grey metallic with contrasting elements in black gloss. These include the black-painted chrome trim at the front and rear and the special 19-inch diamond-cut wheels. The beige colour tone of the pop-up roof can be found in other elements of the vehicle – like for example the sun sail. Reddish accents on the boot and rim, among other things, bring colour into play.