86 | CONCEPT 86
Another Mercedes-Benz EQ concept knocks on the door with the EQT/T-Class! Daimler AG’s car and commercial vehicle brand Mercedes-Benz is definitely not one to leave anything to chance. It tries to compete in all auto segments where it can gain a reasonably wide customer target group. The manufacturer with a three-pointed star in the emblem has re-entered the segment of small compact vans with its EQT concept, which will be part of the completely new Mercedes-Benz T-Class model range. Truth be told, it’s not such a whole new idea as this segment was covered by Mercedes-Benz with the Viano, which did not achieve the expected success, and more recently with the Citan van, again with limited success. Citan has never officially been offered for sale in Ireland At its launch Citan was said to be a ground-breaking cooperation project between the Mercedes-Benz and Renault brands. Not only did it have (and still has) the French brand’s internal combustion engines under the bonnet, but it was completely manufactured in Renault’s factory in France. Citan was not only about cooperation in the form of the purchase of parts and components, but also about Renault being able to supply the production capacities which the Daimler brand simply lacks. German-French cooperation forms the basis for the new T-Class range of vehicles. In the second half of this year the second generation Citan will be launched, so that next year a new T-Class passenger car variant can be launched, with electric drive. “With the approaching T-Class, we are expanding our portfolio in the small segment. And as the EQT concept shows: we consistently apply our demands for FLEETVAN&UTILITY | SUMMER 2021
leadership in electromobility and will also offer a fully electric model in the future in this segment,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Mercedes-Benz Supply Manager. The EQT concept, which is very close to series production, is to some extent a repeat of what is happening with the V-Class cars and the EQV concept. From an external point of view, the design concept used is recognisable as part of the EQ family. We don’t know yet how powerful and functional it will be, or other technical parameters of the vehicle. What does seem clear is that the T-Class will be a premium vehicle in its highest form. After all, both the front grille and alloy wheel rims are subtly decorated with a pattern symbolising a three-pointed star – a standard bearer in itself. As for the electronic equipment that will be available on this future compact Mercedes-Benz, it will certainly have numerous assistance systems that help both safety and transport efficiency. The EQT concept as revealed is equipped
with a multifunction steering wheel and the brand’s self-learning electronic MBUX system. It can be assumed that the more expensive version of the T-Class will have an electronic instrument panel as standard. Future T-Class cars should offer at least two wheelbase lengths, with the longer T-Class variant stretching to almost 5 metres (4945 mm). The total width of the car is 1,863 mm and the total height 1826 mm. “The Concept EQT gives an outlook on how space and maximum variability can also be combined with stylish comfort in the small van segment. Our future T-Class is a true multi-talented, multi-purpose vehicle and with it, we will attract new customer groups and grow sustainably,” added Marcus. The market is certainly looking forward to the arrival of these new vehicles, which will significantly boost the compact van and associated MPV car segments. Milan Olšanský - IVOTY
