Mercedes-Benz is getting into at the overlanding craze with the debut of the fully-electric Thought EQT Marco Polo1. The M-B camper van idea won’t boast spectacular off-road abilities, but it surely is exclusive in its personal proper as some of the few EV camper trucks we’ve noticed. And, as though that wasn’t reason why sufficient to cheer at the EQT Marco Polo1, the Mercedes-Benz EV may be making some degree of its small measurement.
The Marco Polo1 is in keeping with the Mercedes-Benz T-Magnificence, which isn’t bought in the US. I’m sorry to remind you of that unhappy reality, however the present T-Magnificence — to be had with a diesel engine and guide transmission — is most likely now not ever coming to the U.S., because of this the eventual manufacturing style of the Marco Polo1 received’t be coming right here both. Mercedes-Benz completely intends to make this idea a fact, announcing it plans to free up one thing find it irresistible later subsequent 12 months:
“For us, the longer term is electrical – irrespective of the scale or function of a van. The most recent evidence of this strategic course is our new EQT with all-electric power. With the Marco Polo Module, we even have a first, easy answer for the all-electric tenting commute on be offering within the close to long run. In the second one part of 2023, we plan to enlarge our vary even additional with a fully-fledged and in addition fully-electric micro camper. The Thought EQT Marco Polo already offers a glimpse of the impending sequence manufacturing car. Because the identify suggests, we’re increasing our Marco Polo circle of relatives with each merchandise, in keeping with the EQT,” says Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Gross sales Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
The manufacturing model of the EV that’s due in Europe subsequent 12 months may not be to be had as a trim or EQT style, however as an add-on module to be had for the Mercedes-Benz EQT. Sellers will set up the Marco Polo Module within the EQT, which will have to be to be had early subsequent 12 months.
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It’s unclear what the module will include, however the Thought EQT Marco Polo1 has a pop-up roof with a mattress that’s about 6.5 ft lengthy through 3.2 ft huge.There’s a quite larger drowsing house to be had through folding the rear seats, and the rear may also be reconfigured within the day as a complete residing and cooking house. There’s a small refrigerator, sink and range best. There’s even room to face when the pop-up roof is open. There’s additionally a three.2-gallon water tank on the rear.
The one caveat is that the Marco Polo1 idea EV is in keeping with the longer-wheelbase style of the EQT, which received’t be to be had in the beginning. The EV minivan — extra like microvan — will probably be bought as a short-wheelbase style in the beginning, however the long-wheelbase model will apply.
The shorter EQT will probably be 177 inches lengthy, 73 inches huge and about 72 inches tall. That’s more or less between the scale of the Ford Transit Attach shipment van (short-wheelbase) and Transit Attach passenger wagon (long-wheelbase).
In different phrases, the EQT will probably be a realistic and reasonably-sized car with room for as much as 5 adults and their shipment. The “cheap” theme helps to keep going with the EQT’s vary, which is rumored to be 175 miles consistent with fee; and output will probably be about 120 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz EQT will get started at round $51,600 in Germany, taxes incorporated, however there’s no phrase but on what the short-wheelbase Marco Polo Module will price.
