Mercedes-Benz EQV Review: A Luxury Lounge On Wheels
There are certain cars that unexpectedly unlock old memories. For me, the new Mercedes-Benz EQV did exactly that.
Certain cars unexpectedly unlock old memories. For me, the new Mercedes-Benz EQV did exactly that. The moment I climbed aboard, I found myself thinking back to 2019, when my brother Brenwin Naidu had the Mercedes-Benz X-Class on test — a Mercedes-Benz bakkie with Nissan Navara roots wrapped in premium flair. I was still in Grade 10 at the time.
Luxury Without Trying Too Hard
We had travelled down to Durban with our parents, Edwin and Brenda, while my brother blasted Ballin’ by Snoop Dogg and The Dramatics through the speakers.It’s funny how certain vehicles become attached to moments in your life. The EQV brought some of those feelings rushing back — memories of simpler days, long drives, and youthful ambition. Only this time, the experience arrived in near silence.
And that’s perhaps the most interesting thing about the EQV. Unless you spot the subtle badging, it’s actually difficult to tell it’s electric.That, oddly enough, is part of its charm. In reality, the EQV is a tidy-looking van with unmistakable premium flair. It’s unapologetically large, boxy, and takes up road space with confidence. I quite like its bread-loaf proportions. The front end especially stood out for me. You’ve got illuminated lighting stretching across the grille, sleek LED headlamps, attractive alloy wheels, and our test unit arrived finished in a striking shade of red that suited it perfectly. Add the panoramic sunroof and tinted windows, and the EQV really stands on business. It feels luxurious without trying too hard.
A Proper Lounge On Wheels
Step inside and the EQV immediately leans into its role as a premium people mover. The cabin feels classy, purposeful and exceptionally well insulated. There are leather seats, heated seating for passengers, fold-out tables in the rear, and a genuinely excellent Burmester sound system.
In fact, the audio setup ended up becoming one of my favourite parts of the experience. While charging the vehicle, my better half Jess and I connected a tablet to the speakers and watched Your Friends & Neighbours, effectively turning the EQV into our own private cinema on wheels.
It handled the role surprisingly well. From a practicality perspective, there’s also loads of space. The seven-seat configuration makes perfect sense for families, airport shuttles, executive transport services or long-distance travel, while the cargo area is absolutely massive. More than anything, though, the EQV genuinely feels like a luxury lounge on wheels.
Smooth, Silent And Effortless
Of course, this isn’t a performance machine. Nobody is expecting a large electric van to behave like Speedy Gonzales, but the EQV has more than enough power for its intended purpose. Out on the road, it feels smooth, quiet and refined. Despite its size, it’s also remarkably easy to drive.I spent most of my time navigating the chaos of Fourways traffic rather than escaping onto an open road, but even there the EQV impressed with its composure and effortless nature.
Underneath it all sits a 93.3kWh battery pack producing around 150kW and 365Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims a range of more than 350km, which is respectable for something this large. Because it’s electric, the power delivery feels immediate and seamless, while charging times are fairly reasonable depending on the charger you use. That said, living with an EV in South Africa can still occasionally feel like a range-anxiety-inducing irritation. And at roughly R2.3 million, the EQV firmly positions itself in the luxury space.
Does The EQV Make Sense?
Truthfully, I’d probably still lean toward something like a Mercedes-Benz V300d fitted with monoblock wheels, or even a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer. But the EQV occupies a unique corner of the market. There aren’t many direct rivals either. Ultimately, the EQV makes the most sense as a premium shuttle — whether for luxury hotels, airports, executive transport services or buyers fully committed to the EV lifestyle. And if you’re willing to go against the grain and embrace electric motoring in a full-sized luxury van, then the Mercedes-Benz EQV might just tickle your fancy.