Mercedes EQV successor to get 800V battery and dual-motors

Mercedes has begun the final winter testing of its new generation of luxury MPVs on the all-new VAN.EA (electric) and VAN.CA (combustion) platforms. This new model will be the successor to the current V-Class and EQV minivans, with a focus on more comfort on board and a more advanced electric drivetrain.

Winter testing is one of the crucial steps towards developing a new car. The icy conditions are ideal for testing climate control systems and vehicle dynamics, as the low-grip surfaces exaggerate any imbalances and responsiveness issues that may be difficult to experience under normal circumstances. The test center in Arjeplog, Sweden, is traditionally packed with camouflaged prototypes this time of year.

V-Class successor

Now, Mercedes-Benz has released pictures of prototypes of its new MPV model range undergoing the wintery stress tests for the last time before the V-Class successor is launched in 2026. The electric variants will come first on the VAN.EA platform, followed by the combustion models on the VAN.CA architecture.

Apart from promising to “cater to a range of customer needs offering a versatile, spacious vehicle designed to provide exceptional space and comfort. From exclusive VIP and high-end limousine transport to luxurious family vehicles, the new model will deliver on both the flexibility customers require and the refined luxury they desire,” Mercedes has also revealed some technical details about the new MPV model.

Rear-wheel steering, 4Matic and 800 V

The electric version, for example, will feature rear-wheel steering to reduce the turning radius. This feature has become popular with high-end saloons to improve their agility and manoeuvrability and is also present on the Mercedes S-Class and EQS luxury saloons.

Mercedes’ new electric MPV (which doesn’t have an official name yet, but we would bet on the “V-Class with EQ Technology”) will also feature 4Matic four-wheel drive thanks to dual-motor drivetrains. The current EQV is only available as a front-wheel drive model.

And finally, Mercedes confirms that the new model will feature an 800-volt battery system for super-fast charging, while the on-board charger supports charging speeds of up to 22 kW (tri-phase AC) to cut down on charging times at regular chargers.

No range figures are known yet, but Mercedes previously promised up to 500 km when presenting the details of the VAN.EA platform. To be sure, we will have to wait until 2026, when the first of these new MPV models will launch. They will be part of the product offensive that Mercedes is launching in the next two years, with no fewer than 21 new cars on the horizon.