The apartment on wheels

Mercedes EQT Marco Polo motorhome, designed for outdoor recreation and respecting the environment

The Covid pandemic has changed the world, the way of coping and even travel. The search for new housing solutions, with houses with open spaces, gardens and terraces, is also accompanied by the car, with users adopting a new way of traveling on vacation in which motorhome models can enjoy life in the open air. one of the fastest growing market segments. The new Mercedes EQT not only forms the basis for the Concept EQT Marco Polo and the Marco Polo module, but also offers families, outdoor activities and camping enthusiasts access to the world of electric cars. Orders for this electric compact MPV will be available in the first months of 2023.

With the Concept EQT Marco Polo, the star brand is previewing its new all-electric micro-motorhome based on the EQT model, which is equipped with numerous innovations for its segment. At its market launch, it will be available with an electric motor with a maximum power of 90 kW (122 hp) and a maximum torque of 245 Nm. The lithium-ion battery is located in the floor, in front of the rear axle, and has a usable capacity of 45 kWh. At work, at home or at public charging stations, the EQT can be charged at 22 kW with alternating current (AC) using the built-in charger. The EQT is also equipped with an 80 kW direct current (DC) charger, so the charging time (from 10 to 80%) will be just 38 minutes. The EQT has the charging socket on the grill, under the Mercedes star, which is practical and useful in small parking spaces.

The EQT Marco Polo model is based on the longer wheelbase EQT variant. The equipment includes a pop-up roof with a roof bed. Thanks to a scissor construction, the pop-up roof can easily be lifted slightly at an angle to the roof of the vehicle, leaving enough space in the back to stand. In addition, the pop-up roof can be opened over the entire circumference or in the form of a window with a zipper at the rear. The roof bed has a sleeping surface of 1.97 meters by 0.97 meters.

At the rear there is another folding sleeping construction of 2 by 1.15 meters. Directly in the second row of seats, behind the driver’s seat, is a compartment with a built-in washbasin installation and a built-in 16-litre compressor refrigerator. Attached to it is one of the two continuous chairs; another seat is located on the left side of the vehicle, facing the rear cabin. There is also an induction hob and a pull-out drawer in the vehicle with a pull-out gas hob, so there are two cooking options.

On the right side of the vehicle in the interior there is a folding table that is also electrically adjustable in height. All the furniture inside can be easily removed in less than 5 minutes. This means that the electric micro camper can also be used as a vehicle for everyday use if necessary. With a driving height of less than two metres, it also fits easily in all common garages and public car parks.

Further drawers provide space for cutlery, crockery and groceries. In addition, two camping chairs and a table are available in combination with the optional kitchen unit. The table comes with two different legs. This means that it can be attached to the outside as well as to the center console in the EQT, a first. If the bed or kitchen cabinet is not needed, it can be placed and removed in a few steps and in a short time thanks to its low weight.

Another striking feature of the Concept EQT Marco Polo is the solar panel on the pop-up roof. This and an additional and removable battery allow the camping module to power itself for a certain amount of time and allow the vehicle to maintain its autonomy. The extra battery is stored in a drawer in the seat during use, but can be easily removed for charging and charging, for example at the socket at home or even at the campsite. Other highlights include the sun canopy, which is attached to the side of the vehicle, and an innovative blackout system for the rear windows at the push of a button.

The Mercedes EQT is 4.50 meters long, 1.86 meters wide and 1.82 meters high. A variant with a longer wheelbase and space for 7 seats will follow in 2023. The new EQT offers numerous benefits that make everyday life easier and more comfortable for families and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Among them is the low loading sill of only 561 millimeters, which makes it easier to load heavy objects. The sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle offer an opening of 614 millimeters wide and 1,059 millimeters high. This makes the tailgate easily accessible and allows flexible loading from three sides, including the tailgate. The rear seat can accommodate up to three child seats.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.