by Isaac Atienza
MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed the new VLE, a luxury electric van previewed earlier by the Vision V concept at the 2025 Auto Shanghai.
Mercedes describes the VLE as a “grand limousine,” signaling its intent to compete with ultra-luxury people movers such as the Lexus LM — only this time with fully electric power.
The VLE rides on Mercedes’ new VAN.EA electric architecture and will initially be offered in two variants, both equipped with a 115-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery pack.
The VLE 300 features a front-mounted electric motor producing 272 horsepower (hp), delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 700 kilometers (km). Meanwhile, the VLE 400 4Matic uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 409 hp, enabling a 0-100 kph sprint of 6.5 seconds. Mercedes has yet to release the official range figure for this variant.
Thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture, the VLE supports over 300 kilowatt (kW) of DC (direct current) fast charging. Under ideal conditions, this allows the battery to recover up to 355 km of range in just 15 minutes.
Handling technology also receives a significant upgrade. The VLE comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension and rear-wheel steering, with the rear wheels capable of turning up to seven degrees. This gives the large luxury van a tight 10.9-meter turning circle, nearly comparable to the compact Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan.
Extensive
driver-assistance tech
Driver-assistance technology is equally extensive. With 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and five radar sensors, the VLE has the hardware required for MB.Drive Assist Pro, which enables hands-free driving on certain roads and under specific conditions.
Visually, the VLE introduces a bold design language for Mercedes’ future electric vans. At the front, it features an enclosed faux grille similar to that seen on upcoming electric Mercedes models such as the new GLC EV. The grille can also be illuminated.
Flanking it are LED headlights with a three-pointed star signature, visually connected by a full-width LED light bar.
Along the sides, the VLE adopts smooth, aerodynamic bodywork with flush door handles and generous glass areas. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches. At the rear, a tapering roofline leads to an upright tail section with tall LED taillights that form an arc when fully illuminated.
An optional AMG Line package adds sportier front and rear bumpers. The van’s clean body surfaces also contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd, impressive for a vehicle of its size.
Inside, the VLE delivers the kind of luxury expected from Mercedes’ flagship vans. The dashboard and door panels feature large expanses of wood and leather, or leatherette trim, complemented by extensive ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
Two screens come as standard: a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 14-inch infotainment screen. Buyers can also opt for the MBUX Superscreen, which adds a third 14-inch display for the front passenger.
Seating configurations include six, seven, or eight seats. Manually operated rear seats feature integrated wheels that allow them to be moved easily in and out of the vehicle. Power-adjustable seats can be controlled via the infotainment system or through a smartphone app.
The seats can also slide and rotate automatically inside the cabin, a movement Mercedes describes as “choreographing a ballet.” Higher-end variants offer Premium Comfort or Grand Comfort seats, with the latter featuring a footrest, massage functions, a pillow, and folding tables.
Additional interior highlights include a 22-speaker Burmester 3D surround-sound system, an optional panoramic glass roof with ambient lighting, multiple rear center-console options, and an optional 31.3-inch 8K rear display with a built-in camera for video conferencing.
The new Mercedes-Benz VLE will be built in Spain and China, with China expected to be a key market given the popularity of luxury vans there.
The VAN.EA platform will also underpin future models, including more affordable electric vans such as a replacement for the fleet-focused Mercedes-Benz Vito.