With the successor to the V-Class, called the Mercedes VLE, Mercedes has taken more inspiration from the S-Class than from the Sprinter. The new van debuts as an electric model on the new dedicated VAN.EA electric platform with 800-volt technology and offers more luxury than ever before. Versions with combustion engines, which were not originally planned, will appear later.
The VLE name itself signals a profound change in strategy and marks a departure from the former V-Class, bringing it closer to the brand’s luxury sedans. The more rounded body shape and the roof, which is no longer flat but gently slopes toward the rear, move the VLE closer to the limousine segment. As a result, the new Mercedes VLE looks more like a luxury van than a utility vehicle.
The new Mercedes VLE and the next generation of the Vito van are built on the new dedicated electric platform VAN.EA (Electric Architecture). Later, although this was not originally planned, Mercedes will also launch versions with combustion engines based on a derivative of this platform called VAN.CA (Combustion Architecture).
Larger and more spacious
The new Mercedes VLE, which the German manufacturer calls a “Grand Limousine,” has impressive dimensions:
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Length: 5.31 meters
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Width: 2 meters
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Height: 1.92 meters
The VLE is 17 cm longer than its predecessor, while the generous 3.34-meter wheelbase is 14 cm longer. Although the height and width create a large frontal area of about 3.4 m², the drag coefficient is extremely low for such a vehicle, at just 0.25.
In the future there will also be an even more luxurious version measuring about 5.50 meters long, called VLS, a name meant to hint that it will offer S-Class-level luxury.
Depending on the version, the Mercedes VLE offers up to 795 liters of cargo space, and if all the seats in the second and third rows are removed, this increases to 4,078 liters. However, payload will not be very high. The 115 kWh net battery in the launch version weighs about 700 kg, bringing the vehicle’s curb weight to around 3 tons. This means the payload will be roughly 500 kg to stay within the 3,500 kg maximum permitted mass so it can be driven with a standard passenger-car license.
Exceptional versatility
The Mercedes VLE offers outstanding versatility similar to what the Renault Espace once provided. Inside, configurations from two to eight seats are possible across three rows. The individual seats, lighter than before, each have four wheels, allowing them to be easily moved after removal and reinstalled just as easily (Roll&Go system).
The optional Grand Comfort electrically adjustable seats are even more luxurious. With an integrated phone charging pad, calf support, and massage function, they resemble first-class airline seats more than those of a van.
They also offer an additional feature: they can be moved individually on electrically adjustable rails, controlled in three ways:
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dedicated buttons
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the multimedia system
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a mobile app called “Remote Variable Rear Space.”
Four configurations are available:
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Baggage mode moves all seats forward as far as possible to maximize cargo space – ideal for shopping or sports equipment.
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Executive mode moves the seats as far back as possible to maximize legroom in the first rear row – perfect for VIP transfers.
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People & Baggage mode offers a balanced configuration with generous luggage space and comfortable legroom in both rear rows, similar to what passengers enjoy in the E-Class.
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Standard mode moves all seats back to their default position.
The rear compartment features a large panoramic roof extending from the B-pillar to the back and is standard on the launch version.
For easy access, the VLE comes standard with electric sliding side doors with fully retractable windows.
Interior inspired by luxury sedans
The dashboard configuration is further proof that the Mercedes VLE belongs more to the luxury sedan segment than the van category. The dashboard is similar to that of the new CLA, featuring:
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a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
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a 14-inch multimedia display
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an optional 14-inch display for the front passenger
The multimedia system uses the new MB.OS operating system, based on Google services. An optional augmented-reality head-up display for navigation projects images onto a 223.1-inch virtual screen (58.7 cm).
In the rear, Mercedes has taken inspiration from the BMW 7 Series, offering an optional 31.3-inch 8K panoramic display that folds down from the ceiling. Together with the 3D Burmester sound system (22 speakers, Dolby Atmos), the luxury van becomes a mobile cinema with Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity.
Communication is handled by a MBUX virtual assistant, which thanks to the integration of ChatGPT and Google Gemini can now hold more complex conversations. Those who want to use the VLE for business meetings on the move can use the display and webcam with the Teams app.
Air suspension and rear-wheel steering
Like Mercedes luxury sedans, the VLE can be equipped with air suspension and rear-wheel steering.
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The optional air suspension allows the ride height to be adjusted by up to 40 mm.
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Rear-wheel steering can turn the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels by up to 7.3 degrees, reducing the turning circle to 10.9 meters.
For a vehicle 5.31 meters long, this turning circle is comparable to that of a compact luxury sedan like the Mercedes CLA.
Three power versions, two batteries
The Mercedes VLE debuts as the VLE 300, featuring:
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203 kW (275 PS) electric motor on the front axle
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115 kWh NMC battery
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WLTP range of over 700 km
Later, the VLE 400 4Matic will follow with:
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two motors
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305 kW (415 PS) total output
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the same 115 kWh battery
It will accelerate 0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h.
Both models with the 115 kWh NMC battery can charge at up to 315 kW thanks to the 800-volt architecture. Under ideal conditions, charging from 10% to 80% takes about 25 minutes.According to the press release, a 15-minute fast charge can provide up to 355 km of range. Like the GLC EQ, an optional DC converter will be available for older 400-volt charging stations. The VLE will also support 22 kW AC charging as standard.
The VLE 300 can tow a load of 1 ton, while the VLE 400 4Matic can tow up to 2.5 tons
In 2027, a cheaper VLE 250 version will appear with an 80 kWh LFP battery and a WLTP range of about 500 km.
Rising prices
The Mercedes VLE will be available starting this summer. The launch version VLE 300 will start at over €80,000.
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VLE 400 4Matic: around €94,000
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VLE 250 (LFP battery): just under €68,000
This price is comparable to the current V-Class, which starts at €65,000. Mercedes is taking a significant risk by launching initially only the more expensive electric version. By comparison, the long-wheelbase VW ID.Buzz with the larger battery has been selling relatively poorly.
