- The Mercedes-Benz VLE is a new electric van that can accommodate up to eight people.
- The 272-horsepower single-motor model will be launched first.
- Mercedes will offer a long wheelbase version in America.
Mercedes-Benz has a new electric van called the VLE. It’s a car we’d expect to see in China, where luxury minivans serve as limousines—but America will not miss this. The automaker plans to offer a long-wheelbase version of the VLE in the United States.
The VLE uses the automaker’s Van Architecture platform. Mercedes previewed a new van in 2025 with the Vision V concept, and the production version retained many of the original design elements, such as the greenhouse shape, dual power dome on the hood, and front fascia styling.
Depending on the trim, the van features an illuminated grille, star-shaped daytime running lights and a standing star on the hood. At the rear, the arc-shaped taillights blend into the spoiler. Mercedes claims the van also has a slippery drag coefficient of 0.25.
Powertrain & Chassis Details
The VLE 300 will be launched first. It has a 272 horsepower (203 kW) electric motor. The VLE 400 will follow, which has a 409 hp (305 kW) electric motor. The 400 can sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds. All-wheel drive will be available via a rear electric motor that is only activated when the vehicle requires additional power or traction.
The van is equipped with a 115.0 kilowatt-hour (usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with 800-volt technology. Mercedes claims the van has a range of more than 434 miles (700 kilometers) on WLTP Europe, with the car able to cover 221 miles in just 14 minutes.
The VLE is equipped with Airmatic air suspension, which uses Google Maps data to keep the vehicle low as long as possible to maximize efficiency. The suspension is capable of providing up to 1.5 inches of travel. The van has up to seven degrees of rear-wheel steering, giving the VLE a curb-to-curb turning radius of 35.75 feet.
Versatile Luxury
The new VLE can seat six to eight people across three rows of seats, depending on configuration and wheelbase, and we expect variety. Mercedes will offer three center console options, including a compact console with at least one wireless charging pad and a larger unit with climate control.
Inside, the dashboard is similar to the Vision V concept, with a 10.3-inch driver’s display, a 14.0-inch infotainment screen and a 14.0-inch interactive panel for the passenger. At the back, Mercedes offers a 31.1-inch 8K display that flips out of the headliner for entertainment, which includes an 8.0-megapixel camera for business conference calls.
The VLE will be available with a Roll & Go seat, which allows users to manually move the seat forward and backward, and lock it into place. Mercedes will also offer electrically adjustable seats. Luxury features include three-zone climate control, tables for the rear seats, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a 22-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Doby Atmos.
The company claims the VLE will offer up to 28.0 cubic feet of cargo space with three rows of seats, but it will release the van’s final specifications, including market-specific details such as price, power, and capacity, closer to launch.
Motorcycle Pickup1: Luxury minivans are hugely popular in Asia, so it’s exciting to see Mercedes bring one here. As consumers desire larger, more versatile vehicles, luxury minivans offer more space than crossovers or SUVs, a more comfortable ride and easier access. We hope this will attract other automakers to jump into the world of high-end luxury minivans. They’re way cooler than any six-figure SUV.
