New Mercedes VLE edges closer as blocky electric people carrier is teased again
The VLE and VLS will come with a bespoke electric platform for Mercedes vans
Mercedes has taken a new step by developing the VLE and announced it’ll arrive in 2026. It’s the first model to sit on the firm’s VAN.EA platform.
The electric people-carrier is currently finishing its development, and the brand has just released images of the Mercedes VLE testing in a wind tunnel, showing off aerodynamics that the German brand says are “outstanding in terms of efficiency”. There are also new pictures of the VLE at the famed Nardo test track in Italy, fine-tuning its high-speed dynamics and rear-axle steering.
The VLE will be the first vehicle to use Mercedes’ VAN.EA platform, with the second – the larger VLS – following shortly after. The VLE will essentially be the mid-size model, akin to an E-Class (hence the ‘E’ part of the name) with seating for up to eight people. Mercedes calls the VLS a ‘grand limousine’ and says it will “define a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury”.
To back up those strong words, Mercedes recently revealed the results of long-distance tests of the VLE. The test car’s route went from Stuttgart in Germany to Rome, Italy, covering 683 miles, requiring “two short charging stops” of 15 minutes each. That suggests a maximum range of around 250 to 300 miles – a significant improvement on the current EQV’s range of 226 miles.
The company hasn’t said what the VLE’s battery capacity will be, however the current EQV comes with a maximum battery size of 90kWh - and sizes of up to 116kWh have been used in other Mercedes EVs including the EQS and G-Class.
If you’re not quite ready to make the switch to electric, then remember to check out the Auto Express marketplace where you’ll find great deals on loads of Mercedes V-Class models.
We already know the VAN.EA platform will have a bespoke construction that’s designed to get the most out of an all-electric platform - Mercedes has even gone as far to say it’ll “usher in a completely new era”. This includes a range of cutting-edge technical capability drawn from Merc’s advances in passenger electric cars, including an 800V electrical system – which could allow for up to 320kW fast charging – as well as high-end suspension and chassis technology.
The new architecture will offer a single-motor layout, plus a dual-motor option with all-wheel drive. The test car was a rear-wheel-drive, single-motor VLE and, according to Mercedes, additional rear-axle steering ensured “easy and agile handling even in tight corners” on the streets of Rome. You can expect to see a similar ability to the EQS SUV, which can turn its rear wheels by up to 10 degrees. The availability of two drivetrains for the VLE will give maximum flexibility when it comes to different applications and requirements.
Mercedes previously said the VAN.EA technology will allow for ‘clear differentiation’ between luxury vans and commercial models. The VAN.EA-P platform (the P standing for ‘premium’) is designed to cater for ‘high-quality family vans’ and everything from ‘exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious limousines’, according to the company. Commercial vans will use the VAN.EA-C set-up – with the C standing for ‘commercial’.
The VLE’s design will borrow elements from the Vision V Concept that was unveiled in April this year. That should mean a fresh iteration of Mercedes’ panamerica grille (despite it being blanked off for aerodynamic reasons), a full-width headlight signature, clean surfacing throughout the body, and an eye-catching, wraparound rear light signature.
The line-up of all-electric vans sitting on this new architecture will have Mercedes’ upcoming MB.OS infotainment system, and the company says the premium models will be “always on”, meaning they are connected to the internet at all times and able to receive updates. Level 2 automated driving will be available, and there are plans to roll out Level 3 automation by the end of the decade.
We’ve only seen a few prototypes running the new set-up under the skin, but when it does arrive on the market, Mercedes will be able to offer more specialised products for all sorts of applications, whether it be as a family car in Europe or high-end business transport in Japan. We’ll have to wait for pricing to be confirmed, but we expect a starting figure close to £100,000, considering that the current, less spacious EQV starts from £92,205.
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