New Mercedes V-Class spotted with VAN.EA tech set to take the electric MPV to the next level

Mercedes has started to test its new VAN.EA platform and here we have our first look at the next-generation V-Class that will utilise the tech. VAN.EA will underpin both panel vans and people carriers, and it’s the latter that we’ve spied here. 

The design of the V-Class will look to mimic Mercedes’ upcoming next-generation electric cars, such as the CLA EV (which will be the first to sit on a new MMA platform). As such, the V-Class front end sports a blanked grille that will occupy a similar space to the familiar Panamericana grille of the firm’s ICE models. 

This prototype is wearing a lot of camouflage, but it’s possible to make out a rather intricate LED headlight assembly, while the middle-row windows and sliding passenger doors mark it out as an MPV. Don’t be fooled by those round rear lights, though; the production model will feature a different design. 

Mercedes announced its intention to launch VAN.EA for upcoming commercial vans and camper vans back in May 2023 and our first full official look at its “vision of a luxurious, highly elegant and spacious limousine” will come in Spring. 

In late 2024, Mercedes issued a teaser image with sleek surfacing and a rakish front screen that clearly indicates the brand’s new line-up will take on a more premium approach. The first van on the platform is expected to be a replacement for the new second-generation Mercedes eSprinter electric panel van. 

Mercedes previously said the VAN.EA technology will allow for “clear differentiation” between luxury vans (which is what the teaser image shows) 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 Mercedes. Commercial vans will use VAN.EA-C - with the C standing for ‘commercial’.

A driving range of at least 500km (310 miles) is being targeted for Mercedes vans with the premium version of the VAN.EA platform. Mercedes also says that VAN.EA will be offered in front-wheel-drive, single-motor guise or with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up. 

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, with plans to roll out Level 3 automation by end of the decade.

Previous images have shown the VAN.EA can cater for mid-size and large camper vans too. There are already several conversion kits for the existing Mercedes EQV available.

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