Mercedes VLE eight-seater will offer limo luxury

And the new van will come with both electric and combustion power. Mercedes is now officially teasing its new VLE people mover as production gets underway in Vitoria, Spain. 

The replacement for the all-electric EQV will ride on a new VAN.EA platform and there will be an internal combustion-engined alternative. 

Mercedes has released a teaser image of its new mid-size MPV (top) to celebrate production starting. The VLE should dot down in European markets in H1 of next year, taking inspiration from the Vision V concept unveiled earlier this year. 

There’s a new form of the brand’s ‘panamerica’ grille and lighting will likely illuminate the state of battery charge, like with GLC. The LED headlights feature three-pointed stars. 

Plenty of wind tunnel testing has helped form the VLE’s final shape, as has high-speed testing at Nardo. The proportions don’t look too dissimilar to the outgoing EQV’s. 

The VLE will pioneer the brand’s new VAN.EA platform while ICE versions will use the VAN.CA platform. Production of both occurs on the same assembly line. A larger VLS version will follow after VLE launches. So the VLE will be the mid-size model, like an E-Class, with seating for up to eight people. Mercedes claims that the VLS will “define a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury”. 

VLE has already undertaken some long distance testing, travelling from Stuttgart to Rome, Italy. During the 1100km trip it required two 15-minute charging stops. So expect maximum range of almost 500km, a step up on the EQV’s range of 362km. 

The battery size is unclear, though EQV used a 90kWh example.

An 800V electrical system enables ultrafast charging up to 320kW. There will be both single- and dual-motor options on offer. Rear-axle steering ensures “easy and agile handling even in tight corners”. 

The VAN.EA technology permits ‘clear differentiation’ between luxury vans and commercial models. The VAN.EA-P (Premium) platform is designed for ‘high-quality family vans’ and ‘exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious limousines’ Mercedes says. Commercial vans will use the VAN.EA-C set-up (C for commercial).

The electric vans will feature the company’s new MB.OS infotainment system, the premium models always connected to the internet. Level 2 automated driving will be available, with Level 3 automation due by 2030.