The Mercedes-Benz VLE has been revealed, which was previewed by the Vision V at the 2025 Auto Shanghai. The VLE is billed as a “grand limousine”, which essentially means it is aiming to compete with the Lexus LM, albeit with pure electric power.
Riding on the VAN.EA platform, the VLE will come in two versions initially, both with a 115 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The VLE 300 has a front-mounted electric motor producing 272 horsepower and a WLTP-rated range of 700 kilometers. The VLE 400 4Matic, meanwhile, has a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a system output of 409 horsepower, which is enough for a 0-100 kph time of 6.5 seconds. This model’s range figure, however, has not yet been revealed.
With a massive battery, you’re going to need a lot of charging power to shorten the charging times. Thankfully, since the VLE is built on an 800-volt architecture, it can accept more than 300 kW of DC fast charging capabilities, which allows this luxury van to receive up to 355 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes.
The VLE also features Airmatic air suspension and rear-wheel steering, wherein the wheels can turn up to seven degrees. This allows the VLE to have a turning circle of just 10.9 meters, which, for reference, is almost equal to the CLA compact sedan.
With 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and five radar sensors, the VLE also has the hardware for the MB.Drive Assist Pro system, which allows for hands-free driving on certain roads and road conditions.
Built on top of the VAN.EA architecture is a vehicle with bold design cues. At the front, the VLE adopts the enclosed faux grille that’s seen from cars like the new fully-electric GLC, and this can feature illumination as well. Flanking it at LED headlights with the three-pointed star graphic for the LED daytime running lights. These lights are also visually connected by a full-width LED light bar.
At the sides, the VLE features smooth bodywork with flush door handles, along with plenty of glass area. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches. Moving towards the rear, the VLE features a tapering roofline, while the upright rear end comes with tall LED taillights that form an arc when all the lighting elements are illuminated.
Other interesting highlights include a sporty AMG Line package, which adds sportiness to the front and rear bumpers of the VLE. The smooth bodywork also results in a drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd, impressive for a tall vehicle.
Those who have the duty of driving the VLE will be pleased to see a downright luxurious interior. There’s a huge expanse of wood and leather (or leatherette) surfaces on the dash and doors, and this is matched with various LED ambient lighting scattered across the cabin. Two screens are offered as standard–a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 14-inch infotainment screen, while the optional MBUX Superscreen adds a third 14-inch screen for the front passenger.
Customers have a choice between six, seven, or eight seats. The manually-operated rear seats have wheels that allow them to be moved effortlessly inside and outside the vehicle, while the power-adjustable rear seats can be controlled through the infotainment or the smartphone app. The seats can even automatically slide and rotate inside the vehicle, and adjusting these seats is like “choreographing a ballet”, according to Mercedes-Benz. In higher-end variants, you have a choice between Premium Comfort and Grand Comfort Seats, with the latter featuring a foot rest, a massage function, a pillow, and folding tables.
Other interior highlights include a 22-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, an optional panoramic fixed glass with ambient lighting, various choices of center consoles for the rear occupants, and an optional 31.3-inch 8K screen with a camera for those back-seat video conferences.
The new Mercedes-Benz VLE will be built in Spain and China, wherein the latter is where luxury vans are extremely popular. The VLE’s VAN.EA platform will likely spawn more affordable versions, including a replacement for the fleet-oriented Vito.
0 comments on “Fully-Electric Mercedes-Benz VLE Is A Posh V-Class Successor”