Mercedes demonstrates promising outcomes with VLE prototypes in three areas of fuel efficiency
Mercedes-Benz Unveils Full-Electric VLE Van: A Versatile Grand Limousine for Families and Leisure
The automotive industry is moving towards electrification, and Mercedes-Benz Vans is not far behind. The company is set to launch the upcoming Mercedes-Benz VLE, a full-electric van designed as a versatile Grand Limousine, seating up to eight occupants. The VLE is targeting families, leisure, and VIP shuttle services, and it is built on Mercedes’ new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform.
Key Features and Specifications
The VLE boasts impressive range and charging capabilities. During a real-world test, the VLE covered nearly 1,100 kilometers (677 miles) from Stuttgart to Rome with just two short charging stops of 15 minutes each. This achievement underscores the VLE's efficient energy management and fast charging enabled by an 800V electrical system. The VLE is also equipped with an 800V charging system and a 22 kW AC onboard charger for rapid and versatile charging options.
The VLE offers both front-wheel drive and 4x4 versions, ensuring versatility depending on the use case. To improve agility and maneuverability in tight urban environments and narrow streets, the VLE features rear-axle steering. Advanced thermal management maintains a stable cabin temperature (~72°F) consistently, despite external temperatures varying widely (52°F to 91°F), contributing to passenger comfort.
The VLE's design is a blend of efficiency, comfort, and premium features tailored to family and VIP transport segments. Built on the VAN.EA platform, the VLE offers modularity and scalability, allowing Mercedes-Benz to differentiate between luxury and family/leisure variants.
Summary Table
| Feature | Specification / Detail | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers | | Range (real-world test) | 1,090 km (677 miles) with 2x 15-min charges| | Charging | 800V system, 22 kW AC charger | | Drivetrain | Electric; front-wheel drive and 4x4 variants| | Handling | Rear-axle steering for tight urban agility | | Cabin Comfort | Stable 72°F cabin temp despite outside variation | | Platform | Modular, scalable VAN.EA architecture |
The Mercedes-Benz VLE aims to combine long-range capability, fast charging, premium comfort, and agile handling within a full-electric van layout, demonstrating readiness for a diverse range of use cases from family travel to VIP shuttle operations. It is part of Mercedes's broader strategy to electrify their commercial and luxury van lines starting in 2026, leveraging the innovative VAN.EA platform.
The VLE is designed to meet customer needs and requirements in terms of design, variability, and everyday usability. The VAN.EA features include 800-volt technology, up to 500 kilometers of range, and up to 400 kW of power (544 horsepower), as well as all-wheel drive. The VLE underwent dynamic tests and high speeds at the test track in Nardò, southern Italy, focusing on optimizing the electric powertrain, recovery processes, and thermal management.
The upcoming large luxury sedan VLE and the luxury version VLS, as well as a Maybach version of the VLS, are previewed by the April-presented Vision V study. The Vision V study offers a series-production preview of the VLE and VLS, with the newly developed, modular, and scalable van architecture set to be introduced to the market starting in 2026 with the VLE and VLS.
- The automotive industry's shift towards electrification is evident in the transportation sector, as evidenced by Mercedes-Benz Vans' upcoming electric Grand Limousine, the VLE.
- The VLE, built on the innovative Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform, is poised to revolutionize the finance sector with its long-range capability, fast charging, premium comfort, and agile handling, suitable for a diverse range of use cases such as families, leisure, and VIP shuttle services.
- Mercedes-Benz's commitment to the electrification of their commercial and luxury van lines extends beyond the VLE, with plans to introduce the newly developed, modular, and scalable van architecture in the form of the Vision V study in 2026, giving birth to the VLE and luxury version VLS, along with a Maybach variant.
