Mercedes-Benz Teases The S-Class Of Vans
Mercedes-Benz is planning something big in vans. And small in vans. And medium-sized. The automaker might be best known for its luxury cars like the S-Class, but the Mercedes-Benz Vans family is almost as important. In 2026, Benz plans to launch an all-new generation of electric vans based on what it calls the Van Electric Architecture, or Van.EA.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Cargo Van
The first of those new vans will come to market in 2026. Before then, Benz will reveal the Vision V concept show van. This is our first look at the latest in Mercedes-Benz vanning.
New Platform Will Be Used For All Benz Vans
2025 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Exterior 8
Benz's new van platform will be used for three van sizes. Currently, that's the Sprinter, the Vito (V-Class), and the Citan, though it's not clear if that will stay the same with the new electric generation. Not long after the van platform launches with its three electric vehicle sizes, Benz will launch the Van.CA, or Van Combustion Architecture.
Both gas and EV van architectures will have extensive similarities. Benz will be able to build both gas and electric cars on the same production line. They'll also have "approximately 70 percent identical parts." Each will be optimized to its drive type, but the two will share as much as is possible. That means better economies of scale and lower prices.
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Mercedes-Benz Reveals All-New Electric Vans Coming In 2026
A new generation of electric vans is coming underpinned by the sophisticated modular VAN.EA architecture.
The Mercedes-Benz Vision V will be our first look at the new vans. The teaser image from Mercedes-Benz shows what looks to be not just an LED light bar for the taillights, but LED panels integrated into the body. The illumination running behind the Benz badge shows the potential for changing the look and even quickly changing company logos or text.
New Vans Will Offer "True Greatness" In Luxury
Mercedes-Benz VAN.EA Prototype - side view
From 2026, Benz will offer the electric vans with much of the same wide range of variants it has for gas models. From entry-level family vehicles, it says, to VIP shuttles and limousines.
The models missing from there show the intent of the Vision V. Benz wants to grow its lineup higher into the luxury world with the new vans. Benz says that it "is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury." Think of the Vision V as a preview of the S-Class of vans.
2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter First Drive Review
Notably absent from that is any mention of the core of the Benz van lineup, the work vehicle. The Sprinter line is offered in almost endless work configurations, including chassis cabs and cutaway-style models. We can't see Benz moving away from that, especially following the success of its eSprinter cargo vans.
The current Benz electric vans deliver up to 201 horsepower and about 300 miles of range. That's significantly longer than what its competitors offer already, and it can handle up to 2,624 pounds of cargo. The next one, on the new electric-specific platform, will likely be even more optimized for work.
