Image: Mercedes-BenzOver the course of the year, the range will gradually expand to include additional models, as well as more equipment options and trim lines, as Mercedes-Benz Vans announced at the start of orders. At the world premiere, the VLE 400 4MATIC with a 305 kW all-wheel-drive system was also unveiled, alongside initial details about the entry-level VLE 250 featuring an LFP battery. At least the VLE 400 4MATIC is expected to follow later this year, along with further equipment variants of the 300 model.The VLE is built on a modern 800-volt architecture, enabling charging capacities of up to 300 kW. This allows up to 355 kilometres (WLTP) of range to be recharged in just 15 minutes. Combined with the high range on paper, this could enable trips of 1,000 kilometres with just 15 minutes of charging time – although in practice, it will naturally take slightly longer. Nevertheless, these represent significant improvements compared to its predecessor, the EQV.The price of the VLE also depends heavily on the chosen equipment levels. As reported in the detailed article about the world premiere, the VLE can be ordered with a relatively simple interior and basic seating, a higher-quality Premium package, or even as an almost luxurious Exclusive model featuring comfortable individual seats and a large monitor that folds down from the roof. The prices announced at the premiere ranged from €79,000 to €113,000 for the VLE 300, demonstrating a wide price span. Image: Mercedes-Benz Image: Mercedes-Benz Image: Mercedes-Benz Image: Mercedes-Benz Image: Mercedes-BenzEven at launch, VLE models are generously equipped. The VLE 300 is available with either the Advanced Plus package – featuring rear-axle steering, an EASY-PACK tailgate with a separately opening rear window, and additional convenience features – or as the ‘Exclusive’ variant with the Premium Plus package. This higher specification adds a head-up display, the MBUX Superscreen, and upgraded headlights. Both versions also include features such as AIRMATIC air suspension and the Sky View panoramic roof. As a result, entry prices for the VLE 300 are expected to fall over time as lower-spec configurations become available. According to Mercedes-Benz, the VLE 300 with five seats and standard equipment will start at €70,464, while the six-seat version begins at €70,916.This refers to the combination of a 200 kW electric motor on the front axle and a 115 kWh battery with NMC cells. According to Mercedes, the VLE 300 in standard equipment with the Advanced-Plus package offers a range of over 700km under the WLTP cycle. However, providing a uniform range figure for the VLE is hardly straightforward, thanks to varying equipment and weights; it largely depends on the specific version. In general, all variants will be available with five, six, seven, or eight seats – further increasing the model’s versatility. Further details about the technology can be found in our detailed article about the world premiere.As the VLE is the first Mercedes van in many years to be developed from scratch, Mercedes describes it as the ‘beginning of a new era of Grand Limousines’. The VLE is set to redefine “design, comfort, versatility, and the flexibility of grand space.”“The all-new VLE redefines what our customers value about Mercedes-Benz – and takes the experience to an extraordinary level. Its striking design combines with an impressive sense of space to convey that familiar ‘welcome home’ feeling in a whole new way,” says Sagree Sardien, Head of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans. “As part of our staggered rollout, we are initially introducing our new Grand Limousine in two carefully configured variants that will not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations.” mercedes-benz.com
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