The Breakdown: The Mercedes-Benz VLE is a new electric van that seats up to eight people. A 272-horsepower, single-motor model will launch first. Mercedes will offer a long-wheelbase version in America. Mercedes-Benz has a new electric van called the VLE. It’s a car we would expect to see in China, where luxury minivans serve as limousines—but America won’t be missing out on this one. The automaker plans to offer a long-wheelbase version of the VLE in the United States. The VLE rides on the automaker’s Van Architecture platform. Mercedes previewed the new van in 2025 with the Vision V concept, and the production version retains many of its original design elements, such as the greenhouse shape, dual power domes on the hood, and front fascia styling. Depending on the trim, the van features an illuminated grille, star-shaped daytime running lights, and a standing star on the hood. At the back, the arc-shaped taillights integrate with the spoiler. Mercedes claims the van also has a slippery drag coefficient of 0.25. Photos by: Mercedes-Benz Powertrain & Chassis Details The VLE 300 will launch first. It has a 272-horsepower (203 kW) electric motor. The VLE 400 will follow, which has a 409-hp (305 kW) electric motor. The 400 can sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds. All-wheel drive will be available via a rear electric motor that’s only activated when the vehicle needs additional power or traction. The van comes with a 115.0-kilowatt-hour (usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with 800-volt technology. Mercedes claims the van has a range of over 434 miles (700 kilometers) on Europe’s WLTP, with the car capable of adding 221 miles in just 14 minutes. The VLE comes with the Airmatic air suspension, which uses Google Maps data to keep the vehicle as low as possible for as long as possible to maximize efficiency. The suspension can provide up to 1.5 inches of travel. The van has up to seven degrees of rear-wheel steering, giving the VLE a 35.75-foot curb-to-curb turning radius. Photos by: Mercedes-Benz Versatile Luxury The new VLE seats six to eight people across three rows of seats, depending on the configuration and wheelbase, and we expect a variety. Mercedes will offer three center console options, including a compact one with at least one wireless charging pad and a larger, temperature-controlled unit. Inside, the dashboard is like the Vision V concept’s, with a 10.3-inch driver display, a 14.0-inch infotainment screen, and a 14.0-inch interactive panel for the passenger. In the rear, Mercedes offers a massive 31.1-inch 8K display that flips down from the headliner for entertainment, which includes an 8.0-megapixel camera for business conference calls. The VLE will be available with Roll & Go seats, which allow users to manually move the seats forward and backward, and lock them into place. Mercedes will also offer electrically adjusted seats. Luxury features include three-zone climate control, tables for the rear seats, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a 22-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Doby Atmos. The company claims the VLE will offer up to 28.0 cubic feet of cargo space with three rows of seats, but it will release the van’s final specs, including market-specific details such as price, power, and capacity, closer to launch. Gallery: Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 (Long-Wheelbase US Version) Motor1’s Take: Luxury minivans are popular in Asia, so it’s exciting to see Mercedes bring that here. With consumers demanding larger, more versatile vehicles, a luxury minivan offers more space than a crossover or SUV, a more comfortable ride, and easier access. We hope this entices other automakers to venture into the high-end luxury minivan space. They are far cooler than any six-figure SUV. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
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