You might balk at the idea of an ultra-luxury minivan, but Mercedes-Benz is all-in. The company has just teased a Maybach version of the upcoming VLS, which will take what was already expected to be an incredibly luxurious interior and turn it up to 11. It should have big space, big comfort, and be something that even Rolls-Royce can't offer its premium-grade customers. The Most Luxurious Minivan... In The World Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz is launching two new ubervans as part of its growing lineup. There's the VLE-Class, which the company revealed earlier this month, and the VLS-Class, which we've seen in concept-car form but not as a production model. This Maybach will be based on the latter.This is still just a tease of the upcoming van, but while Mercedes-Benz doesn't have a lot to show us, it does have plenty to say. Benz describes the ultra-posh Mercedes-Maybach VLS as being "an unparalleled Grand Limousine." The company says it is aimed at buyers with "the highest expectations," which we take to mean the most money. Or at least the desire to spend the most money.Mercedes-Benz It will be large inside, elegant, and have "an uncompromising commitment to the rear passenger." Benz describes it as offering "a one-of-a-kind 'Welcome home' feeling." This isn't going to be your next airport shuttle or Uber ride, unless you own your own plane.Benz did not say when it would reveal the Mercedes-Maybach VLS. It also didn't say when we could expect to see the standard Mercedes-Benz VLS. The timing for the teaser, dropping just ahead of the New York Auto Show, hints that it could be revealed there, except that Benz doesn't have a scheduled conference at the event. The Auto China show, in Beijing at the end of April, is more likely. Vision V Previewed This Fanciest Of Vans Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz gave a preview of this new ultra-posh van a year ago when it showed the Vision V concept in Shanghai. The living room on wheels came with an amazing interior, complete with tuck-and-roll seats with nine bolsters and an aircraft-style recline.The Vision V focused on the rear passengers with stunning burl walnut for the bulkhead to separate the driver and passengers. It had exquisite finishes throughout the van. The concept also had gadgets like a 65-inch projector screen complete with a gaming system, speakers that could rotate for an optimal sound stage, and a built-in chessboard with crystal and silver pieces.Benz's VLE will be an electric van. The company said that it can handle 500kW fast-charging for 221 miles in 15 minutes, and that it will offer 435 miles on the WLTP cycle.Since there are no specs yet for the VLS, let alone the Maybach model, we're expecting similar charge speeds, but the rest is up in the air. A large battery for very long range is possible, but we're not sure that a vehicle like this needs to go much farther than the nearest private airport and back if its owner wants to go on a trip. Expect the new van to get air suspension like the VLE, which uses Google Maps data for optimal comfort and range.Stay tuned. As soon as we have more on the newest Maybach we'll share it here.
