Mercedes VLE brings 435-mile range and a 31-inch telly to electric MPV market
Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new luxury people carrier – the Mercedes VLE, promising the “best of two worlds” from its VW ID Buzz rival.
Based on Mercedes’ VAN.EA electric platform, the VLE will “combine limousine-like ride and handling with MPV-style versatility”, according to the German car maker.
It plans to offer a range of variants from family friendly models designed to support active lifestyles to full-blown luxury limousines with aircraft-style seats and massive entertainment systems.
Mercedes chairman Ola Källenius said: “The all-new electric VLE marks the next significant milestone in our successful 140-year automotive history. Shaped by our pioneering spirit, it redefines the notion of space and comfort, and adds a game-changing level of versatility and innovation.”
At 5.3m long, the VLE is significantly bigger than even seven-seat versions of the VW ID Buzz, and will come with up to eight seats. An innovative “Roll & Go” system fits the seats with integrated wheels to allow owners to manually position them wherever they like within the cabin, or remove and store them. In higher-specification models the powered seats can be adjusted via an app or the van’s infotainment system.
In its most luxurious guise, the VLE features huge “Grand Comfort” seats in the rear with pillows, calf and lumbar support, massage function and integrated wireless phone charging.
They can be paired with the “MBUX Rear Space Experience” that brings a retractable 31.3‑inch 8K screen and an eight-megapixel camera for watching films, playing games or for joining video conferences.
There’s plenty of screen real estate in the front, too. A triple-display “Superscreen” incorporates a 10.25‑inch driver display, a 14‑inch central touchscreen, and a 14‑inch passenger screen that supports video streaming and gaming.
Mercedes says comfort is at the heart of the VLE experience, with adaptive air suspension for a car-like ride and four-wheel steering for car-like handling and manoeuvrability.
Visually, there’s no masking the van roots of the VLE, but Mercedes has sought to create a clear link with its other EVs through body kits designed to give it a sportier look and a massive light-up grille similar to the GLC and CLA. Aerodynamic work has also give the VLE the same drag coefficient as the current EQE SUV, allowing it to deliver remarkable range.
Underpinning everything is an all-electric powertrain packing a 115kWh battery and 268bhp motor. The VLE will cover up to 435 miles on a single charge thanks to that massive battery. It will also charge quickly thanks to its 800V architecture, which will allow it to add 220 miles in just 15 minutes.
An all-wheel-drive model with more than 400bhp is scheduled to join the VLE range at a later date, along with entry-level versions with a smaller 80kWh battery.
UK pricing and specification will be confirmed closer the the VLE’s launch later this year but don’t be surprised to see a six-figure price tag attached to this luxury van.
