The battle for luxury vans has begun, with Mercedes-Benz racing ahead of Lexus to unveil its six-wheeled concept.
On Tuesday, in Stuttgart, Germany, the Mercedes-Benz VLE was introduced as an electric luxury van seating up to 8 occupants, equipped with numerous screens, ambient lighting, and even options for seat pillows. The VLE may redefine expectations, making the S-Class seem ordinary by comparison.
The stylish elements. Mercedes-Benz has transformed a minivan into something that appears … stylish from certain perspectives and awkward from others. It’s definitely not a Chrysler Pacifica, which may be the intention. With its chrome shield-like grille, chrome accents at the bottom of the bumper, and the traditional upright Mercedes-Benz hood ornament, the novel VLE will literally leave you starstruck. I’m serious, the headlights have LED stars that function as daytime running lights. The greenhouse resembles that of a large S-Class, which I suspect is not coincidental. The rear design is neat, with a clean finish and LED lights surrounding the entire tailgate that resemble the Rivian delivery van or the Hyundai Ioniq 9, which I mean in a good way. Both have a futuristic look. The rear also borrows from classic SUVs with a clever feature: the rear glass can independently flip up from the tailgate. My favorite aspect? The optional AMG-branded monoblock wheels. I’d say, this is the only way these vans should leave the factory. Unfortunately, the U.S. will exclusively receive the long-wheelbase variant, distinguishable by the additional black panel behind the B-pillar.
Inside the VLE steps up the screen-centric future of the S-Class. The power sliding doors on both sides, with fully retractable windows, expose a leather-wrapped interior that could double as a nightclub at night, thanks to the ambient lighting that may prove distracting after dark. It looks impressive in pictures, though. The dashboard consists of a wall of screens under a single glass pane. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster sits beside a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with another 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. This is all before we mention the highlight: a 31.3-inch 8K screen concealed in the headliner that descends for rear passengers to enjoy. Control is via iPhone-like devices that emerge from the front seat backs while they charge. Buttons are minimal, though there’s a volume knob, actual stalks, and roller knobs on the steering wheel. A significant portion of the roof is glass to let in natural light, but an electrochromatic shade will block sunlight for those desiring to avoid a tan.
The VLE will comfortably accommodate up to 8 passengers with a flexible interior configuration. Three seating options will be available, ranging from manually adjustable seats in the rear to luxurious power-operated rear seats that include pillows, wireless smartphone charging, lumbar support, and massage features alongside calf support. The manually adjustable seats have wheels and can be removed for storage. The power-operated seats can be adjusted via an app.
Definitive U.S. specifications will arrive next year as the VLE is not expected to reach our shores until late 2027. However, it appears that this EV will be available in both single- and dual-motor configurations. Single-motor variants will feature front-wheel drive with 272 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in nearly 9.5 seconds. The dual-motor 4Matic variant will provide 409 hp, reducing the 0-60 mph time to about 6.5 seconds. Both configurations are equipped with a 119-kWh battery pack, with 115 kWh being usable. Mercedes claims over 700 km of range per charge based on the more generous European WLTP cycle. In the U.S., that could equate to approximately 375 miles of range. The entire system operates on the same 800-volt electrical architecture first introduced in the new CLA-Class, allowing the VLE to gain about 220 miles of range in just 15 minutes using a fast charger. The VLE will feature air suspension and rear-wheel steering to minimize its turning radius to 35.75 feet, comparable to the much smaller CLA according to Mercedes.
Pricing details are yet to be revealed, but based on my brief exposure to the new VLE in a private setting, regular school runs or commutes will never be the same again.
Prepare for the luxury van rivalry.
Mercedes-Benz facilitated The Drive’s travel, accommodations, schnitzel, and access to the vehicle for the purpose of crafting this story.