The Mercedes-Benz VLE is the V-Class, but fully electric

In a world where mobile luxury is no longer large executive sedans and SUVs, vans are now the gold standard. Offering the most amount of space and practicality, it makes sense why luxury automakers have pivoted to this form factor. Mercedes-Benz has had it in the V-Class, but that platform was due for an electrified upgrade in this day and age of battery electric vehicles.

Meet the VLE, the modern take on a battery electric luxury van that the brand calls a Grand Limousine.

It adopts the automaker’s newest design language of having a bold, in-your-face illuminated grille that can either house the Mercedes tri-star or a plain “shield” like fascia, star-shaped daytime running lights within the headlight housings, and wheel sizes from 19 to 22-inch wheels.

While it may not have the largest greenhouse (due to that coupe-like silhouette for the windows), it still houses two sliding doors with lots of chrome, large LED taillights that wrap around the upper half of the rear end, and a large glass window.

This bulbous shape is important to the car’s range and efficiency, as the slippery 0.25 drag coefficient and the all-new Van Architecture has range of more than 700km (WLTP), alongside a new 800V architecture that allows 355km of range to be added in 15 minutes of charging, thanks to charging up to 300kW.

The electric drive unit can be had in either single (VLE 300) or all-wheel drive configurations (VLE 400 4MATIC), with power output pegged at more than 300kW (402 horsepower). It also comes with the Airmatic air suspension, which allows up to 40mm of level control for a very smooth ride quality, and rear-axle steering, too.

The dashboard is, of course, the MBUX Superscreen that sports a 10.25-inch driver’s display, and two 14-inch displays for the central infotainment and front passenger, all layered under a single slab of glass. Upholstery is nothing but the finest leather and various trim options available.

There are three different center consoles available, one with two wireless charging pads, cupholders, and easy access to the rear seats (for families), the second one offers a storage compartment in lieu of easy access, and the final one is for the VIPs with temperature-controlled storage compartments, UV disinfection, a fragrance cartridge system, and more grandeur trim options.

But of course, the highlight comes in the rear seats, which Mercedes-Benz calls the MBUX Rear Space Experience.

So first, this comes with multi-configurable individual seats and benches capable of seating up to eight people, but the Grand Comfort Seat comes with additional pillows, lumbar support, massage functionality, and a power-operated legrest. 

Those lucky passengers can also experience a retractable 31.3-inch panoramic display with an 8K resolution, split-screen functionality, and a built-in 8MP camera for the business moguls. If they don’t want that, there is also ambient lighting, a massive panoramic glass roof, and an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with 22 speakers and Dolby Atmos support.

Interestingly, the car allows all the rear seats and benches to be moved via the infotainment, with four defined modes for the Remote Variable Rear Space system, which is Baggage, Executive, People and Baggage, and Standard. You have795L of cargo with all three rows up, and if all the manual seats are removed, you can have up to a cavernous 4,078L of cargo space behind.

A long-wheelbase option is also available, but more final details will be revealed towards the vehicle’s final launch. One thing is for sure: the VLE is Mercedes-Benz’s entry in the hyper-competitive luxury van market, something that the Chinese and Philippine markets absolutely adore.

^{Photos from Mercedes-Benz}