Mercedes-Benz VLE punches into luxury van segment with next-level cabin and 700km range

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Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first model that will sit on the company’s scalable Van Architecture (VA) platform in the form of the luxurious VLE electric passenger MPV.

The VLE is set to launch later this year with a choice of a front-wheel drive VLE300 with a 203kW motor, or a VLE400 4MATIC with more than 300kW of power from dual motors.

It will replace the outgoing EQV as the flagship Benz-badged passenger-ferrying van. For now, only fully electric variants have been discussed.

Faster charging and improved efficiency improve road-tripping abilities

Both launch grades use nickel manganese cobalt battery packs with 115kWh usable capacity. Next year, two 80kWh lithium iron phosphate variants will join the VLE lineup.

No official word yet on whether or when the VLE will launch in Australia but the model’s presence on the local Mercedes-Benz website is a good sign it will be released locally.

Claimed range for the front-drive VLE300 will be more than 700km, based on efficiency of around 16.4kWh/100km — an enormous improvement of the EQV’s 326km (WLTP) range.

Mercedes-Benz chalks up the doubling of range to the VLE’s platform and drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd, with battery capacity only increased by 27 percent. Weight is up 95kg to 2720kg.

The VLE runs on an 800-volt electrical architecture with a 15-minute recharging session said to replenish around half the battery (or 355km) at an average charging speed of 230kW. 

Mercedes-Benz says that recharging pace means that a long-distance route of 1100km — akin to Brisbane to Canberra in Australia — will require just two 15-minute charging breaks.

Larger than EQV, with styling cues taken from Vision V concept

Dimensionally, the VLE has grown when compared with its predecessor. The new model measures 5309mm long, 1999mm wide and 1943mm high on a 3342mm wheelbase.

Outside, the styling of the VLE is toned down compared to the Vision V concept that foreshadowed the new model but some inspiration shines through.

The Vision V’s wraparound exterior light signature has been reduced to an upside-down ‘U’ concept but an available classic radiator grille with standing bonnet star made production.

Perhaps most elegant in Exclusive Line guise, the VLE will also be available in lower-end standard form or as an AMG Line vehicle. Wheel sizes measure 19- to 22-inches in diameter.

Under the skin, air suspension with 40mm of height adjustment joins available rear wheel steering, which reduces the turning circle to a CLA-like 10.9 metres, Mercedes claims.

Upgraded interior amps up luxe features to better compete with Chinese vans

Inside, ambient lighting runs from front to rear and there is a heavy emphasis on integration of cabin technology in the model Mercedes is dubbing its ‘Grand Limousine’.

That starts from the driver’s console where a latest-generation MBOS system powers MBUX Superscreen infotainment with twin 14-inch displays and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster.

Five to eight seats can be specified for the VLE, with the rear rows either appointed with bench seats or with individual seating — including a new top-end Grand Comfort package.

That option sees the second-row seats transformed with pillows, in-built massage, lumbar adjustment, calf support and wireless device charging.

It’s a play that sees the VLE level-up the brand’s attention to the luxury MPV segment in which Mercedes-Benz is increasingly having to compete with highly specified Chinese vans.

The cabin can be optioned with an MBUX Rear Space Experience pack that sees a retractable 31.3-inch 8K screen appear from the roof. A camera is included for video conferencing.

Audio is by way of a 22-speaker Burmester 3D stereo with Dolby Atmos capability.

Chauffeurs will appreciate the Remote Variable Rear Space system that can allow the power-deployable seating to be rearranged from a smartphone app.

Certain configurations of seating allow occupants to walk from the first row all the way to the rear. Both sides have power-sliding doors with fully retracting windows.

A power tailgate is optional. Boot space is said to measure 795 litres with all three rows in place or up to 4078 litres in two-seat mode — that is down on the EQV’s 4630L.