After marking an important milestone in electrification with its MMA platform (which earned the Mercedes CLA the Car of the Year title), Mercedes now returns to the luxury MPV market with the VLE.
This electric-powered heir to the V-Class and built in Vitoria is already on sale in Spain from €83,768.
A limousine disguised as a luxury MPV
The Mercedes VLE is the first vehicle produced on the new VAN.EA (Van Electric Architecture) platform, an architecture conceived essentially for electric propulsion, although the manufacturer has decided to also introduce hybrid versions from 2027.
Mercedes thus adapts to the current market uncertainties and the weak sales results of the EQV. The declared ambition of Mercedes is clear and demanding: to offer the comfort and driving experience typical of a sedan like the S‑Class, combined with the interior space of a large MPV.
Although the VLE is designed from scratch, it preserves the monolithic and restrained silhouette that characterized its predecessor, though it pays special attention to aerodynamics (Cx of 0.25). Esthetically, it stands out with a wide horizontal grille, accented by lighting on the upper variants, and crowned by a backlit band that separates the star-shaped daytime light blocks.
In the rear, a striking illuminated signature in the shape of an inverted U concentrates all the taillight functions. The wheels, depending on the finish level, range from 19 to 22 inches.
It is inside where the VLE displays its strongest argument. With a seating capacity of up to eight, the minivan is structured around two clearly differentiated proposals.
The first, more oriented toward professional and corporate use, offers removable rails for seats that allow converting the cabin into a cargo space with a volume between 795 and 4,078 liters. This arrangement was the preferred choice of transport and rental companies, which represented the vast majority of sales of the previous model.
The second option targets the VIP clientele and luxury VTCs: electric seats, controllable from the smartphone or central screen, and a huge 8K 31.3-inch panoramic screen deployable from the ceiling, designed for streaming, videoconferencing, or general entertainment.
From the driver’s seat, the MBUX Superscreen environment, the same as in the recent CLA, spans the full width of the dashboard with three displays managed by the MB.OS operating system with integrated artificial intelligence.
When it comes to dynamics, the VLE pleasantly surprises for its category. Despite its 5.31 meters long, the vehicle boasts a turning radius of just 10.90 meters, achieved thanks to rear-wheel steering able to turn up to 7 degrees. The air suspension is standard, and the assist cameras help with maneuvers in tight spaces.
This year, the Mercedes VLE will be marketed exclusively in electric form, with two variants: VLE 300 with 272 HP and VLE 400 4Matic with 415 HP, both with a 115 kWh lithium‑ion battery using NMC chemistry.
The front-wheel-drive VLE 300 promises up to 700 km of WLTP-range on average (and up to 892 km in urban cycles), while the 800 V architecture and 300 kW of power allow a 320 km recharge in just 15 minutes. The VLE 400 4Matic all‑wheel-drive with dual motors accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and can tow up to 2.5 tons.
In Spain, the VLE will have to compete with models as diverse as the Lexus LM or the D9 of Denza, an electric with range extender. Denza is BYD’s luxury brand, originally born from the BDNT joint venture between BYD and Daimler New Technology, which was 50% owned by BYD and Mercedes until the end of 2021, and now 100% BYD.
The initial Mercedes VLE range in Spain and its prices are as follows:
- VLE 300 83.768 €
- VLE 300 Comfort 6 Launch Edition 97.192 €
- VLE 300 EXCLUSIVE 6 Launch Edition 109.963 €
The first units will reach Spanish dealerships from October next month. In 2027, versions with an 80 kWh LFP battery will be added, a version that will be 18 cm longer to provide more interior space, as well as hybrid powertrains. Later, a luxury version named VLS could join the lineup, while the camper variant, under the historic name Marco Polo, is still under study.
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