Following a lengthy teaser campaign featuring multiple teasers and spy shots, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its first all-electric luxury peoplemover, the Mercedes-Benz VLE.
Billed as a “grand limousine,” the new VLE has almost everything and anything that you expect to find in a luxury EV MPV, available in both long- (LWB) and short-wheelbase (SWB) versions with multiple trim levels.
GLC Electric-esque Design
At one glance, we can immediately see the similarities between the new VLE and Merc’s GLC EV, as the peoplemover sports a bold front grille design with LEDs surrounding it, full LED headlights with starry lighting signatures, and a tri-star hood ornament.
Moving down to the sides, the new VLE looks less boxy than your average luxury MPV, featuring a sleek side profile that provides a low drag coefficient of 0.25, flushed door handles, and two sliding doors. There are also multiple wheel options available for picking, with sizes ranging from 19 to 22 inches.
Things are kept rather simple at the rear, where the VLE rocks an upright tailgate design with arch-shaped LED taillights that are integrated into the van’s spoiler. For easier access to the cargo space, the whole rear windscreen can be opened entirely too.
Last but not least, buyers who desire a sportier look can spec their VLE with the optional AMG package that adds a sportier bumper design, a much bolder front grille with a star emblem in the centre, and many more.
Despite our immediate association of the VLE to the many Chinese luxury EV MPVs, this peoplemover is actually larger than most of them. The SWB version is already spanning 5,309 mm long, 1,999 mm wide, and 1,943 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,342 mm, while the upcoming LWB model will stretch to 5,484 mm in length and 3,517 in wheelbase.
Screen-Galore Interior, Multiple Seat Configurations
Inside, the new VLE goes down the same rabbit hole as other new Mercs, where it gets a screen-laden setup with the optional triple-display MBUX Superscreen.
It comprises a 14-inch main infotainment unit with wireless mobile connectivity, a smaller 10.25-inch digital metre cluster for drivers, and a third 14-inch display for the front passenger.
Rear passengers won’t be envying those seated at the front, as the VLE can also be opted with a dedicated rear entertainment system featuring a massive 31.3-inch panoramic screen. Not only does it have an 8K resolution, but this fold-down display also supports split-screen functionality while featuring a small camera so that you can use it to make conference video calls.
Other key highlights present in this luxurious peoplemover include a 22-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, a Sky View panoramic glass roof, intricate ambient lights, folding tables, wireless chargers, and more.
As for the seats, customers can get the VLE with six to eight seats with multiple configurations, including straight three-seat benches and the more exquisite captain-style chairs, with higher-end variants that can even be operated using your smartphones via a dedicated app.
Two Powertrain Options with Over 700 km Range
As of now, Mercedes has only confirmed two powertrain specs for the all-electric VLE, with the base spec VLE 300 set to become the first variant available for sale.
It features a single FWD motor rated at 272 hp (203 kW), while its large 115 kWh NMC battery pack is good for over 700 km of WLTP range, at least according to Merc.
There will be a peppier, dual-motor VLE 400 4Matic variant coming in the near future that will feature a combined system output of 409 hp (305 kW), enabling this electric behemoth to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) in just 6.4 seconds.
Mercedes also says that the VLE 400 4Matic is able to support over 300 kW of DC fast charging capability that can provide up to 355 km of range in just 15 minutes, thanks to the 800-volt high-voltage architecture it underpins.
To ensure this large peoplemover manoeuvre as smooth and effortless as possible, Mercedes-Benz has fitted the VLE with both its proprietary AirMatic air suspension system and rear-axle steering as standard, with the latter enabling it to have a turning circle of only 10.9 metres—which is comparable to the much smaller CLA.
