Pros: multiple seating options, excellent ride comfort, long range
Cons: premium price tag, less desirable than an SUV, more passenger-oriented
Mercedes-Benz has a lot of experience in passenger comfort, and while most people instantly think of its larger saloons, in recent years its van-based V-Class has become one of the main players in the premium MPV market. Its fully electric replacement is called the VLE.
Mercedes-Benz VLE Design
At first glance, it appears to be little more than an evolution of the EQV it technically replaces. However, there is a lot more to the VLE's design, including softer lines that enhance its aerodynamic properties and a gently sloping roofline that flows into a distinctive wraparound light unit framing the tailgate.
At 5.3 metres long, it has plenty of road presence, and the exterior design is unmistakably Mercedes. The large grille is as much about decoration as function with this electric powertrain, and while it continues a trend seen on newer Mercedes models, it looks more in proportion on the VLE. The LED headlights include daytime running lights in the shape of a three-pointed star.
Other design details include electrically operated sliding doors with flush-fitting door handles and side windows that can be fully lowered - not something especially common in this segment. It rides on wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches in diameter, and the air suspension can be set to an ingress mode that lowers the vehicle to make it easier for passengers to get in or out.
Mercedes-Benz VLE Interior
Continuing the trend in its passenger cars, the VLE is equipped with Mercedes' Superscreen digital dashboard. Spanning the full width and capped with air vents on either side, it gives the appearance of a single piece. However, it is made up of a 10.25-inch instrument display and a central 14-inch touchscreen that runs the latest MB.OS infotainment system. Optionally, a second 14-inch display can be added in front of the passenger seat.
The rest of the cabin up front is made to the standards we have come to expect from the premium German marque, with open-pore wood inserts and plush leather upholstery available as options. Various centre consoles can be specified, including versions with two wireless charging pads or even a refrigerator.
But the VLE is more about those in the rear compartment. There, several seating configurations are possible, with standard models featuring six individual seats. Each has ISOFIX and can be manually moved or fully removed. More luxurious seats are also available and can be moved electrically along floor rails, but it is the Exclusive version that offers the most opulent interior, with ‘Grand Comfort‘ seats that provide an experience more akin to that of a private jet. Furthermore, a 31-inch widescreen display that retracts from the roof can be specified.
Despite all these high-end trappings, the VLE remains a versatile and practical vehicle, offering up to 795 litres of luggage space when all seats are in use, or up to 4,078 litres when configured as a van.
Mercedes-Benz VLE Performance & Drive
At launch, there will be two powertrains available, both utilising a 115kWh battery that provides an official range of more than 700km, depending on specification. The VLE 300 uses a 276hp motor driving the front wheels, and this is likely to be the most popular choice initially. The dual-motor VLE 400 4Matic will deliver 421hp and be the fastest version, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The most surprising aspect of driving the VLE is not the impressive powertrain, but how smoothly it glides along and how unlike a van it behaves on the road. Ride comfort is better on the 20-inch wheels, with sharper bumps less pronounced and cabin noise more subdued than in a VLE equipped with 22-inch rims. The difference is not night and day, but it is worth noting.
In urban settings, the rear-wheel steering makes the VLE much more manoeuvrable than you would expect, and its air suspension can be raised when needed. The steering is light but retains a sense of connection to the front wheels, and the energy recuperation can be set to a number of levels, including a strong setting that acts as an effective one-pedal driving mode. It is also reasonably energy-efficient given its size, though with a full set of passengers and luggage, that will suffer. Thankfully, charging at 300kW on DC is available for when you do need to top up the battery.
Mercedes-Benz VLE Pricing
Official pricing for the VLE has yet to be finalised ahead of its market introduction in 2027, but sources suggest that it will be similar to that of its predecessor, the EQV. Pricing will also vary depending on the specification grade.
Carzone Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz VLE sets a high standard for the van and MPV segment, not only for its decent driving range and efficiency, but also for how well it drives. Its polished on-road manners are good enough to shift opinions on what such vehicles can deliver.