It will be a first for this category of luxury vehicle at Mercedes, which qualifies its family vans as “large limousines”.
High -end vehicle designed for versatility
The Vle will make its debut in 2026 and will be based on the new Van.ea (Van Electric Architecture) platform. Modular and scalable, it will allow a configuration ranging from family models to exclusive VIP shuttles.
The VLE will integrate advanced technologies such as thermal management and direction on the rear axle, for increased maneuverability despite its imposing format.
Typeing on European roads
Before its official arrival, the VLE was subjected to life-size tests: two prototypes traveled almost 1100 km from Stuttgart in Rome, crossing the Alps, the country roads and the city centers, all with only two 15-minute stops to recharge.
The cabin has retained a stable temperature of 22 ° C, even under 32 ° C Romans, proof that an efficient, efficient and optimized air conditioning system for electric vehicles is part.
A range that will widen with the VLS model
The Vle will not come alone: ​​the VLS, still not revealed, will complete the range. Mercedes promises that it “will define a unique segment, embodying the true size of automotive luxury”. Both models will be offered in Canada, the United States and China, for the first expanding worldwide access to this new generation of luxury electric vans.
Ready market for electrification of the format of the van
So far, Canadian families had to settle for a few hybrid options such as the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival, or the Chrysler Pacifica Phev. The Mercedes Vle will therefore fill this void by being halfway between family van and high-end electric limousine.
Original Auto123 content.
