Mercedes has shown off the first model to use its new high-tech VAN.EA electric commercial vehicle platform — the new VLE. Eventually, the systems under the skin of this new luxurious MPV will form the basis of all of Mercedes’ large EV commercial vehicles.
What is the VLE?
The VLE is a replacement for the existing electric EQV, itself a derivative of the V-Class and Viano. Whereas the EQV has always been somewhat limited by a relatively short 330km WLTP one-charge range, the VLE blows that out of the water with a massive claimed 700km from its 115hp nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery.
That figure is for the 217hp rear-wheel drive VLE 300. There will also be a more powerful 414hp two-motor VLE 400 4MATIC, but Mercedes has not issued official range figures for that car yet. Those two models will be joined later by more affordable versions, with less range, using a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery of 80kWh capacity. LFP batteries are more robust and less prone to degradation than NMC batteries, which could make them ideal for van fleet operators, even with the shorter range.
What else do we know about the VLE’s tech?
That big 115kWh battery has an 800-volt charging system allowing for up to 300kW of DC fast-charging power, meaning operators can add as much as 355 kilometres of extra range in just 15 minutes of charging.
Inside, it also includes Mercedes’ new MB.OS in-car software, which controls all the vehicle functions and the infotainment system. That infotainment is spread across two large screens as standard (one for the driver’s instruments), with a third passenger-side screen as an option.
There’s also a huge fold-down 31.3-inch 8K screen that folds out from the roof to turn the VLE into either a mobile cinema, a gaming station, or a conference room with video link.
On the mechanical front, there’s AIRMATIC air suspension (Mercedes claims this to be only one notch down from ‘floating’ when it comes to comfort) and a rear-wheel steering system that cuts the VLE’s turning circle to just 10.9 metres.
What about the practicalities?
The VLE’s cabin is very versatile, and you can set it up with seating for five, six, seven, or eight people. There are three rows of seats, with the rear two rows fully adjustable, allowing you to roll the seats right back for maximum legroom or move them forward for greater luggage capacity. That luggage capacity is a notional 795 litres with all three rows occupied, but it can be expanded to as much as 4,000 litres if you remove all of the rear seats — and they all have roller wheels built into the seat frame to make them easier to remove or install.
You can also choose from three rear seat types, culminating in the ultimate Grand Comfort Seat, which comes with a soft head pillow, a massage function, and an extending footrest.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz VLE is rated to tow up to 2,500kg on a braked trailer.