Mercedes-Benz VLE Breaks Cover, Claims 700 Km Range

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the much awaited VLE in its final production form at a live event in Stuttgart. The luxury electric MPV has been in the making for some time now, and is considered as the battery-powered equivalent of the V-Class. The VLE is the first model to be built on the new VAN.EA platform by Mercedes-Benz that will spawn a wide range of utility vehicles.

Based on the Vision V Concept which made its debut almost a year back, the new VLE is most likely to be slotted below the top-spec VLS which is likely to break covers later this year. The VLE will be offered in both standard and long-wheelbase models in addition to the higher trims including AMG Line, AMG Line Plus and Exclusive.

Mercedes-Benz VLE: Design

Although most of the design elements have been carried over from the Vision V Concept, the production-spec model dilutes the extravagant concept elements. Like the combustion-powered V-Class, the VLE has a long front overhang, a smooth roofline and a rounded rear that provides it a streamlined look. Aerodynamics are impressive with a drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd.

Up front, the VLE comes with an illuminated octagonal grille along with a LED strip connecting the headlights that house the signature star-shaped LED signatures. Depending on the choice of variant, the VLE will either flaunt a traditional standing three-pointed star on the bonnet or a centrally mounted emblem on the grille.

On the sides, the biggest takeaways are the electric sliding doors and alloy wheels with sizes varying between 19- and 22-inch. At the rear, a full-width light strip stretches across the tailgate, forming an inverted U-shaped design that integrates all the lighting functions. The VLE also retains practical elements from the Mercedes V-Class, such as a rear glass section that can be opened independently of the tailgate.

Mercedes-Benz VLE: Interiors & Features

Mercedes says that the VLE can seat between five and eight occupants, depending on the trim chosen.The rear seats can be removed completely, freeing up to 4,078 litres of luggage space. Interestingly, the seats are equipped with rollers, allowing them to be wheeled away instead of being carried once removed.

The VLE offers three types of rear seats: a manually adjustable Comfort Seat, an electrically adjustable Premium Comfort Seat, and the range-topping Grand Comfort Seat. The top-spec option adds features such as a pillow, wireless charging, lumbar support, and a massage function. For added convenience, rear passengers can also opt for folding tables.

As for features, the list is almost endless. The VLE receives the latest iteration of the MBUX Superscreen including a 10.25‑inch digital driver’s display, a 14‑inch central display, and a 14‑inch infotainment screen for the front passenger. To top it off there’s a large 31.3-inch 8K retractable display that folds away into the roof liner when not in use. Complementing the entertainment package is a 750-watt, 22-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system.

Other notable creature comforts on offer in the Mercedes-Benz VLE include over-the-air updates, panoramic glass roof, cold storage underneath the centre console, etc. Safety is taken care of by an ADAS package that comprises ten cameras, five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors.

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Mercedes-Benz VLE: Battery & Motor Specs

The VLE 300 is the entry-point to this range that gets a large 115 kWh NMC battery claiming to return a 700 km range (WLTP) on a single charge. This version of the VLE pushes out 272 bhp and employs an 800V electric architecture that can top up 320 km in just 15 minutes of DC fast charging. The next in line is the VLE 400 that gets an all-wheel drive setup producing 409 bhp. This version of the VLE can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.5 seconds.

Details of the higher variants will be revealed later. At the same time, Mercedes also plans to introduce smaller 80 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate batteries to the VLE at a later stage. To aid ride dynamics, the VLE comes equipped with air suspension and rear-axle steering that allows up to seven degrees of movement. This setup helps achieve a tight 10.9-metre turning circle, which Mercedes says is comparable to that of the CLA sedan.