Mercedes-Benz has again teased its new VLE electric MPV and confirmed it'll be arriving next year.
The VLE and sister VLS will be the first to use the German firm's new VAN.EA architecture. It's been designed specifically for the next generation of Mercedes vans and people-carriers, and even features rear-wheel steering.
The latest pictures show the VLE being tested from Stuttgart in Germany to Italy's capital city, Rome. Prototypes covered the 683-mile route, which traversed the Alps, with two short 15-minute charging stops. This suggests the production versions will have a range of between 250 to 300 miles – a healthy improvement on the current EQV's 226-mile range.
Mercedes is keeping tight-lipped about the newcomer's battery size, but it's more than likely to be larger than the current EQV's 90kWh pack. Bearing in mind Mercedes already fits batteries of up to 116kWh in size in the EQS limo, the new VLE could use similar hardware.
The VLE and VLS twins will be form a two-pronged attack on the people-carrier market when they arrive in 2026. The VLE will have up to eight seats and will be designed with families in mind, while the VLS will be aimed towards the VIP shuttle market, much like the current V-Class.
Speaking about the latest tests, Andreas Zygan, head of development for Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the long-distance route. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome – the Mercedes-Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture."
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