Battery size: 115kWh
E-Rating™: A
Max charge rate: 315kW
WLTP Range: 397 miles (provisional)
Introduction
Mercedes is positioning this as the MPV equivalent of the EQE saloon and SUV — smooth, refined, tech-heavy and built to cover huge distances in comfort. It’s aimed squarely at big families, executive shuttle services and premium taxi operators who want space, luxury and zero-emissions driving in one package.
Exterior design
The VLE is effectively the production version of the Vision V concept, and it’s the first model to use Mercedes’ new VAN.EA electric architecture. UK sales are expected to start later this year. Above this, Mercedes is planning an even more luxurious VLS, described as a ‘grand limousine’. And this platform isn’t just for posh people carriers — it’ll also underpin future electric versions of the Vito and Sprinter.
It’s huge. At 5.3 metres long and two metres wide, it’s larger than both the Kia PV5 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz. And if that’s still not big enough, a long-wheelbase version is coming that will add another 175mm in length.
Despite the size, it’s impressively slippery through the air. Mercedes claims a drag coefficient of 0.25, which is actually better than a Volkswagen ID.3’s 0.26. That’s thanks to details like air curtains in the front bumper, tightly sealed panel joins and sculpted bonnet power domes.
There are some really practical touches too. The sliding doors get fully opening windows, which is rare, and even the rear window opens independently – handy when you don’t want to lift that enormous tailgate. The tailgate itself is, of course, powered.
At the back, there’s a huge inverted U-shaped light signature that makes the VLE instantly recognisable, and it’s not just for show. The lighting is built into the rear spoiler to help manage airflow.
Battery, range and charging
Compared with the old EQV, the VLE moves the game on massively. The EQV’s 90kWh battery and roughly 200-mile range felt a bit underwhelming by modern standards. The VLE gets a 115kWh battery, with a provisional WLTP range of up to 397 miles — which is properly competitive.
Charging is also transformed. The EQV maxed out at 110kW DC charging. The VLE uses an 800-volt electrical system and can charge at up to 315kW. Mercedes says that could mean adding around 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes on a powerful enough charger. AC charging also improves, jumping from 11kW to 22kW.
There will be two main power options in the VLE line-up. The VLE 300 uses a front-wheel-drive setup with 272hp, while the VLE 400 adds all-wheel drive and boosts total output to a combined 409hp.
Interior design and practicality
If you’re expecting a van with a few leather seats thrown in, think again. Mercedes has clearly spent a lot of time making the most of the space. From the driver’s seat, it feels more like a luxury office than a van. The big talking point is the Superscreen dashboard — effectively three displays blended into one huge panel that appears to float across the dash, with air vents subtly integrated into the design.
The infotainment system is heavily screen-based, with relatively few physical buttons, and, as you’d expect from Mercedes, there’s ambient lighting everywhere, with customisable colours and themes. The driving position is commanding, visibility is excellent and it feels far more car-like than van-like.
But the real story is in the back. The seats are completely new and can be reconfigured electronically. If you spec powered seats, you can even adjust layouts via the Mercedes smartphone app.
There are four preset seating modes to choose from. Baggage mode moves all the seats forward to maximise cargo capacity, while Executive mode slides them back to create as much rear legroom as possible. People & Baggage mode strikes a balance between passenger comfort and luggage space, and Standard mode returns everything to the default layout. Boot space is impressive too, with 795 litres available when the powered seats are installed, and up to 4,078 litres if the seats are removed completely.
At the top end, you can get Mercedes’ Grand Comfort seats, with massage, calf support, pillow headrests and wireless charging. And then there’s the showstopper: a 31-inch 8K screen hidden in the roof lining, complete with an 8MP camera for video calls. So yes, you can technically join your Teams meeting from the back seat.
Chassis and driving
All VLE models get air suspension as standard, which should mean a seriously comfortable ride. There’s also active rear-axle steering, helping shrink the turning circle to 10.9 metres, about a metre tighter than an ID. Buzz. The rear wheels can turn up to seven degrees, and the steering ratio is quicker than the EQV, so it should feel surprisingly manageable for something this big.
We’ll be able to deliver a comprehensive verdict on the VLE’s driving dynamics when we’ve driven it in the UK later this year.
Range and line-up
The VLE will launch with two main models, VLE 300 and VLE 400, with lots of trim and option choices. Early German pricing suggests the VLE 300 will start from around €79,000, which is roughly just under £70,000. That’s a lot, but a long-wheelbase ID. Buzz can push towards £66,000, which puts things into perspective.
Verdict
The VLE feels like a huge step forward over the EQV. It’s more efficient, more advanced and vastly more luxurious. It also feels like Mercedes is finally hitting its stride with electric vehicles.
And honestly? If someone offered me a lift back to the UK in one, I wouldn’t be saying no.
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