Battery size: 115kWh
E-Rating™: A
Max charge rate: 315kW
WLTP Range: 397 miles (provisional)
Introduction – 2026 Mercedes VLE
Mercedes is positioning this new version of the EQV as the MPV equivalent of the EQE saloon and SUV models — 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
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 in 2026. 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 though. 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.
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.
Range, battery and charging
Compared with the old EQV, the VLE moves the game on massively in terms of battery tech, efficiency and charging speeds. The old EQV’s roughly 200-mile range felt underwhelming by modern standards. The VLE gets a 115kWh battery, with a provisional WLTP range of 397 miles — which is properly competitive.
Charging is also transformed. The EQV maxed out at 110kW DC charging. The VLE uses an 800V 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.
Practicality and boot space
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 up front 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.
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. I mean, that is proper van-like amounts of space, and I'm impressed that the VLE offers removable seats.
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. I'd rather use Cinema mode and just chill with a movie, though.
And while we're talking about practicality, it's worth mentioning that the VLE can tow up to 2,500kg if you go for the dual motor VLE 400, making this one of the best electric tow cars out there.
Interior, styling and technology
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.
I really like it, and I love sitting high up like this, but is there too much screen? I do wonder if this is all just a bit over the top. I will add that there's a mode to minimise the information shown on the screens and you can obviously dim them at night.
But maybe it's still just a bit extreme? Is there such a thing as too much screen? I think there might be. This is an impressive system, no doubt, but it can be a bit overwhelming and it definitely takes some getting used to.
Still, it's got all the features you expect including AI-assisted voice control, nav, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also games, intelligent charger search function and much more. Most importantly, there's an excellent massage function for the driver as well as the passengers if you go for a top-spec car. And Mercedes does some truly excellent massage seats.
Motors and performance
Like I said, I haven't driven it beyond a bit of a parking demo in a prototype, but all VLE models get air suspension as standard, which should mean a seriously comfortable ride. There’s also active rear-axle steering, which means that the rear wheels turn slightly to help shrink the turning circle to 10.9 metres – which is about a metre tighter than a Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
It makes the big Mercedes surprisingly manoeuvrable for such a big beast. I did get to play around with a prototype Mercedes VLE in a car park, and use the automatic parking system as well as experience the turning circle. It's seriously impressive, and really does make this barge of an MPV feel surprisingly easy to chuck about in a tight spot.
Now – you’ll need a lot of power for this amount of automotive real estate, won’t you? And you get it, of course. Mercedes is going to offer a VLE 300 and a VLE 400.
The 300 that I spent a bit of time with is front-wheel drive and comes with 272hp for 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, which I suspect will be just fine for real world stuff in the VLE. If you do want more punch, the 400 has dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and a combined output of 409hp.
Pricing and on sale date
The Mercedes VLE 300 and VLE 400 will launch with lots of trims and option choices, and all will be pretty lavishly equipped. We're yet to have finalised UK specs, but early German pricing suggests the VLE 300 will start from around €79,000, which is roughly £70,000.
That’s a lot, but a long-wheelbase ID.Buzz can push towards £66,000, which puts things into perspective given how much more lavish the VLE is.
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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