Mercedes-Benz VLE arrives to challenge luxury SUVs

Mercedes-Benz is trying something bold. The German automaker unveiled the VLE - an all-electric luxury van designed to carry up to eight people in total comfort. Many drivers choose large SUVs for their families, but Mercedes believes this new electric car can change their minds because this isn't a basic van for hauling cargo - it is a high-end people-carrier packed with screens, massage chairs, and technology usually found in flagship sedans.

The design of the VLE is surprisingly sleek for a large vehicle. It stands 6.316 ft tall and is nearly 7 ft wide. Engineers worked hard to make the body "slippery" so it cuts through the wind easily. It has a drag coefficient of 0.25, which is seriously low for a boxy van. This efficiency helps the VLE travel much further on a full charge. European customers will see different sizes, but the US market will only get the long-wheelbase version to ensure maximum interior space.

Under the floor we have a 115-kWh battery. This battery uses nickel-manganese-cobalt technology to provide a lot of energy. On the European testing cycle (WLTP), the Mercedes-Benz VLE can travel over 435 miles before needing to plug in. For American drivers using EPA standards, that range should still stay above 311 miles. Having this much range helps reduce range anxiety, a common concern for people switching to electric cars.

Charging the VLE is also very fast. It uses an 800V electrical system that allows it to charge at speeds up to 315 kW. If you are in a hurry, you can add 154 miles of range in just 10 minutes. A longer 15-minute stop adds 221 miles. To go from a nearly empty 10% battery to 80% takes about 25 minutes. If you use older 400V charging stations, you will need an optional converter to get the best speeds.

Mercedes offers two main power levels for the VLE. The base model, called the VLE 300, uses a single motor in the front producing 268 horsepower. It reaches 62 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph. For those who want more grip and speed, the VLE 400 4Matic adds a second motor in the back. This all-wheel-drive version delivers 409 horsepower and hits 62 mph in a much quicker 6.5 seconds. The rear motor can even turn itself off when not needed to save electricity.

Mercedes-Benz VLE

Every VLE comes with air suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle by 3.8 cm. It also features rear-wheel steering with the back wheels being able to turn up to 7 degrees, helping the van make very tight turns. In fact, its turning circle is only 35.8 ft, roughly the same as a compact hatchback, making it much easier to park or navigate through narrow city streets.

The interior is where the Mercedes-Benz VLE truly shines. The front of the cabin can have up to three screens: a 10.25-inch display for the driver and two 14-inch screens for the center and the passenger. In the back, passengers can watch movies on a giant 31.3-inch 8K fold-down screen. With a 22-speaker Burmester sound system, the van basically becomes a rolling movie theater. The software uses Google Maps and an AI assistant that can answer tricky questions, making the journey easier for the driver.

For those sitting in the back, the "Grand Comfort" seats offer a true luxury experience. These chairs include a massage function, special pillows, and a leg rest that extends electrically. You can even move the seats using a smartphone app or the main touch screen. Mercedes says moving the seats is so smooth it looks like a "ballet." With power-sliding doors and windows that roll down like a normal car, the VLE feels less like a commercial bus and more like a private jet on wheels.

The VLE will go on sale later this year, and although we don't have the official pricing yet, Mercedes confirmed during the launch that the base VLE 300 will start at around $92,500 in Germany. This suggests that the VLE 400 will be priced at around $105,000 before any options.

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