The new Mercedes Benz VLE is intended to replace the V-Class, which has been sold since 2014, and will initially be available with either two purely electric drives.
Stylistically, the VLE is bolder than the V-Class, particularly at the front where the closed grille dominates the instrument panel, and is available with an illuminated frame and slats to really stand out.
On the side, the lower part of the people mover has been blacked out, while at the rear, the taillights form an arc that connects the two thin vertical LED strips to the spoiler at the top of the tailgate.
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Dubbed the “Grand Limousine” by its manufacturer, the VLE has been confirmed for Europe and the US, marking the first sale of a Mercedes-Benz minivan in the US. It will also be sold in China, where its bolder design and electric powertrains will help the three-pointed star brand compete in a luxury people mover sector where there are many local competitors like the Zeekr 009.
It could also go to Australia if a local representative advises Daily Sparkz: “The local launch date in Australia has yet to be defined and will be communicated at a later date.”
Two powertrains have been confirmed so far: the VLE300 Electric and the VLE400 4Matic Electric, potentially signaling the end of the awkward “with EQ technology” moniker currently used for EV versions of the CLA, GLB and G-Class.
The VLE300 Electric has a 203kW electric motor driving the front wheels, while the VLE400 4Matic Electric has 300kW. The latter features a rear axle motor that is normally decoupled to improve efficiency, while also allowing it to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 6.5 seconds.
Both variants use a 115 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery (NMC), which enables a range of 355 km in the VLE300 Electric according to the WLTP standard. In 2027, models with a cheaper 80 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) will be added to the range.
Thanks to its 800V electrical architecture, the VLE supports DC fast charging of up to 300 kW. The braked trailer load is said to be 2500 kg, while the turning circle can be reduced by two meters to 10.9 m when equipped with rear wheel steering.
Accordingly Autocar In the future there will be models with combustion engines as well as commercial vehicle variants.
With a length of 5,309 mm, a width of 1,999 mm, a height of 1,943 mm and a wheelbase of 3,342 mm, the standard wheelbase VLE is 154 mm longer than the best-selling Kia Carnival.
At a later date there will be an even more spacious long wheelbase model, characterized by a noticeable gap between the front and rear doors. The car is 5484 mm long and has a wheelbase of 3517 mm.
Despite its size, the VLE’s drag coefficient is only 0.25 cd, the same as the EQE SUV.
Numerous seating configurations are available, with a maximum capacity of eight people. Manually adjustable seats can be completely removed to increase cargo space from 795 liters to 4078 liters.
Since the manually adjustable seats have built-in wheels, they can be rolled into their storage location without back pain. Power seats can be moved remotely using either the dashboard touchscreen or the smartphone app.
Standard features include electric dual sliding doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, and velor floor mats. All VLE models feature a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The options list is extensive and includes 20- and 22-inch alloy wheels, a flip-up rear window, a 14.0-inch touchscreen for the passenger, air suspension that can lower the ride height by up to 40mm, a 31.3-inch 8K retractable rear window with an integrated webcam and a panoramic glass roof that extends from the B-pillar to the rear.
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