Mercedes-Benz VLE: Electric people mover revealed, Australian timing unclear

The Mercedes-Benz VLE replaces the V-Class that’s been on sale since 2014, and will initially be available with the choice of two pure electric drivetrains.

Stylistically the VLE is bolder than the V-Class, especially at the front where the closed-off grille dominates the fascia, and can be had with an illuminated frame and illuminated slats to really stand out.

Along the side the lower section of the people mover has been blacked out, while at the rear the tail-lights form an arch that connects the two vertical thin vertical strips of LEDs with the spoiler at the top of the tailgate.

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Dubbed by its maker as a “Grand Limousine”, the VLE has been confirmed for Europe and the USA, marking the first time a Mercedes-Benz minivan will be sold Stateside. It will also be sold in China, where its more daring styling and EV drivetrains will help the three-pointed star compete in the luxury people mover sector brimming with local competitors, such as the Zeekr 009.

It might also be headed to Australia, with a local representative telling CarExpert, “The local launch timing in Australia is still to be defined and will be communicated at a later stage”.

Two drivetrains have been confirmed so far, the VLE300 Electric and VLE400 4Matic Electric, which possibly heralds the demise of the clumsy ‘with EQ Technology’ moniker currently used to denote 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 over 300kW to its name. The latter gains a motor for the rear axle that’s typically disconnected to improve efficiency, while also allowing it to complete the 0-100km/h dash in 6.5s.

Both variants use a 115kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, which provides a driving of range of 355km in the VLE300 Electric under the WLTP standard. In 2027 models featuring a cheaper 80kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery will join the range.

Thanks to its 800V electrical architecture, the VLE supports DC fast charging up to 300kW. Braked towing capacity is said to be 2500kg, while the turning circle can be reduced by two metres to 10.9m when fitted with rear-wheel steering.

According to Autocar there will be combustion-powered models, as well as commercial van variants, coming in the future.

Measuring 5309mm long, 1999mm wide, 1943mm tall, and riding on a 3342mm wheelbase, the standard wheelbase VLE is 154mm longer than the top-selling Kia Carnival.

Available later on will be an even more spacious long wheelbase model, which is distinguished by a noticeable gap between the front and rear doors, and that car is 5484mm long and has a 3517mm wheelbase.

Despite its size, the VLE’s drag coefficient is just 0.25, the same as the EQE SUV.

A large number of seating configurations are available, with capacity maxing out at eight people. Manually-adjusted seats can be removed entirely to boost cargo space from 795L to 4078L.

As the manually-adjusted seats have built-in wheels, they can be rolled to their storage location without breaking one’s back. Electric seats can be moved remotely either via the dashboard touchscreen or smartphone app.

Standard features include electric dual sliding doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, and velour floor mats. All VLE models include a 10.25-inch instrumentation display, and 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The options list is extensive and includes 20- and 22-inch alloy wheels, lift-up rear windscreen, a 14.0-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, air suspension that can drop the ride height by up to 40mm, a retractable 31.3-inch 8K rear screen with built-in webcam, and a panoramic glass roof that stretches all the way back from the B-pillar.

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