The new Mercedes van turns into a home cinema

Succeeding the V-Class, the latest generation of the large minivan from the Stuttgart firm can accommodate a giant screen in the rear seats.

With its large octagonal grille cutting the face and the shape of its lights, the latest Mercedes van really looks like the electric GLC already on our roads. This is not the only similarity between the new 5.30-meter-long van and the world of passenger cars. Both in terms of technologies and performance, the boundaries between these two worlds are starting to blur. It’s a design feat: thanks to significant wind tunnel work, the aerodynamic coefficient competes with the best cars on the market. The clean lines succeed in displaying a Cx of 0.25. This result serves efficiency, crucial for a vehicle powered by an electric motor.

The VLE is based on a new Van Architecture platform operating at 800 volts. A guarantee of comfort and performance for professionals, it reduces charging times. It would be possible to recover up to 355 kilometers of range in 15 minutes on the 115 kWh NMC (nickel, manganese, and cobalt) battery. The system allows for a power peak of 300 kW, ensuring a 10 to 80% charge in 25 minutes. In the base VLE 300 version, the battery powers a 203 kW (276 hp) motor placed at the front. With a consumption of around 18.6 kWh per 100 km according to the official WLTP standard, the manufacturer claims a range of 700 km. A VLE 400 4Matic all-wheel-drive version is also available. Its 305 kW (415 hp) power allows for performance previously reserved for grand touring coupes: only 6.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. In the course of 2027, two other versions with an 80 kWh LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery will follow. The proximity with the brand’s sedans and SUVs continues in the interior. The atmosphere brings us closer to a specific model in terms of technologies, materials, and perceived quality. The dashboard features a panoramic digital display covering the width of the vehicle. It consists of three screens: the driver’s 10.25-inch screen, the multimedia system screen, and the passenger’s screen (14 inches for both). Access to functions follows the same logical form as in sedans.

Like previous generations, the VLE offers numerous rear space layout possibilities. The shuttle version accommodates up to eight seats. The standard configuration follows the 2 + 2 + 3 architecture. In this case, the standard electric sliding rear doors open to two individual seats. The engineers have planned numerous configurations, from five to eight seats arranged in multiple ways. This space can accommodate three types of individual seats: Comfort with manual adjustment, Premium Comfort or Grand Comfort with electric adjustment. This last one lives up to its name, combining with additional equipment: a cushion, a wireless charger, lumbar support with massage function, and calf support. A champion of versatility, the VLE also has modular seats that, once removed, can be easily stored in the garage thanks to their integrated wheels. To maintain high functionality in tight environments, the rear window now opens independently of the tailgate. Mindful of offering a driving comfort close to an S-Class, the VLE can also benefit from pneumatic suspension with 40 mm level control and rear-axle steering wheels to improve handling in the city. Mercedes announces a price around 79,000 euros for its new electric van.