The new Mercedes van transforms into a home cinema

Succeeding the V-Class, the latest generation of the Stuttgart firm’s large minivan 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 soon to be seen 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 technology and performance, the boundaries between these two worlds are starting to blur. It is a feat of designers: thanks to significant wind tunnel work, the aerodynamic coefficient competes with the best cars on the market. The clean lines manage to display a Cd of 0.25. This result serves efficiency, crucial for a vehicle powered by an electric motor.

The VLE features a new Van Architecture platform operating on 800 volts. A guarantee of comfort and performance for professionals, it reduces charging times. It would thus 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 a peak power of 300 kW, ensuring a transition from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes. In the base VLE 300 version, the battery powers a 203 kW (276 hp) motor located 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 part of the program. Its 305 kW (415 hp) power allows performance previously reserved for grand touring coupes: just 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 to the brand’s sedans and SUVs continues in the interior. The ambiance brings us closer to a specific model in terms of technology, materials, and perceived quality. The dashboard hosts a panoramic digital screen covering the width of the car. It consists of three screens: the 10.25-inch driver display, the multimedia system display, and the passenger display (14 inches for both). Access to functions follows the same logic as in sedans.

Like previous generations, the VLE offers many rear space configuration options. The shuttle version can accommodate 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. 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 option lives up to its name, combining with additional features: 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 narrow environments, the rear window now opens independently of the tailgate. Keen to offer a driving comfort close to that of an S-Class, the VLE may also benefit from pneumatic suspension with a 40 mm level control and rear steering wheels to improve maneuverability in the city. Mercedes announces a price of around 79,000 euros for its new electric van.