- Mercedes has taken the wraps off the fully electric VLE.
- It has a 115 kWh battery pack as well as up to 409 hp.
- Van offers private jet-style seats and 31.3-inch rear display.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new 2028 VLE, which is being billed as a “grand limousine.” Marketing hyperbole aside, it’s essentially a luxurious electric minivan that should appeal to everyone from families to executives when it goes on sale in the United States in 2027.
Looking sleek and modern, the model has a bold grille with an available illuminated surround. It’s flanked by starry lighting units and a power dome hood with a tri-star ornament. Customers can also opt for an AMG package that adds a sportier bumper as well as a revised grille with a star emblem in the center.
More: Mercedes Confirms Plans For Ultra-Luxury VLS Van
Moving down the sides, we can see streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by power sliding doors with fully retractable windows.
Designers also gave the van an expansive greenhouse and wheels ranging in sizes from 19- to 22-inches. Other highlights include a low drag coefficient of 0.25 and an upright rear end with arc‑shaped taillights that are integrated into the van’s spoiler. The model also has an opening rear window and an odd charging port that opens downward.
It’s pretty big too. The minivan measures 209.0 inches (5,309 mm) long, 78.7 inches (1,999 mm) wide, and 76.5 inches (1,943 mm) tall. The wheelbase spans 131.6 inches (3,342 mm). A longer version arriving later will stretch to 215.9 inches (5,484 mm) overall and ride on a 138.5-inch (3,517 mm) wheelbase.
For some perspective, the standard Cadillac Escalade measures 211.9 inches (5,382 mm) long with a 120.9-inch (3,071 mm) wheelbase, while the Chrysler Pacifica minivan is 204.3 inches (5,189 mm) long and rides on a 121.6-inch (3,089 mm) wheelbase.
Fancy Seats And Screens Galore
The interior is luxurious and high-tech as it offers an optional MBUX Superscreen, which consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. Customers can also get a rear entertainment system that has a 31.3-inch panoramic screen that deploys from the headliner. It echoes the one found in the BMW 7-Series and features 8K resolution, split-screen functionality, and an eight-megapixel camera for use with teleconferencing software.
Other highlights include a 22-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system and a Sky View panoramic fix glass roof with an ambient lighting surround. The van also has folding tables and an assortment of consoles that offer wireless smartphone chargers as well as heated/cooled compartments.
The VLE will be offered with six to eight seats as customers can get second- and third-row captain’s chairs, second-row captain’s chairs, and two rear benches. Mercedes is particularly proud about the seats and manually operated ones have four integrated wheels, which allow them to be moved effortlessly both inside and outside the vehicle.
Higher-end variants have power seats, which can be controlled by the infotainment system or a smartphone app. Mercedes said adjusting them is “almost like choreographing a ballet.”
Speaking of higher-end variants, the company offers Premium Comfort and Grand Comfort seats. The latter are worthy of a private jet as they have a foot rest, lumbar support, a massage function, a pillow, and a wireless phone charger.
Two Powertrains And 435 Miles Of Range
Mercedes only released a handful of powertrain details, but confirmed the first model out of the gate will be the VLE 300. It has a 115 kWh NMC battery pack and a front-mounted motor producing 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS). This setup promises a class-leading WLTP range in excess of 435 miles (700 km).
A VLE 400 4MATIC will follow with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 409 hp (305 kW / 415 PS). This will enable the van to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 6.4 seconds.
When the battery is low, owners will be thankful for the model’s 800-volt technology and 300+ kW DC fast charging capability. It allows the van to get up to 221 miles (355 km) of range in as little as 15 minutes.
Rounding out the highlights are an AirMatic air suspension and a rear-axle steering system, which enables the wheels to turn up to 7 degrees. This enables the VLE to have a turning circle of 35.75 feet (10.9 meters), which is comparable to the CLA.
The van will also have 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and five radar sensors. They provide information to the available MB.Drive Assist Pro system, which allows for hands-free operation in cities as well as on highways.
Mercedes has not revealed pricing yet. Still, considering the technology on board, the lavish interior, and its self-described “grand limousine” positioning, it is unlikely to land anywhere near the affordable end of the spectrum. Expect more details to surface closer to launch next year.
