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A big Mercedes MPV is never short of space. But the brand's previous large electric People Carriers have been short of driving range and technology. All that changes with this VLE. It resets the segment standard.
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Background
Mercedes aims to redefine what a big luxurious electric MPV should be with this VLE.
We're often told that 'space is the ultimate luxury' but at the wheel of a car from the market's largest, plushest category of big MPV, it often doesn't feel like it. That's because these models are nearly always plushed-up versions of mid-sized vans and for all the chrome and leather usually applied, their commercial roots usually don't take long to shine through.
Mercedes has long campaigned as the premium choice in the segment, first with the original V-Class of the Nineties (plagued by unreliability), then by its rather cheap-feeling Viano successor of the Noughties. Both models were based on the Vito van, as was the more recent generation V-Class of 2015, which spawned an all-electric model, the EQV, in 2020. Now you're up to date.
And ready for an all-new generation of large Mercedes People Carrier. The VL-series model in question is based around completely fresh platforms - VAN.CE for the combustion versions and VAN.EA for the all-electric VLE model we look at here.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 90000 | 100000 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 112 | 112 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 9.5 | 6.5 |
| Electric WLTP-Rated Driving Range (miles) | 435 | 435 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 5309 | 5309 |
| Width (mm) | 1999 | 1999 |
| Height (mm) | 1943 | 1943 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 795 | 4078 |
| Power (ps) | 268 | 409 |
Driving experience
You might find it a touch ironic that Mercedes has developed this VLE to be far more car-like to drive than its EQV predecessor, yet given it an all-new platform designated 'VAN.EA'. What's not in question is that the VLE is a far more usable MPV than the model it replaces, thanks to the huge 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery most models now use. In the case of the front-driven VLE 300 variant many will probably choose, that means a range figure of over 435 miles, more than double the distance the old EQV could go on a charge. There's 268bhp offer, so 62mph takes 9.5s en route to 112mph.
If that's not enough, then look to the top VLE 400 4MATIC, which gets a second motor - this one added to the rear axle - to boost power up to 409bhp. 0-62mph here takes just 6.5s. Urban or suburban users who don't need huge battery range or prodigious power might prefer instead to consult their dealer about the entry-level VLE 250, which has a smaller 80kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
Mercedes is keen to talk about the improvements in drive dynamics brought about by the new stiffer chassis, but what really matters in a big MPV like this is urban usability and ride comfort. To promote the former, there's a four-wheel steering system that enables the rear wheels to turn by up to 7-degrees and facilitates a turning circle tighter than a Volkswagen Golf. As for suspension, well a newly developed rear axle maximises ride quality and can work with an optional AIRMATIC air suspension set-up which is said to be 'S-Class-like' and can alter ride height by up to 40mm. It can also use map data to maintain its lowest setting in highway travel.
Across the line-up, towing capacity is up to 2.5-tonnes, so the VLE easily hauls caravans, boats or horse trailers.
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Design and build
This is about as far away as a big MPV gets from being a van without actually being fundamentally based on LCV. People Carriers in this segment are based on commercial vehicles because of their need to be boxy and squarical. The VLE is, but manages to be remarkably sleek at the same time, its 0.25Cd drag factor the same as a Nissan LEAF! More relevantly, it matches the sleek aerodynamics of what is claimed to be the executive segment's most wind-cheating estate, the Audi A6 Avant e-tron. And all of this despite the enormous bluff front illuminated grille that is now such a divisive feature of modern Mercedes design.
Like the old V-Class, this is a huge piece of Stuttgart real estate, 2-metres wide and nearly 2-metres tall and in standard length form 5.3-metres long. If that's not enough, you can talk to your dealer about the alternative long wheelbase version.
Look closer and the little aero tweaks become more obvious. Like the way the roof line falls away towards the rear end, where there's a three-sided light bar framing the massive tailgate (its edge a critical part of the aero package) with three-dimensional internal graphics inside. In profile, the curved rear side glass line aims to make the silhouette appear more car-like; and wheel sizes range from 19 to 22-inches.
An easier part of the design from which Mercedes set out to create a luxury limousine-style experience was the front of the cabin. The old V-Class never properly managed to disguise the fact that it was plushed-up Vito van; the VLE is very different. With a glossy dashboard integrating a 14.5 central touchscreen with a 10.25-inch instrument display, plus there's a further optional 14.5-inch passenger-side display. This 'MBUX Superscreen' set-up runs on the brand's latest MBUX interface. And the front seats are as plush and luxurious as you'll find in any E-Class or S-Class saloon.
What really matters with a big People Carrier like this though, is of course the way the space has been used further back. Various second and third row seating layouts are available - the VLE can come from the factory with anything from five to eight seats. Most models will be supplied in seven-seat form with a 2-2-3 layout, the second and third row chairs moving about on rails and rollers. As you'd hope, the second row can be swivelled around to face those at the rear, creating an impromptu boardroom. More luxurious course is the six-seater version which has two pairs of fully reclining, massaging and temperature-controlled individual seats in the back.
It probably won't feel quite as big inside as the old V-Class/EQV (thanks to the high floor and the smaller windows) but if that's an issue, there's the long wheelbase body shape to consider. The key new option for second row folk is a huge BMW i7-style 30-inch screen that retracts down from the ceiling and can display all kinds of content, from Netflix to a web browser. It has a built-in camera for video calls.
All seats can now be more easily removed from the vehicle thanks to four wheels on each chair, enabling them to be more easily wheeled into your garage when not in use. Out back, the tailgate is split into two pieces. Boot capacity varies greatly of course depending on body length and seat layout but Mercedes quotes a 4,078-litre capacity with the second and third rows removed. Even with all seats in place, there's 795-litres of space available, so you can fit in a carry-on suitcase head-on. But there's no under-bonnet 'frunk' for the charging leads.
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Market and model
Expect pricing for this VLE to start at around £90,000, but you'll probably have to budget around the £100,000 pound mark for the powertrain and spec you're likely to want. A selection of exterior design packages are available, including a base variant, sporty-looking 'AMG-Line' trim and a top luxurious 'Exclusive' model. Each has a slightly different exterior look. 'AMG-Line' variants have a large three-pointed star on the grille, while 'Exclusive' models mount their star upright on the bonnet and have a simpler grille insert. In the UK, most VLEs will be sold with seven seats - or in the more exclusive six-seat form.
Customers also have the option of different centre console designs between the front seats. These vary from a largely open arrangement right through to a wide-set console design with integrated fridges that can be accessed from both the front chairs and the second row seats. And you can add in a vast 'Sky View' panoramic glass roof framed by surround ambient lighting and supplied with an electric sunblind.
The other key option is the 'MBUX Rear Seat Experience' package, which gives you a retractable 31.3-inch screen hidden in the headliner above the front seats. This screen has 8K resolution, split-screen functionality and an eight-megapixel camera - perfect for enjoying films, music, videos and games - or joining video conferences. We'd want to look at the optional electric Grand Comfort seats, which have an additional pillow, plus wireless charging, lumbar support, a massage function and calf support. Other key options include AIRMATIC air suspension and four-wheel steering.
Obviously, there's a complete portfolio of camera safety features. 'Distance Assist DISTRONIC' adaptive cruise control comes as standard and the optional 'MB.DRIVE ASSIST' set-up adds semi-autonomous steering on motorways and a lane change assist system. Just flick the indicator and the car will change lanes for you.
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Cost of ownership
This Mercedes has switched to a more up-to-date 800V electrical infrastructure and the result is that VLE DC-charging speeds are in a completely different world compared to the old EQV, with a peak DC rate of 320kW from an 800V charger. The old EQV could only manage a feeble 110kW. With the VLE, this would see a 10 to 80% top-up needing around 25 minutes, with about 150 miles of range added in 10 minutes. An optional DC converter enables charging at 400-volt fast-charging stations. Thanks to the integrated reservation function for Mercedes-Benz charging stations as part of the brand's 'MB.CHARGE Public' package, a seamless and intuitive experience should be possible.
At home, connected up to a single-phase 7.4kW AC wallbox, you'll need 18 hours 30 minutes for a full charge if you've the big 115kWh battery fitted to the VLE 300 or VLE 400 models. You can reduce that to 12 hours 30 minutes if you're able to charge using a three-phase 11kW AC supply.
Mercedes says that this car is 'prepared' for V2G and bi-directional charging, so it can act as a battery or a 'storage solution' in integrated home systems using solar power.
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Summary
For all their plush packaging, the old V-Class and EQV models were never really credible alternatives to a big Mercedes SUV or estate. In the way this VL-era model can be. And in VLE all-electric form, it's the most car-like People Carrier the Stuttgart maker has ever delivered - a vastly more competitive proposition than the old EQV.
It will further help this VLE's cause that right now there aren't too many premium full-battery alternatives in this segment. Those set to follow have quite a benchmark to reach, with the relatively car-like dynamics, long driving range and fast charging stats of this Mercedes. And as a boardroom on the move for a harassed city-based CEO, it makes far more sense than an S-Class saloon. But does it make the same kind of boardroom statement? Of course not. It makes a different one. A statement perhaps far better suited to the times we live in.
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