Presentation Mercedes VLE and VLS: Moving upmarket

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The results of strategic decisions in the automotive industry only become visible with a certain delay. A few years ago, Mercedes wanted to set itself apart with a luxury strategy, but last year the group distanced itself from it again. However, long-term development processes cannot be overturned so quickly, and so the V-Class is not only getting a new name but also a direction that focuses on particularly solvent customers. This is not without risk, but Mercedes is backing its plans quite solidly.

Grill Fest

The Van.ca platform is not only creating a van that can be equipped as a luxury model, but also a new generation of transporters. Similar to the GLC EQ, the new generation is intended to demonstrate unmistakable brand-conscious confidence, especially at the front. A huge grille, whose edge is also illuminated, underscores this claim. In the van, the rims measure between 19 and 22 inches; for the transporter, which has not yet been shown, Mercedes could switch to a format that makes tire changes less expensive.

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Mercedes VLE Exterieur (4 Bilder)

Flood of Screens

The cargo volume of the V-Class successor ranges from 795 to over 4000 liters. VLE and VLS can tow up to 2.5 tons. There is space for up to eight people, who can also sit on air-conditioned lounge seats for a considerable surcharge. Depending on the equipment, up to three screens with 10 to 14 inch diagonals and a head-up display are installed in the front. Similar to BMW in the 7 Series, Mercedes offers a fold-out display for the second row. It is a huge 31.3 inches and is said to have an 8K resolution. The screen can probably be split.

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Mercedes VLE Interieur (8 Bilder)

The standard starting model of the Mercedes VLE offers electric sliding doors with power windows – an unusual combination. For an extra charge, there are roller blinds on the rear windows and shading for the panoramic roof. A motorized tailgate and a separately opening rear window remain optional extras.

Initially with two e-drives

Two drives are initially planned for the start of sales in summer 2026. The preliminary base model VLE 300 with rear-wheel drive already has 200 kW, and the VLE 400 with all-wheel drive even has 305 kW. Consumption in WLTP is expected to be between 18.6 and 21 kWh. Mercedes promises a range of up to 700 km in the cycle. If that's not enough: From next year, the van will also be available with combustion engines.

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Mercedes VLE Poster (2 Bilder)

However, with 115 kWh of energy content, numerous application profiles should also be covered in this class. The maximum charging power of 300 kW is slightly below what Mercedes offers in the CLA EQ and GLC EQ. Mercedes relies on an 800-volt platform in all these models. It is to be expected that charging stops will not take too long. In practice, the small difference to the passenger car models is unlikely to be of significant relevance anyway, because on the one hand, the difference of 20 kW is not too large. On the other hand, charging stations with more than 300 kW are rare in Germany at the moment. 355 km of WLTP range should be recharged in 15 minutes.

Families not the focus

Mercedes has not yet announced prices, but given the aspirations being formulated here, a six-figure purchase price should be achievable without major problems. So, if happy-active-sporty-child-rich families are soon indicated again as the target group in pictures, this can safely be dismissed as a distraction from the marketing machinery. Because they play at best a minor role in the product planners' considerations. As before, the group is primarily targeting solvent business customers. The group's hope is that they will accept the expected pricing. Otherwise, the remnant of the luxury strategy will indeed have to move – downwards.

(mfz)