This is the Mercedes VLE, and it's the first van-based Mercedes MPV to use the high-tech new VAN.EA platform, which will eventually go on to underpin all of Merc's commercial EVs, as well as a larger, even more luxurious VLS version.
What kind of performance are we talking about here?
Pretty impressive performance, actually. The outgoing EQV, based on the Mercedes V-Class, is an impressive machine, but it's always been a touch hamstrung by a truncated range - 330km on the WLTP claim, more like 220km in real life.
The VLE turns that script around. There's a new 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery under the floor, which isn't all that different in terms of energy capacity compared to the EQV, but thanks to the VLE's cutting-edge super-efficient electric motors, and the fact that it's far sleeker and more aerodynamic than the old model, the range is quoted at a whopping 700km for the rear-drive 271hp VLE 300 model. The VLE 400 4MATIC two-motor model won't quite go that far, but should still be impressive, not least thanks to its 414hp power output, although Mercedes hasn't issued a range figure for it yet.
Later on, there will be more affordable versions using an 80kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
What about charging?
As with all of Merc's latest battery tech, the VLE's pack is designed to use high-power 800-volt DC fast charging, which means you can run it at up to 300kW and add 355km of extra range in just 15 minutes. Mindful of the fact that not all chargers use 800 volts, Mercedes says that there will be an optional DC-to-DC converter so that the VLE can work with older 400-volt chargers too.
Can a van be truly luxurious?
Well, Mercedes is certainly claiming that it can be, saying that the VLE could be a viable alternative to an E-Class saloon for those who need more space or more passenger carrying capacity. There's Airmatic air suspension, which Mercedes claims is so good at isolating the VLE's ride that: "Only floating would be smoother.” Those air springs also mean that the VLE can be raised or lowered by 40mm to make it easier to get in and out. The cabin also benefits from the latest Mercedes interior design setup, so there's not much in the way of cheap, rugged 'van plastic' here.
How much space is there?
Loads, the VLE is a van after all. There are three seating rows, which give you seats for between five and eight people, depending on how you've set the car up. All of the back seats can be fully removed, and even come with little roller wheels so that they're easy to move around outside the vehicle. You can choose from three different types of rear seats: Comfort (which is a standard manually adjustable seat), Premium Comfort (electric adjustments) and the ultimate Grand Comfort Seat, which gets an additional pillow, wireless charging, lumbar support with a massage function, and a Lay-Z-Boy-style leg rest.
There's a special three-way climate control system so that the VLE's cabin stays warm or cool no matter where you are, and of course, electric sliding side doors for easy access.
With all seats in place, the luggage space stretches to a massive 795 litres, depending on how you have the seats configured, and if you take them all out, there's a huge 4,078 litres of space. Oh, and the VLE can tow up to 2.5 tonnes on a braked trailer.
What about the tech?
Up front, there's a full-width digital dash that comes with as many as three screens - like that of the CLA saloon -, and it's running the latest MB.OS software, which we've tried and which is very slick and satisfying indeed. Thankfully, Mercedes has left a small smattering of physical shortcut buttons on the dash too. There's even an optional retractable, 31.3‑inch panoramic screen in the back with a split-screen function. Just by saying "Hey Mercedes, start the cinema experience”, the screen glides out of its compartment while, at the same time, the window blinds close, transforming the VLE into your own mobile movie theatre thanks to built-in apps such as Disney+. Or it could be a gaming hub. Or, more prosaically, the ultimate Zoom call flex.
If you want the ultimate in stereos, there's an optional 22-speaker Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos.
The big screens up front come with built-in Google Maps, and you can also add in the AI voice assistant of your choice, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Bing.
On the more mechanical side of things, there's also a very handy rear-wheel steering system which deflects the rear wheels by up to seven degrees, and which cuts the VLE's turning circle to just 10.9 metres.
When can I have one?
The VLE will be on sale later this year.