- Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the all-new electric VLE as its first Grand Limousine.
- The VLE 300 electric produces 203kW and offers more than 700km of WLTP range.
- A 310kW VLE 400 4Matic follows later this year, with LFP-battery models due next year.
Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the all-new electric VLE, pitching it as a "Grand Limousine" that blends MPV versatility with the comfort and driving manners of a luxury saloon.
The headline numbers are substantial. In VLE 300 electric form, Mercedes-Benz lists a 203kW front-mounted motor, a usable 115kWh NMC battery and more than 700km of WLTP range.
The brand says the VLE can add up to 355km of range in 15 minutes thanks to 800-volt technology and charging at more than 300kW where suitable infrastructure is available.
A higher-output VLE 400 4Matic electric is due to follow later this year with 310kW, all-wheel drive and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds. Mercedes-Benz also says two LFP-battery models will arrive next year with 80kWh of usable energy.
Eight seats, proper luggage room
The VLE is designed to carry up to eight people across three full-size rows.
Depending on specification, the 5309mm-long version offers almost 800 litres of luggage volume with three rows in place, or up to 4078 litres when the manually operated seats are removed. A longer 5484mm version is due in 2027.
Tech pushes it beyond van territory
Mercedes-Benz is leaning heavily on comfort and technology. The VLE can be equipped with Airmatic air suspension, rear-axle steering with up to seven degrees of steering angle, a 10.9m kerb-to-kerb turning circle, MB.OS software and MBUX rear-seat entertainment, including a retractable 79cm panoramic screen with 8K resolution.
Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed New Zealand launch timing, local specification or pricing. For now, the VLE lands as the brand's clearest answer to the question of what an electric luxury people-mover becomes when it stops trying to look like a van.
