New Delhi: Luxury marque Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday revealed the all-electric VLE van, springing out from the Vision V concept. The VLE will sit below the range-topping VLS, likely to debut in the latter part of this year. Both standard and long-wheelbase models will be offered, and in addition to the standard VLE, buyers can pick between AMG Line, AMG Line Plus and Exclusive versions as well.

The VLE is the first model based on Mercedes’ new VAN.EA platform, which will be based on the brand’s future electric MPVs, including the VLS. The first trim will be the VLE 300, making 276 bhp, and comes with a claimed range of 700 km on the WLTP cycle. It uses a large 115 kWh NMC battery and runs on an 800V electrical architecture, which gives a 320 km range top-up in just 15 minutes. 

There is also the VLE 400, coming with an all-wheel drive setup, making 415 bhp and doing a 0-100 kph in 6.5 seconds. Models with smaller 80 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are likely to arrive later, with combustion-run versions based on the VAN.CA platform will also be joining the lineup down the road.

Mercedes VLE comes with a capable battery

The van also comes with air suspension and rear-axle steering with up to seven degrees of movement, helping it have a tight turning radius of 10.9 m, which Mercedes has said is comparable to the CLA saloon.

Mercedes VLE exterior and interior

On the outside, Mercedes-Benz VLE comes with a very sleek, aerodynamic shape, with an excellent slippery drag coefficient of 0.25Cd. The van also comes with a front overhang, a smooth roofline and a rounded rear, making it look quite streamlined. At the front, there’s a massive grille with an illuminated frame, which depends on the trim.

A light strip connects the headlights, and the DRLs use star-shaped elements. Buyers get an option between a traditional standing three-pointed star on the bonnet or the centrally mounted emblem on the grille. It also comes with electric sliding doors on both sides, and these doors come with power windows as well. It comes with a 19.22-inch wheel option as well. 

Mercedes VLE exterior design

The back gets a full-width light strip running across the tailgate, forming an inverted U-shape and housing all the lighting functions. The VLE retains some practical features that are there on the V-Class as well, which include a separating opening back glass.

The VLE can seat five to eight occupants, depending on the setup opted for. The back seats are removed completely to make for a 4,078 litres of luggage carrying capacity. The seats are fitted with rollers, which allow them to be wheeled around in place of being carried around.

At the back, Mercedes will have the option of three types of seats, which will be a manually adjustable Comfort Seat, an electrically adjustable Premium Comfort Seat and a Grand Comfort Seat. The latter top-spec version adds a pillow, lumbar support, massage function and wireless charger. 

Mercedes VLE luxurious interior

The rear passenger can also get folding tables for more convenience. Another option for buyers is three-seat benches at the back, which can be manually or electrically adjusted. 

There is a large 31.3-inch 8K retractable display that folds away into the roof liner when not in use, while the dashboard features the Superscreen, mixing a 10.25-inch driver’s display, 14-inch touchscreen and 14-inch passenger screen across the width of the cabin. The VLE will also come with over-the-air updates and a 750-watt, 22-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, and a panoramic glass roof.

Mercedes VLE is loaded with features

The centre console includes a compartment that can keep beverages warm or cold and even gets UV disinfection, while the electric seats can be adjusted through the touchscreen or a smartphone app. For safety and driver assistance, the VLE used 10 cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Mercedes-Benz haven’t given a date on when the VLE will come to the Indian shores.