Mercedes-Benz is bidding to set a new standard for luxurious motoring with the launch of the high-tech, high-end all-electric Mercedes-Benz VLE people-mover.
An ambitious successor to both the V-Class and EQV, while the new VLE is still built to van-like dimensions, it has been specially curated into what Mercedes believes is the ultimate luxury car.
Indeed, despite previous generations having humble commercial vehicle origins, the V-Class passenger version and its electric equivalent, the EQV, were still popular crossover hits for those seeking an upmarket experience blended with unrivalled interior space.
It’s a combination Mercedes-Benz have run with in designing the VLE, which has been launched as a standalone model this time with its own dedicated electric platform, known as VAN.EA. The new Vito van, which will launch later, is built on a so-called VAN.CA platform.
As such, the VLE is this time more related to Mercedes’ passenger car offerings, which goes a long way to explaining its striking new look, which is surprisingly svelte for a model with van-like proportions.
Fronted by a tall, bold grille topped by the unmistakable three-pointed star motif, it leads into a carefully crafted roofline that has been maximised for aerodynamic efficiency without affecting interior space.
In fact, the VLE boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25, which makes it just as aerodynamic as a Nissan LEAF or a Porsche Macan Electric.
The smooth design isn’t just for aesthetic purposes, either. Indeed, it does wonders for the VLE’s general efficiency and helps contribute to its impressive official range figures of 434-miles.
The VLE’s frugality can also be attributed to its whopping 115kWh battery, known as VLE300, which also generates 262bhp and will hit 0-62mph in 9.5secs.
A smaller 80kWh battery on a model known as VLE250 will arrive in due course, as will a dual-motor VLE400, which will pack 409bhp and hit 0-62mph in 6.5secs.
Mercedes VLE’s Luxurious Interior
As impressive as the stylish design and state-of-the-art electric platform is, however, it is the VLE’s lavishly spacious interior that stands out as its primary selling point.
Developing the VLE on its own dedicated platform has afforded Mercedes-Benz to be more creative with the interior design, layout and technology.
The VLE comes as a standard seven-seater with a 2-2-3 layout, with adjustable seating on second and third rows, while the middle row can be swivelled round or removed entirely.
More sumptuous six-seater variants, however, offer a genuine lap of luxury with full reclining, massaging and temperature-controlled perches, while they are also electrically powered.
Retractable 30-inch screens are available to passengers in the rear seats, while businesspeople will appreciate the integrated camera that can beam video calls straight into the cabin. Other relaxing features include seating controls for each chair located on their own dedicated arm-rest panel and an airy full-length glass roof.
While the VLE is geared towards those who like to be driven, things up front are still very plush for the driver.
Gaining a similar dashboard design to the recently revealed updated S-Class, the VLE is considerably more tech-laden than before with a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch driver’s display. Passengers can even be catered for their own 14.5-inch touchscreen ahead of the seat.
As well as being spaciously laid-outs, the VLE gets myriad ambient lighting options to set the mood.
The Mercedes-Benz VLE is due to arrive in Vertu Mercedes-Benz dealerships later in the year, with orders beginning in the summer.
- Mercedes
- Electric
- New Cars