Mercedes VLE: you could replace your luxury SUV with this new electric van
Car changing is a big deal
The Mercedes VLE replaces the EQV and promises to be just as luxurious as any limo
This is the new Mercedes VLE – the latest EV from the German brand and something a bit different to the existing EQ range. While the EQS, EQE, EQB, CLA Electric and others are all saloons or SUVs, the VLE is a fully electric MPV. And far from being just another van-with-batteries, it’s actually really interesting.
You see, while luxury cars in Europe are typically large, imposing saloons, in other countries, the great and the powerful are ferried around in super-plush vans and people-carriers instead. It’s easy to see the appeal, with their boxy shapes capable of containing not just business-class seating but providing a great view out and the space to properly stretch in all directions.
Indeed, the VLE will likely be very popular in China where electric MPVs are increasingly popular. But don’t discount it as an intriguing option for the UK just yet. Here are some really cool features of the new Mercedes VLE.
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1. It’s a seriously up-to-date EV
Many electric vans and people carriers struggle with small batteries and rubbish ranges, as they’re usually based on a diesel model that’s been quite hurriedly converted. Even dedicated models such as the Volkswagen ID Buzz struggle to match the utility of a combustion-engined alternative.
Well, the VLE uses a new set of electric components that’ll go on to underpin not just van-shaped people-carriers, but proper vans too – including the electric replacement for the Mercedes Vito. That means it gets a mammoth 115kWh battery giving up to 435 miles of range, 153 miles more than the best Volkswagen ID Buzz can manage. It also charges super-fast, adding 199 miles of range in just 15 minutes from a suitably powerful charger.
2. There’s loads of choice
Let’s start at the front, where your trim level dictates what kind of grille you get. Lower-spec and AMG Line models will have a grille with horizontal ‘slats’ and a three-pointed star emblem in the middle, but the top-spec car gets a much more traditional affair with Mercedes’ classic upright bonnet emblem. Some of the options are also illuminated.
Then there’s the seats – you can have six-, seven-, or eight-seater layouts, including a super-luxurious version with ‘Grand Comfort’ seats in the middle row. These get a footrest, massaging functions and extra pillows for a real business-class feel. Trim levels also range from the sensible to the ridiculous, which brings us on to…
3. It’s loaded with tech
The real headline feature for rear occupants is the optional display screen. Forget little tablet-style displays on the seatbacks – the VLE gets the option of a colossal 31.3-inch cinema display that pops down from the ceiling. It’s controlled by mini tablets that pop out the back of the front seats, and can even be split-screened so one passenger can be watching Love Island while the other takes a Teams call (courtesy of the onboard camera).
Occupants up front aren’t left out either, with a vast slab of dashboard containing three massive screens – one for driver information, one for infotainment and another to keep the passenger occupied. It also runs Mercedes’ latest software, with AI integration and augmented-reality nav. Plus, other nice-to-have features have trickled down from other Mercedes EVs, such as air suspension and four-wheel steering.
4. It’s crazy spacious
You’d hope for this from a van, of course, but you can best understand the advantages this has over a luxury saloon by sitting in them back to back. Something like an S-Class is, of course, extremely comfortable, but you’re limited by the car’s low roofline and fixed seats.
No such drama in the VLE. An S-Class may be able to recline its seats by a few degrees – in the VLE they can go almost flat, with a pop-up footrest giving your legs some support. If you want to put your feet up in an S-Class, you’ll have to scootch the front passenger seat all the way forward, unlike in the VLE. Then there’s the airiness and view out of those massive windows. Plus, the VLE has the option to take more passengers than any luxury car (except a stretch limo).
5. It’s just the start
The ‘E’ in VLE signifies that it’s aligned with Mercedes’ mid-range E-Class – an even more luxurious ‘VLS’ will arrive soon. Not only that, but a whole raft of luxurious vans and MPVs could hit the UK before too long from other manufacturers, too.
Not only is there the existing (hybrid-powered) Lexus LM, but the Xpeng X9, Zeekr 009 and Denza D9 are all pipped to come to the UK before too long. Even LEVC, better-known for the London black cab, builds a range of people-carriers for China.
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Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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