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Mercedes-Benz Vans is preparing for a new era with the all-electric VLE, set to launch in 2026. This versatile vehicle, offering up to eight seats, is designed to serve a wide range of customers, from active families to exclusive VIP shuttle services. As part of its extensive development program, prototypes of the VLE have recently passed significant milestones, proving their uncompromising efficiency across multiple demanding tests.
Key Highlights
- The all-electric Mercedes-Benz VLE is scheduled to launch in 2026.
- Prototypes successfully completed aerodynamic, high-speed, and long-range testing.
- The VLE design achieved an impressive drag coefficient in wind tunnel tests.
- A test journey from Stuttgart to Rome (nearly 1,100 km) was completed with only two short charging stops.
- The VLE will be the first model built on a new, modular van architecture.
Proof of Aerodynamics in Wind Tunnel
In rigorous tests conducted at the Mercedes-Benz wind tunnel in Stuttgart, VLE prototypes demonstrated exceptional aerodynamic performance. The vehicle’s exterior design, featuring a tautly stretched roofline that flows into a smoothly rounded rear, proved highly effective. Despite being heavily camouflaged to obscure the final streamlined silhouette, the prototypes achieved an impressive drag coefficient, confirming the efficiency of the underlying design. These results are a crucial step in maximizing the vehicle’s all-electric range and performance.
High-Speed Drives at Test Track
To further refine the vehicle’s performance, Mercedes-Benz experts took VLE prototypes to the test track in Nardò, Southern Italy. During these high-speed drives, engineers focused on fine-tuning efficiency under extremely dynamic handling conditions. The primary objectives were to optimize the settings of the electric drivetrain, enhance recuperation processes, and improve thermal management. Additionally, the team assessed the impact of rear axle steering on overall vehicle handling, ensuring the VLE combines limousine-like driving behavior with the versatility of an MPV.
Long-Range Journey Demonstration
Showcasing its real-world capabilities, a Mercedes-Benz VLE prototype successfully completed a long-range journey from Stuttgart, Germany, to Rome, Italy. The vehicle traveled almost 1,100 kilometers with only two short charging stops of 15 minutes each. This demanding trip was designed to demonstrate the VLE’s suitability for daily use and extended travel across different road types and conditions, proving its practicality for families and leisure enthusiasts.
Ushering in a New Era
Beginning in 2026, the VLE will be the first model based on a newly developed, modular, and scalable van architecture, signaling a new direction for Mercedes-Benz Vans. This innovative platform allows for a clear differentiation between privately positioned “Grand Limousines” and commercial transporters. The VLE, with its flexible seating for up to eight, will cater to families, leisure customers, and exclusive VIP shuttles. It will be joined by the Mercedes-Benz VLS, which is set to expand the brand’s MPV portfolio into the top-end segment.
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