Mercedes-Benz has opened orders for the 310 kW (416 hp) VLE 400 4MATIC electric, the all-wheel-drive version of its electric Grand Limousine, priced from €66,310.08 (about $77,100) excluding VAT in Germany. The expansion of the Mercedes-Benz VLE lineup also introduces lower-priced entry-level configurations of the VLE 300 electric, a fourth equipment package, and a shift of several previously standard features to the options list. With a choice of five to eight seats, the company says buyers can now configure the van more precisely to their needs.
Highlights
- VLE 400 4MATIC electric: 310 kW, 115 kWh usable battery, up to 406 miles (654 km) WLTP range, 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds
- Towing: up to 5,512 lbs (2.5 tonnes), with a 220-lb (100 kg) towbar load for e-bike carriers
- VLE 300 electric entry price: €59,441.50 (about $69,100) excluding VAT for the five-seater
- Leasing: monthly payments from €529.29 (about $615) excluding VAT for the VLE 300
Top-of-the-Range Powertrain With All-Wheel Drive
The VLE 400 4MATIC electric is the most powerful variant in the range. It adds a second electric motor on the rear axle to the front-drive setup used in the VLE 300, for a combined 310 kW. According to Mercedes-Benz, the 115 kWh usable battery delivers a WLTP range of up to 406 miles (654 km), and the van accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz positions all-wheel drive as a traction and handling benefit in difficult road and weather conditions, broadening the VLE’s use cases across travel, everyday driving, and professional shuttle service. The company lists provisional combined energy consumption for the VLE 400 4MATIC at 21.7–20 kWh/100 km, against 20.7–18.4 kWh/100 km for the VLE 300 electric.
The VLE 400 4MATIC can tow up to 5,512 lbs (2.5 tonnes), which the company says suits caravans, boat trailers, and horse trailers. The 220-lb (100 kg) towbar load allows e-bikes to be carried on a suitable rack. ESP trailer stabilization and Trailer Maneuvering Assist are included to ease handling with a trailer attached.
How Much Does the Mercedes-Benz VLE Cost?
Mercedes-Benz published German pricing for both powertrains in five- and six-seat configurations. All figures exclude delivery costs; VAT is 19 percent. Lease figures are based on a 10 percent special payment, a 48-month term, and 60,000 km total mileage.
| Variant | Price excl. VAT | Price incl. VAT | Lease/month excl. VAT | Lease/month incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLE 300 electric, 5 seats | €59,441.50 (~$69,100) | €70,735.39 (~$82,250) | €529.29 (~$615) | €629.86 (~$732) |
| VLE 300 electric, 6 seats | €59,821.50 (~$69,560) | €71,187.59 (~$82,780) | Not stated | Not stated |
| VLE 400 4MATIC, 5 seats | €65,926.08 (~$76,660) | €78,452.04 (~$91,220) | €645.54 (~$751) | €768.19 (~$893) |
| VLE 400 4MATIC, 6 seats | €66,310.08 (~$77,100) | €78,909.00 (~$91,760) | €649.30 (~$755) | €772.67 (~$898) |
The VLE 300 electric prices apply to the standard-equipment specification, which is what makes them the new entry point to the range. Mercedes-Benz had previously opened VLE orders only for higher-specification VLE 300 variants.
Four Equipment Packages, Including the New ADVANCED Package
The ADVANCED Package is new and brings the total number of optional equipment packages to four. It layers onto the standard specification with items including black, high-gloss turned 19-inch alloy wheels and shaded rear glass.
| Package | Available with | Adds |
|---|---|---|
| Standard equipment | Base | Center console beneath instrument panel, MBUX Navigation, velour floor mats, wireless front charging, LED high-performance headlamps, heated front seats and steering wheel |
| Advanced | Standard, AMG Line | Mirror Package, shaded black rear glass, 19-inch five-spoke black high-gloss turned wheels, USB Package Plus, stowage net on front-seat backrests |
| Advanced Plus | Standard, AMG Line, AMG Line Plus | Advanced Package plus EASY-PACK tailgate with separately opening rear window, rear-axle steering, THERMOTRONIC climate control, ambient lighting, illuminated door sills with exchangeable cover |
| Premium | AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, EXCLUSIVE | Advanced and Advanced Plus plus DIGITAL LIGHT, Burmester 3D surround sound, electrically adjustable front seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting Plus, Comfort Package Plus with KEYLESS-GO, MBUX Entertainment |
| Premium Plus | AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, EXCLUSIVE | Advanced, Advanced Plus and Premium plus DIGITAL LIGHT with projection, MBUX Augmented Navigation, head-up display, MBUX Superscreen, ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL, active front-seat ventilation, Massage function Plus |
Formerly Standard Features Move to the Options List
To support the lower entry price, Mercedes-Benz has made several previously mandatory features optional. A comfort suspension will join the AIRMATIC air suspension as a chassis choice, and AC charging at up to 11 kW is now offered as an option rather than standard.
The VLE is the first model on the company’s modular Van Architecture, which The EV Report covered when series production began at Vitoria in June. Technical details of the 800-volt platform, battery, and dual-motor system are in our earlier report on the VLE’s powertrain and charging.
