MERCEDES-BENZ VLE

New platform and sharper luxury focus for heir to EQV people carrier

- GREG KABLE

The outgoing Mercedes EQV was an impressive people carrier that brought electric power to a segment long dominated by petrol and diesel and offered a credible alternative to the Volkswagen's ID Buzz.

But it always felt like a well-executed electric version of a van.

The new VLE is based on Mercedes’ new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) that will support not only electric but also petrol and diesel models. It sits at the centre of a new family of electric MPVs that will stretch from the next-gen Vito commercial vehicle to the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach VLS unveiled earlier this year.

The scale of progress over the EQV is immediately evident. The VLE will be offered in standard-wheelbase form measuring 5309mm long with a 3342mm wheelbase, alongside a 5484mm version on a 3517mm wheelbase when UK sales begin later this year.

The range opens with the front-drive VLE 300, powered by a 272bhp front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. Drawing from a 115kWh battery, it is said to cover 414 miles on a charge, and it can hit 62mph in 9.5sec. Above it sits the dual-motor VLE 400 4Matic, with 416bhp. Mercedes claims 0-62mph in 6.5sec and a range of “more than” 391 miles. Both receive the same 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and 800V architecture, and DC charging is rated at 300kW.