Mercedes-Benz Teases Its Most Luxurious Van Yet

Over the past several months, Mercedes-Benz has been preparing to radically overhaul its van range. The first indications of this came with the Vision V Concept, which will spawn the VLE and VLS. The latter will be the S-Class of vans and is intended to appeal to Maybach buyers – think of it as a German Lexus LM – while the former will be an eight-seater all-electric van meant for well-to-do families. After teasing the VLE in full camouflage throughout the year, Mercedes-Benz has now partially revealed some of the styling on social media. The automaker also took the opportunity to announce that the all-new VLE will arrive on March 10, 2026. Unfortunately, the post cannot be embedded, but you can find it here.

New Styling for the All-New Luxury Minivan

The single teaser image reveals that the VLE will adopt the same sort of fascia as the all-new CLA, which we just drove. That means star-shaped DEL elements within notched headlights, topped by a light bar that is continued all the way across the front fascia. The massive grille plate seen on the Vision V is made production-ready here, with another strip of DRL lighting surrounding it. Presumably, Mercedes will also illuminate the (likely massive) badge in the center of this grille. Metallic brown paintwork is the final bit of information the image provides.

While the VLS that follows will be truly opulent, the VLE won’t be anything but luxurious, either. As mentioned earlier, the VLE will seat eight, and Mercedes says those occupants will enjoy limousine-like ride quality with minivan practicality. Expect premium materials, a massive Hyperscreen infotainment display on the dashboard with MB.OS and all its artificial intelligence-based benefits, and a lofty asking price. But what will make this van most special lies out of sight.

All-New Architecture with Impressive Range

The VLE (and the VLS) will ride on Merc’s new VAN.EA platform, powered by either single- or dual-motor setups. Entry-level models will produce 268 horsepower, while higher trims will be in the 470-hp bracket. Battery sizes will vary, too, from 90-120 kWh. On Europe’s WLTP cycle, the VLE will do over 300 miles in its most efficient guise. Expect slightly lower figures on the EPA’s testing cycles when the van gets to North America (both Canada and the U.S. should see the VLE). Recharging will also be respectable (up to 350 kW) thanks to the VAN.EA’s 800-volt architecture. The combustion-powered V-Class, which sits on a separate platform, will live on. We’ll know more about Merc’s fancy new electric minivan on March 10, and in the meantime, spy shots will have to do.