Radical electric Mercedes-Benz VLE revealed with 700km range: Is this the most luxurious and capable electric people-mover yet?

The all-new all-electric Mercedes-Benz VLE rival to luxury people movers such as the Zeekr 009, Denza D9 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz could be the fanciest van with windows yet.

Set to go on sale first in Germany before expanding to markets including South Korea, Japan, Great Britain, Ireland and the United States before the end of 2026, the German luxury brand describes the new VLE as a genre-defining “Grand Limousine” that blends limousine-like ride and handling with people-mover levels of space and versatility.

Created to replace the ageing EQV people mover, the new VLE is far sleeker than its predecessor and features a prominent grille with an illuminated surround. A pair of dual-star headlamps flank the nose, while the bonnet can be specified with the traditional three-pointed star emblem.

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At the rear there is a large glass tailgate and an N-shaped lightbar incorporating vertically stacked tail-lamps and a high-mounted brake light.

Flush side glass, pop-out door handles and smooth body surfacing all point to extensive wind-tunnel development.

Featuring alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches, the VLE claims an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.25.

In the metal the VLE is as large as a long-wheelbase limousine, measuring 5309mm long, 1999mm wide and 1943mm tall, while the wheelbase stretches to 3342mm.

An even longer 5.5-metre variant is also on the way for buyers seeking additional interior space.

Inside, the tech-laden VLE features an S-Class-like MBUX Superscreen that combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment display and a further 14-inch passenger screen.

Passengers in the second and third rows can be treated to a massive 31.3-inch 8K panoramic display that drops from the headliner. There is even a rear-facing camera allowing occupants to take video calls on the move.

For the full cinematic experience there is also a 22-speaker Burmester 3D surround-sound system, along with the option of a full-width panoramic glass roof with integrated ambient lighting.

Folding tables, wireless chargers and heated and cooled storage compartments are also included.

From launch the VLE will be offered with six- or eight-seat configurations, with customers able to opt for captain’s chairs in both the second and third rows.

Boosting versatility, the seats themselves feature integrated wheels allowing them to be moved inside and outside the vehicle more easily.

On the most luxurious versions, rear seats feature electric adjustment controlled through the infotainment system, while top-spec VLEs gain airline-style recliners with footrests, lumbar support, massage functions and their own wireless phone chargers.

Early on the VLE will be offered with a single powertrain option, with the VLE 300 using a 115kWh NMC battery and a single electric motor producing 203kW.

Thanks to its low-drag body, Mercedes says the VLE can travel up to 700km on a single charge on the WLTP cycle.

A dual-motor VLE 400 4MATIC will follow, boosting total power to around 305kW and capable of completing the 0–100km/h sprint in less than 6.4 seconds.

Thanks to its all-new VAN.EA platform, the VLE features an 800-volt electrical system capable of DC fast-charging at up to 320kW.

Mercedes claims more than 355km of driving range can be added in just 15 minutes, while a 10 to 80 per cent recharge takes around 25 minutes.

Helping it drive more like a passenger car than a van, the VLE gains the brand’s latest AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering capable of turning the rear wheels by up to seven degrees, helping deliver a tight 10.9-metre turning circle similar to the much smaller CLA sedan.

Equipped with 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras and five radar units, Mercedes says the VLE features its latest MB.Drive Assist Pro system capable of enabling hands-free driving on highways and in some urban environments.

While the VLE launches as a dedicated electric vehicle, Mercedes plans to introduce combustion and hybrid versions using the related VAN.CE platform, which shares around 70 per cent of its components with the EV architecture to reduce development costs.

The new generation of Vito and Sprinter panel vans are also expected to arrive in 2027, along with an even more luxurious people-mover variant known as the VLS.

Australian timing for the new Mercedes-Benz VLE has yet to be confirmed, although it would likely be priced close to the outgoing EQV 300, which currently starts at $162,797 plus on-road costs.