With a range of 654 km, 422 horsepower, and 8 seats, this most Spanish and family-oriented Mercedes electric vehicle sees its entry price drop by nearly 12,000€.

Mercedes-Benz continues to expand the lineup of one of its most important electric cars for 2026. The new VLE went on sale in spring with a fairly limited range, but it now features new entry-level versions and, especially, a VLE 400 4MATIC that becomes the most powerful option in the all-wheel-drive family, with 422 horsepower and up to 654 km of WLTP range.

The entry price has also dropped significantly. The 5-seater electric VLE 300 now starts at 70,735 euros in Germany, down from over 82,000 euros for the initial configurations. This isn’t a price cut on the same model but rather the introduction of simpler versions that allow for the omission of features that were previously almost mandatory. The 6-seater variant starts at 71,188 euros.

A huge electric minivan with up to eight seats

The VLE is the first model developed using Mercedes-Benz’s new modular architecture for its large vehicles, aiming deliberately to move away from the traditional van concept. The company calls it a “Grand Limousine,” seeking to combine the capacity and modularity of a minivan with the comfort and handling of a luxury sedan.

It measures 5,309 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,951 mm in height. Mercedes-Benz has paid special attention to aerodynamics, claiming a Cx value of just 0.25. In 2027, a longer version with a length of 5,484 mm will also be available, adding about 175 mm for those who need even more space.

The manufacturer now allows for greater freedom in configuring the car. In addition to the existing options, a new Advanced package has been added, and features that were previously tied to specific configurations are now optional. For example, customers can choose between the AIRMATIC air suspension and a comfort suspension, while 11 kW AC power output is also now among the available options.

An interior that can accommodate an 8K 31.3-inch screen

The cabin also strives to justify its title of ‘Grand Limousine’. The dashboard can feature the MBUX Superscreen, which includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and two 14-inch screens for the multimedia system and the passenger side, respectively. Everything operates on Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system and supports remote updates.

The system designed for rear passengers is even more spectacular. Optionally, a 31.3-inch retractable panoramic screen with 8K resolution, split-screen functionality, and an eight-megapixel camera can be installed in the ceiling. It can be used to play content, video games via cloud services, and even for video conferences. The optional Burmester 3D sound system features 22 speakers and Dolby Atmos.

The highest equipment configuration includes features such as Digital Light with projection capability, Head-Up Display, MBUX navigation with augmented reality, ventilation and massage functions for the front seats, or the aforementioned MBUX Superscreen. Mercedes allows users to configure the same VLE from a relatively simple version to a vehicle essentially designed as a VIP transport.

The new VLE 400 4MATIC has 422 horsepower and all-wheel drive

The main new mechanical model is the VLE 400 4MATIC. Its engine delivers 422 horsepower, with an additional electric motor added to provide all-wheel drive. Mercedes claims a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.5 seconds, a remarkable figure for a vehicle of this size.

It uses the same 115 kWh NMC battery found in the VLE 300, achieving up to 654 km of WLTP range. Its provisional combined fuel consumption is between 20 and 21.7 kWh/100 km. In contrast, the front-wheel-drive VLE 300 remains the most efficient option, with consumption ranging from 18.4 to 20.7 kWh/100 km and a range exceeding 700 km, reaching up to 713 km WLTP in certain configurations. The entire family uses an 800-volt electrical architecture. The maximum fast charging power is 300 kW, and Mercedes claims that up to 355 km of range can be restored in 15 minutes. An optional DC converter is available for use with 400-volt fast chargers.

The VLE 400 4MATIC offers another interesting advantage for traveling, as it can tow up to 2,500 kg and handle a vertical load of 100 kg on the hitch. It also features trailer stabilization via ESP and a trailer handling assist system. In Germany, the VLE 400 4MATIC costs starting at 78,452 euros for the five-seater version and 78,909 euros for the six-seater version, both including 19% German VAT and excluding delivery costs. The VLE 300 is significantly cheaper, starting at the aforementioned 70,735 euros. These prices are for Germany, and Mercedes-Benz still needs to determine how this expanded range will be configured in Spain.

A even cheaper VLE is coming in 2027

The range isn’t complete yet either. Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed for 2027 a smaller LFP battery with 80 kWh of usable capacity, designed to further reduce the entry price. It will be available in both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC configurations, giving rise to models such as the VLE 250. In Germany, this future five-seater VLE 250 is priced at 64,804 euros, while the six-seater version starts at 65,261 euros. That same year, the aforementioned long-wheelbase version with a length of 5,484 mm will also arrive.