The Mercedes-Benz VLE debuts all-wheel drive: 422 horsepower, 654 km of range, and up to eight seats

Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its lineup of the new VLE, a large electric passenger sedan designed to combine the space and versatility of a van with the comfort of a luxury sedan. The German brand has just added new entry-level versions, more customization options, and an all-wheel-drive variant, significantly increasing the choices available for this model.

The VLE can be configured with five, six, seven, or eight seats, allowing it to suit families in need of ample space as well as passenger transport services or clients seeking a business vehicle. With the introduction of these new versions, the five-seater electric VLE 300 starts at 70,735.39 euros, while the six-seater configuration raises the price to 71,187.59 euros.

In terms of design and dimensions, the VLE features a large-sized body, with 5.31 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.95 meters in height in its standard configuration. Mercedes-Benz positions this model as an option specifically designed for long-distance travel, offering a highly flexible interior layout and various ways to distribute available space between passengers and luggage.

The cabin is one of the main strengths of the VLE. The seats can be moved to prioritize space for legs, passenger comfort, or cargo capacity, while Mercedes-Benz offers various configurations to tailor the interior to different uses. Other notable features include the AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and the MBUX multimedia system, which make the VLE much more sophisticated than a conventional passenger van.

The major highlight of this update is the electric Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 4MATIC, which becomes the most powerful version in the range. It features two electric motors and generates 310 kW, equivalent to 422 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The addition of an extra motor on the rear axle enables all-wheel drive, which is particularly useful for navigating wet roads, snow, or surfaces with low traction.

The 4MATIC system is not designed solely to improve performance. In a vehicle over five meters long with the capacity to carry up to eight passengers, greater traction can make a significant difference when road conditions become challenging. Mercedes-Benz has also prioritized comfort as a key feature of this model, which is why the VLE combines this traction system with solutions such as the AIRMATIC suspension and rear-wheel steering.

A 115 kWh battery and up to 654 kilometers of range

The VLE 400 4MATIC uses a battery with a useful capacity of 115 kWh, sufficient to achieve an range of up to 654 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. This figure is particularly impressive given the size and weight of this model, which Mercedes-Benz has developed based on an 800-volt electric architecture.

The 800-volt technology enables fast charging speeds of over 300 kW under appropriate conditions. With the VLE 300, Mercedes-Benz claims it is possible to regain up to 355 kilometers of WLTP range in just 15 minutes. The VLE 400 4MATIC shares the same 115 kWh battery, but its higher power output and all-wheel-drive system result in a lower certified range compared to the more efficient versions.

Another interesting aspect is its ability to use the VLE as a transport vehicle. The VLE 400 4MATIC can tow up to 2.5 tons, with a maximum vertical load on the hitch of 100 kilograms. This allows the use of a suitable bike carrier to transport electric bikes, while systems such as electronic trailer stabilizer and trailer handling assist facilitate this type of use.

With the introduction of the new Advanced finish, Mercedes-Benz also expands the customization options. This package allows for the addition of items such as 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and tinted rear windows. Additionally, certain elements that were previously mandatory as optional equipment can now be selected independently.

These include the option to choose between AIRMATIC suspension and a comfort suspension system, as well as the ability to select an alternating current output of up to 11 kW. In this way, Mercedes-Benz aims to offer a VLE that is less constrained by fixed configurations and easier to adapt to each customer’s specific needs.

The price of the new electric VLE 400 4MATIC starts at 78,452.04 euros for the five-seater version and rises to 78,909 euros for the six-seater configuration. Below that is the electric VLE 300, which offers access to this range starting at 70,735.39 euros for the five-seater model.

The VLE also has a particularly direct connection to Spain. Mercedes-Benz manufactures this model at its plant in Vitoria, where mass production began in June 2026. This Spanish factory is the first in Mercedes-Benz Vans’ global network to produce the new VLE using the modular architecture developed for the company’s next generation of commercial and passenger vehicles.

With this range expansion, the VLE begins to better demonstrate its purpose. It is not intended to be merely an electric alternative to the Class V, but rather a model capable of offering space for up to eight passengers, long range, fast charging, high-end comfort, and now also all-wheel drive. This combination places it in a quite unique position within the market for large electric vehicles.