Mercedes-Benz is preparing VLE production in China
Following the start of production in Spain in June, Mercedes-Benz is now preparing to manufacture its new electric VLE in China. Homologation documents reveal two versions with a power output of up to 305 kW.
Mercedes-Benz plans to offer two powertrain variants for the Chinese market initially, with production handled by their local joint venture Fujian Benz. The VLE 300 uses an electric drive of the EM0047 type supplied by ZF, featuring a peak power output of 200 kW and a rated power of 120 kW. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
The VLE 400 is equipped with an EM0048 type ZF electric drive at the rear axle, enabling all-wheel drive. The rear motor delivers a peak power of 105 kW and a rated power of 50 kW, resulting in a combined system power of 305 kW. This model also reaches a top speed of 210 km/h.
Both versions use NMC batteries. The cells are sourced from a joint venture between CATL and Mercedes-Benz, with Fujian CATL responsible for assembling the battery packs. Details regarding the battery capacity and range of the Chinese models have not yet been released.
The Chinese version of the Mercedes-Benz VLE has appeared in documents from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealing its technical specifications even before local production begins. As mentioned, the electric van will be manufactured by Fujian Benz – the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz, BAIC, and Fujian Motor Industry, which also produces the V-Class and Vito.
The homologation documents list three different tire combinations in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Additional features include sliding doors at the rear, a large panoramic roof, and a surround-view camera system. Both the front and rear tilt angles are 16 degrees, and the trunk has a depth of 550 millimeters.
Mercedes-Benz began mass production of the VLE for western markets at its Vitoria plant in Spain as early as June 2026. As reported, this is the first mass-produced model based on the company’s new electric van platform, VAN.EA.
The European version uses an 800-volt battery architecture and supports DC charging at up to 300 kW. Mercedes-Benz claims a range of around 700 kilometers and states that up to 355 kilometers of WLTP range can be added using a fast charger in just 15 minutes. Combined with the overall range of approximately 700 kilometers, the VLE can theoretically travel 1,000 kilometers with a single 15-minute charging stop, according to the company.
Mercedes-Benz Vans unveiled the VLE, the successor to the EQV, in March. The company began accepting orders for the premium electric van in April — initially as “blind orders,” meaning without test drives available to customers. In Germany, prices start at around 77,900 euros starting in August. However, Mercedes plans to add further, cheaper variants starting at around 70,000 euros to the lineup.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced official selling prices for the locally produced VLE in China.
carnewschina.com
This article by Carla Westerheide originally appeared in our English-language edition, electrive.com.