Mercedes VLE 400 4MATIC: 310 kW with all-wheel drive starting at 85,060 euros

Mercedes-Benz has added an all-wheel-drive version to the electric VLE lineup: the VLE 400 4MATIC delivers 310 kW of power and can travel up to 654 km according to WLTP standards. As a five-seater, it starts at 85,060 euros, while the VLE 300 is now available in base configuration for 70,735 euros.

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When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the electric VLE in March 2026, the all-wheel-drive version was already announced as the top model, then specified with “over 300 kW” of power. Initially, only the front-wheel-drive VLE 300 was available for ordering, in two pre-configured variants starting at 82,260 euros in April. With a statement on November 9, Mercedes now reveals the power, range, and prices of the VLE 400 4MATIC electric version, which is now available for order. At the same time, the manufacturer has made features that were previously standard optional for the VLE 300, thereby lowering the entry price.

Powertrain, Battery, and Range

The VLE 400 4MATIC delivers 310 kW (421 hp) and is, according to Mercedes, the most powerful version of the series. In addition to the permanently excited synchronous motor on the front axle, there is an additional electric motor on the rear axle. As announced during the March presentation, this motor is activated only through a Disconnect Unit when more power or traction is needed. Mercedes states that all-wheel drive improves traction, especially in difficult road and weather conditions, and expands its usability for tasks such as travel or shuttle services. Both drive units, per the March details, feature silicon carbide inverters. The VLE 400 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

Like the VLE 300, the NMC battery has a usable energy capacity of 115 kWh. According to WLTP standards, the all-wheel-drive model achieves a range of up to 654 km, with combined fuel consumption ranging from 20.1 to 21.7 kWh per 100 km. For the VLE 300 with 203 kW (276 hp), Mercedes reports fuel consumption of 18.4 to 20.7 kWh per 100 km; at its launch, the manufacturer claimed a range of over 700 km for this model.

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Charging at 11 or 22 kW

When charging at an AC outlet, customers can now choose between 11 kW and 22 kW of charging power. The current announcement does not provide details on fast charging. During the launch in March, Mercedes stated that the VLE would offer a DC charging power of up to 300 kW based on an 800-volt technology. It was claimed that this would allow the vehicle to gain up to 355 km of range according to WLTP standards in 15 minutes at 500-ampere charging stations, based on the then-estimated WLTP range. These figures were labeled as provisional. Additionally, Mercedes mentioned an optional DC converter for 400-volt charging stations at the time and described the VLE as ready for bidirectional charging.

2.5 Tonnes Trailing Load Capacity

The VLE 400 4MATIC can pull braked trailers up to 2.5 tons. Mercedes had already stated this figure for the VLE model in general during its introduction in March. The manufacturer cites camper vans, as well as boat and horse trailers, as examples. The load capacity is 100 kilograms, which, according to the manufacturer, is sufficient for e-bikes on a suitable rack. An ESP trailer stabilization system and a trailer maneuvering assistant are designed to make driving and maneuvering with the trailer setup easier.

Prices for VLE 400 4MATIC and VLE 300

The VLE 400 4MATIC costs 85,060 euros for a five-seater version and 85,517 euros for a six-seater version. Leasing payments start at 833 euros or 837 euros per month, respectively, with a 10 percent upfront payment, a loan term of 48 months, and a total mileage limit of 60,000 kilometers. The entire series is available with up to eight seats.

In addition to the AIRMATIC air suspension, the VLE 300 will soon offer a comfort suspension option as well. As standard, the VLE 300 now costs 70,735 euros for the five-seater version and 71,188 euros for the six-seater version, with monthly leasing starting at 630 euros under the same terms. In July, Mercedes had listed the starting price at 77,896 euros. All purchase prices are for individual customers in Germany, including VAT, plus delivery costs.

Four trim packages

The standard equipment of the VLE 300 includes MBUX Navigation, LED headlights, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as wireless charging for smartphones in the front. With the new Advanced Package, there are now four equipment packages that build upon each other:

Advanced Package: 19-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows in the rear, mirror package, USB Package Plus, and sunshades on the front seat backs.

Advanced-Plus Package: additional rear-wheel steering, EASY-PACK rear hatch with a separately openable rear window, automatic climate control THERMOTRONIC, ambient lighting, and illuminated door sills.

Premium Package: additional DIGITAL LIGHT, Burmester 3D surround sound system, electrically adjustable front seats and steering wheel, Ambient Lighting Plus, Comfort Package Plus with KEYLESS-GO, and MBUX Entertainment.

Premium-Plus Package: includes DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function, MBUX Augmented Navigation, head-up display, MBUX Superscreen, ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL, front seat ventilation, and Plus massage function.

The Advanced Package can be combined with the standard equipment and AMG Line, while the Advanced-Plus Package can also be paired with AMG Line Plus. The Premium and Premium-Plus Packages are available with the AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and EXCLUSIVE trims.

What do you think? Is the VLE 400 4MATIC with a 2.5-ton towing capacity (with brakes) a viable option for RV or boat owners, and what range do you expect with a trailer?

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