The Mercedes VLE with all-wheel drive starts at 78,500 euros.
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its lineup of electric VLE models. The electric large sedan is now also available with all-wheel drive. Prices for the VLE 400 4MATIC with five or six seats start at just under 80,000 euros in Germany.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
As is well known, the Stuttgart-based company wants the VLE to be seen not as a van but as an electric “grand limousine.” When it went on sale in April, Mercedes-Benz first launched a single-engine version, the VLE 300. Now it follows an all-wheel-drive version named the VLE 400 4MATIC with a system output of 310 kW. This powertrain features the NMC battery known from front-wheel-drive models, with a usable capacity of 115 kWh, which is said to enable a range of up to 654 kilometers according to WLTP standards.
The prices for the six-seater all-wheel-drive version start at 78,909 euros in Germany. The leasing rate is 772.67 euros. The starting price for the five-seater version is 78,452.04 euros, with a leasing rate of 768.19 euros. All figures are gross prices. For comparison, the VLE 300 is currently priced at 70,735 euros.
It is clear that thanks to the use of an identical battery, the all-wheel-drive version differs from the existing FWD model not in its charging capabilities but primarily in terms of driving behavior, acceleration performance, and towing capacity. With its additional electric motor at the rear axle, the 4MATIC station wagon now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The manufacturer also notes “a higher level of traction and driving confidence, especially under demanding road and weather conditions.” You can read more about how the VLE 300 reaches its limits during strong accelerations in our test report.
The all-wheel drive also makes a significant difference in terms of towing capacity: the more powerful VLE can pull up to 2.5 tons, making it suitable as a tow vehicle for campers and other trailers. The payload remains unchanged at 100 kilograms. The previous towing capacity was 1.75 tons, or 750 kg without brakes. Here is a tabular comparison of the two available engine options:
| | VLE 300 | VLE 400 4MATIC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Drive type | FWD | AWD |
| Power | 203 kW | 310 kW |
| 0 to 100 km/h acceleration | 8.9–9.5 s | 6.5 s |
| Battery | 115 kWh | 115 kWh |
| DC charging | 300 kW | 300 kW |
| AC charging | 11 or 22 kW | 11 or 22 kW |
| Range | 713 km | 654 km |
| Towing capacity | up to 1.75 tons | 2.5 tons |
| List price | starting at 70,735 € | starting at 78,452 € |
The NMC battery in all versions has a usable energy capacity of 115 kWh. Mercedes claims a range of up to 713 kilometers for the front-wheel-drive model, while the all-wheel-drive version, with its naturally higher consumption, has a range about 60 kilometers lower. The 800-volt architecture ensures a DC charging capacity of up to 300 kW at all times. Under ideal conditions, it takes 25 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. Within 15 minutes, the vehicle can gain up to 355 kilometers of range.
Earlier that summer, Mercedes-Benz expanded the VDE model lineup — primarily in terms of equipment options. In addition to the standard equipment and the already available Exclusive trim, the VLE 300 has been available since July in AMG Line and AMG Line Plus versions as well. Furthermore, additional optional features and seating configurations have since become available for ordering.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
- 1/5
- 2/5
- 3/5
- 4/5
- 5/5
Mercedes is building on this by introducing another equipment package: the Advanced Package expands the VLE’s configuration options to a total of four optional packages (Advanced, Advanced Plus, Premium, Premium Plus). It also adds to the standard equipment items such as premium 19-inch black glossed alloy wheels with a 5-spoke design and tinted rear windows.
More freedom in equipment and seating options
Mercedes has also been allowing for more diverse combinations of trim levels, packages, and individual options since summer. As a result, the VLE Exclusive can now be paired not only with the Premium-Plus package but also with the lower-tier Premium package. The Premium-Plus package includes features such as a head-up display and MBUX Superscreen. The Panoramadach Sky View, which was previously included in the base configurations, is now available as an optional add-on.
In addition, Mercedes has offered electrically adjustable Premium comfort seats for the rear passengers since July. These seats come with armrests and seat heating. Furthermore, the VLE 300 can now be ordered as an eight-seater for the first time. This expands the range from five to eight seats. At the time of launch, only configurations with five, six, or seven seats were available, depending on the trim level.