Mercedes-Benz VLE gains 310 kW all-wheel drive and 2.5-tonne towing capacity
Mercedes-Benz has opened orders for the new VLE 400 4MATIC. The flagship version with two electric motors produces 310 kW, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and can tow a trailer weighing up to 2,500 kg. Its battery, with 115 kWh of usable capacity, offers up to 654 km of WLTP range.
All-wheel drive primarily adds practicality
The twin-motor powertrain delivers 310 kW of system output and electronically controlled all-wheel drive. While 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h is quick for a large electric people carrier, European buyers will find the second driven axle more valuable in winter and when towing.
The maximum permitted mass for a braked trailer is 2,500 kg. That makes the vehicle a credible tow car for a boat, horse trailer or large caravan.
115 kWh battery and more than 300 kW charging
The NMC battery has a usable capacity of 115 kWh, while official WLTP range reaches 654 km. Energy consumption ranges from 20.0 to 21.7 kWh/100 km, depending on the configuration.
The rear-wheel-drive VLE 300 can cover more than 700 km, meaning the all-wheel-drive version trades some efficiency for greater performance and traction.
The 800-volt electrical architecture enables DC charging at more than 300 kW. According to Mercedes-Benz, up to 355 km of range can be added in 15 minutes under suitable conditions. For a large touring vehicle, this is at least as important as battery capacity, as it determines the real time required for long journeys.
A major technical leap over the EQV
The new model is based on the Van Architecture platform, developed from the outset for electric powertrains. By contrast, the existing EQV came from the technical foundations of the combustion-engined V-Class and Vito.
The new architecture also brings rear-wheel steering, reducing the turning circle to as little as 10.9 metres. In a vehicle with such a large body, this adds considerably more value in cities and multi-storey car parks than a few extra kilowatts.
Depending on configuration, the cabin can accommodate five to eight seats. Mercedes-Benz is therefore targeting affluent families, hotels and professional passenger transport operators at the same time.
Prices in Germany start at €78,452
The five-seat VLE 400 4MATIC starts at €78,452 in Germany, including 19% VAT. The six-seat version starts at €78,909.
The rear-wheel-drive VLE 300 has a base price of €70,735, meaning the premium for two motors and all-wheel drive remains below €8,000 within the model range. Pricing in Estonia may vary due to local taxes and equipment.
Mercedes finally has a much stronger proposition than the EQV
Competition in Europe’s large electric family and executive vehicle segment is intensifying rapidly. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has already shown that an electric people carrier can be more than a work vehicle, while Chinese manufacturers are bringing increasingly luxurious electric alternatives to Europe.
Mercedes can counter with the customer base built up by the V-Class over the years, and now with technology that no longer originates from a combustion-engined van.
The 310 kW figure makes for an attractive marketing headline, but this vehicle’s real strengths lie elsewhere: 654 km of range, rapid 800-volt charging, all-wheel drive and 2,500 kg towing capacity. These attributes matter far more in the European market than how quickly an eight-seat Mercedes pulls away from the traffic lights.
