20:41 10-02-2026

Mercedes-Benz VLE electric minivan to debut in 2026 with luxury features

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch a new luxury minivan, the VLE, which will replace the V-Class. The official debut is scheduled for March, with sales starting in 2026. Alongside the VLE, the company will introduce the more expensive VLS and a Maybach variant for the Chinese market. At the same time, a new generation of commercial vans with a different design will appear on the same platform.

The VLE is built on the new modular Van.ea architecture and will initially be offered exclusively as an electric vehicle. Later, versions with internal combustion engines will join the lineup, while the current V-Class will remain on sale during a transition period. Production will be set up at the Mercedes plant in Vitoria, Spain, which will become the hub for the new van family.

This model was developed with a focus on the markets of China, the United States, and Canada. According to Mercedes representatives, the key goal was to move away from the feel of commercial transport and offer a level of comfort comparable to a passenger car. To achieve this, the VLE and VLS are undergoing extensive testing in extreme conditions—from minus 20 degrees Celsius in Sweden to heat exceeding 40 degrees in South Africa.

The electric versions will feature an 800-volt architecture, a range of over 500 km, power up to 400 kW, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering. Mercedes expects the VLE to be one of the key highlights of the 2026 auto shows, allowing the brand to compete with premium Asian minivans.