Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its VLE minivan will be ready in time for the Stuttgart expo in March 2026. Buyers will be choosing from multiple ICE variants and one fully electric, and there will be a camper conversion available from the factory.
In the meantime, these camouflaged shots are all we have. You can discern a large and low-slung radiator grille surrounded with LEDs, as well as headlights with the company’s signature tri-point star pattern.
All powertrain specs and pricing details remain to be announced. Mercedes says the VLE is inspired by the Vision V Concept (see video), but features simpler exterior and interior styling compared to its senior cousin, the luxury-laden VLS. Even so, it is still a premium vehicle loaded with high-end options for safety and comfort. Depending on the trim, it can offer between four and eight seats. High-end audio and a 65-inch display are also listed under trim options.
From the technical perspective, the electric VLE rides on the automaker’s VAN.EA platform. Its gas-powered counterpart uses a similar, but different chassis known as the VAN.CA. Both will be made in Spain, with the EV scheduled to arrive first. It is expected to pack a 113-kWh battery sufficient for 483 km (300 miles) of WLTP range. The company also promises SAE Level 3 self-driving features, although none of these promises are final.
By introducing the VLE and VLS, Mercedes hopes to retire the V-Class for good, but admits that phasing it out will be a gradual, long process.
