Mercedes-Benz VLE: The EV Minivan That Could Land at Just the Right Time

The Mercedes-Benz VLE marks a pivotal step for the German brand, replacing the V-Class and EQV with a modular 800V architecture designed for efficiency and performance. At a media event in Bilbao, Spain, engineers showcased a vehicle that emphasizes a flat rear motor under the cabin, enabling a lower center of gravity and stable handling. Production has begun at the Vitoria plant in Spain in preparation for a global rollout. The VLE is planned for Canada arrival in Q4 2027 as a 2028 model.

Mercedes-Benz positions the VLE as a spacious option with six, seven, or eight-passenger configurations. All seats are power adjustable, whereas base European models have manual seats. The ability to remove seats adds modularity, though it requires a dealer visit and about fifteen minutes. The long-wheelbase variant for North America adds a panel between the front and sliding doors. Inside, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster pairs with a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen running MB.OS, with AI from ChatGPT and Bing and Google Gemini; a 14-inch passenger display, AR navigation, and a head-up display are optional. A 31.3-inch panoramic screen is noted as well.