Presentation of the New Electric Minivan
Mercedes-Benz has officially presented the new 2028 model – the VLE, positioned as a “grand limousine.” Despite the marketing slogans, it is essentially a luxurious electric minivan expected to interest both families and business clients after sales start in the USA in 2027.
Modern Design and Exterior
The model looks stylish and modern. It features a bold radiator grille with optional contour lighting, flanked by LED headlight units with a starlight effect. The hood is adorned with a three-dimensional insert and an ornament with a three-pointed star. An AMG package is also available for buyers, adding a sportier bumper and a grille with a central star emblem.
The side profile reveals the body’s aerodynamic shapes and retractable door handles. The model is equipped with power sliding doors with fully retractable windows.
Designers gave the car a large glazed area and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 22 inches. Other features include a low drag coefficient of 0.25 and a vertical rear end with arc-shaped taillights integrated into the spoiler. The model also has an opening rear window and an unusual charging port that opens downward.
Dimensions and Comparison
The minivan has significant dimensions. The base version is 209 inches (5309 mm) long, 78.7 inches (1999 mm) wide, and 76.5 inches (1943 mm) high. The wheelbase is 131.6 inches (3342 mm). A longer version will appear later with an overall length of 215.9 inches (5484 mm) and a wheelbase of 138.5 inches (3517 mm).
For comparison: the standard Cadillac Escalade is 211.9 inches (5382 mm) long with a 120.9-inch (3071 mm) wheelbase, while the Chrysler Pacifica minivan is 204.3 inches (5189 mm) long with a 121.6-inch (3089 mm) wheelbase.
Luxurious and High-Tech Interior
The car’s interior combines luxury and cutting-edge technology. An optional MBUX Superscreen system is available, consisting of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch multimedia system, and a 14-inch display for the front passenger. Clients can also order an entertainment system for rear passengers with a 31.3-inch panoramic screen that extends from the headliner.
This screen is similar to the one installed in the BMW 7-Series, has 8K resolution, a split-screen function, and an 8-megapixel camera for video conferencing.
Other features include a 22-speaker Burmester 3D audio system, a panoramic fixed glass Sky View roof with contour lighting. The minivan also has folding tables and various consoles with wireless smartphone chargers and heated/cooled compartments.
Interior Layout and Exclusive Seats
The VLE will be offered in six or eight-seat layouts: with captain’s chairs in the second and third rows, only in the second row, or with two rear benches. The manufacturer is particularly proud of the seats: mechanical versions have four integrated wheels, allowing them to be easily moved both inside and outside the vehicle.
More expensive trims feature power-adjustable seats that can be controlled via the multimedia system or a smartphone app. Mercedes stated that adjusting these seats is “like ballet choreography.”
The model offers Premium Comfort and Grand Comfort seats. The latter are worthy of a private jet: they are equipped with a footrest, lumbar support, massage function, a headrest, and wireless phone charging.
Two Powertrain Options and Range
At the start of sales, the VLE 300 version will be available. It is equipped with a 115 kWh NMC battery and a front electric motor with 272 horsepower. This configuration promises a class-leading WLTP range of over 435 miles (700 km).
Later, the VLE 400 4MATIC will appear with all-wheel drive and two motors with a combined output of 409 horsepower. This will allow the minivan to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.4 seconds.
Thanks to 800-volt architecture technology and fast charging capability of over 300 kW, the car can recover up to 221 miles (355 km) of range in just 15 minutes.
Chassis and Driver Assistance Systems
The car also features AirMatic air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system that provides up to 7 degrees of turning angle. This reduces the VLE’s turning circle to 35.75 feet (10.9 meters), comparable to a compact CLA sedan.
Safety is ensured by 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and 5 radars. They transmit information to the optional MB.Drive Assist Pro system, which allows for hands-free driving both in the city and on highways.
Prices for the new model have not yet been announced. However, given the high-tech features, luxurious interior, and positioning as a “grand limousine,” it is unlikely to fall into an affordable market segment. More detailed information will probably appear closer to the start of sales next year.
The emergence of a car like the Mercedes VLE clearly demonstrates the trend of transforming perceptions of luxury and practicality. Electrification and autonomy are gradually becoming the standard for the premium segment, even for traditionally conservative classes like minivans. The success of this model could significantly impact the market, forcing other manufacturers to also rethink their offerings for families and businesses, combining space with eco-friendliness and high technology.