title: "Mercedes VLE: 435-Mile Electric Minivan With 800V, 8K Rear Screen" slug: mercedes-vle-electric-minivan date: 2026-03-11 category: launch tags: [mercedes, vle, ev, minivan, us] source_url: "https://www.carscoops.com/2026/03/mercedes-rethinks-the-minivan-with-luxurious-and-electric-vle/"
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the VLE, a fully electric luxury minivan measuring 5,309 mm long in standard form and 5,484 mm in the extended version. Mercedes calls it a "grand limousine." The market will call it a minivan. Both are correct.
The VLE 300 runs a single front motor producing 272 hp (203 kW) on a 115 kWh NMC battery with over 435 miles (700 km) of WLTP range. The VLE 400 4MATIC adds a rear motor for a combined 409 hp (305 kW), 800-volt technology, and DC fast charging above 300 kW. Fifteen minutes of charging adds 221 miles (355 km). Zero to 60 mph on the 400 takes 6.4 seconds, which is brisk for a vehicle this size.
The Interior Pitch
A 31.3-inch panoramic rear screen with 8K resolution handles entertainment duties. It supports split-screen functionality and includes an eight-megapixel camera for video calls. A 22-speaker Burmester 3D surround system provides audio. Up front, the MBUX Superscreen spans three displays: 10.25-inch instruments, 14-inch center infotainment, and a 14-inch passenger display.
Seating configurations run from six to eight passengers. Second-row captain's chairs feature four integrated wheels for repositioning. Premium Comfort and Grand Comfort seat options include massage, lumbar support, and a foot rest. The Sky View panoramic glass roof sits above.
Chassis and Autonomy
AirMatic air suspension is standard. Rear-axle steering turns up to 7 degrees, shrinking the turning circle to 10.9 meters (35.75 feet) despite the VLE's 3,342 mm wheelbase. The sensor suite includes 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and 5 radar units feeding the MB.Drive Assist Pro system for hands-free city and highway operation.
The exterior manages a 0.25 Cd drag coefficient with flush-mounted handles, power sliding doors with fully retractable windows, and an arc-shaped taillight design.
Standard wheelbase starts at 209 inches. The extended version stretches to 215.9 inches on a 138.5-inch wheelbase. Pricing hasn't been announced. The VLE is scheduled to launch in 2027 for the American market.
