Mercedes-Benz VLE passes its next major development steps

In 2026, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz VLE will hit the roads and mark the beginning of a new era at Mercedes‑Benz Vans. With up to eight seats, the VLE portfolio will range from family and leisure to exclusive VIP shuttles.

Currently, prototypes of the VLE have successfully passed the next major steps in the model's development program by proving their uncompromising efficiency in three different disciplines.

The VLE prototypes showcase an exterior design - with a tautly stretched roofline flowing into the smoothly rounded rear - giving the vehicle an impressive drag coefficient

First, in gruelling tests in the Mercedes-Benz wind tunnel in Stuttgart, the VLE braved the fiercest winds. And although the prototypes were heavily camouflaged with different extensions in the exterior to secure the streamlined silhouette of the VLE, the results of the aerodynamics test were outstanding in terms of efficiency.

Up next, at the Nardo test track, the Mercedes-Benz experts increased efficiency by fine-tuning under extremely dynamic handling and at high speeds. The primary objective was to optimise the settings of the electric drivetrain, along with refining recuperation processes, enhancing thermal management, and assessing the impact of rear axle steering on vehicle handling.

And finally, the Mercedes-Benz VLE successfully underwent a long-range journey by traveling almost 1,100km from Stuttgart to Rome with only two short charging stops of 15 minutes each. The focus was to demonstrate the suitability for daily use on different road types and conditions for travel by families and leisure enthusiasts.

Starting in 2026, the VLE will be the first model based on the newly-developed, modular, and scalable van architecture - ushering in a completely new era.