MB VLE: Very Large Extravaganza

First the specs of the new baby from Mercedes-Benz Vans, yes Vans, you would never guess it, but this new creation is a crucial part of the MB Van future, quite separate from what is happening at the car side. We are looking at a big vehicle at 5,30 m in length, riding on a platform that is able to provide both fully electric and combustion powertrains. The versions that have been presented are fully electric though. If the AI tools at my disposal are right, there will be an even longer version for those who seek more space, mostly destined for the US. The current versions offer a 115 kwh NMC battery, a bit of a letdown when you realize much smaller SUVs like the Volvo XC60 will get a similar energy content for a much smaller vehicle. LFP batteries with less content but a potentially longer lifecycle will be presented later. While the peak charging of 300 kw also doesn't sound impressive, Mercedes has earned the benefit of the doubt on how effective it will be. Their vehicles are renowned for having a super flat charging curve, which should translate into short charging stops. Where this vehicle is really next level is in its efficiency. Even with its utilitarian calling this beast boasts a drag coefficient of only 0,25!! This should give it a range of 700 km on the WLTP cycle, let's say 400-500 km in real life in most circumstances. Now that is a game changer. Imagine getting into its spacious and luxurious interior, heading off to the slopes or the beach and getting over 1.000 km far with less than half an hour of stopping for a bit to eat and bio-breaks. We will see how it holds up when tested on the German Autobahn or fully packed with freezing temperatures outside, but for now it looks very promising.

If you live in Europe you know why this car is important. It is the transportation method of choice for those who have to move people around between hotels, airports, meetings, events, etc.... It's just what your guests expect, a nice black V-Class with comfy seats, a Burmester Sound System and some relaxing ambient lights. If Mercedes wants to keep this business of tens of thousands units to itself, it has to pull out all stops. And don't worry, they have. Looking at the media release you will be incredibly spoiled when being ferried around in this car in ways your humble V never could. Including a huge cinema screen that drops out of a storage area above the driver/passenger.

What is different with the VLE is the appeal it might have for families that are still pining for the long gone days of the Renault Espace: a spacious, comfortable and especially BIG family car. Given its not quite so square look and a starting price around €60K, it might have a shot at drawing some private customers into its orbit. It doesn't have the cool and rugged look of your average SUV at that price point, but it will be incomparably more convenient.

There was another reason why I was impatiently waiting for the presentation of this VLE, its role as the starting member of the new Mercedes-Benz Van family based on the same platform. The V-Class might be the most premium and aristocratic member of the Mercedes-Benz Vans lineup, it is also a bit of an outlier in the group. The real volume is represented by all those, usually white, Sprinters and Vito's. In the next few years they will also get access to the new technology. In a way all those hotels and taxi companies are helping write off some pretty great tech for the other MB LCV customers. Just imagine getting a nice big Sprinter with over 300 km of range that can charge back up to 80% in around 20 minutes. Given the challenges fleet owners are facing in electrifying their operations, every step forward is welcome, especially a big one like this!