Mercedes-Benz VLE: All-New Luxury Electric MPV Unveiled with Impressive Range & Comfort

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its long-awaited luxury electric MPV, the VLE – a model set to compete with popular Chinese flagship electric people carriers like the Denza D9, Zeekr 009 and Xpeng X9, which have been gaining traction in Malaysia’s premium EV market.

Previewed by the Vision V concept at Auto Shanghai last year, the VLE (short for Van Luxury Electric) is built on Mercedes’ new flexible Van Architecture platform and can seat up to eight people – making it ideal for large Malaysian families, corporate shuttles or luxury travel.

At launch, the VLE will be available as the VLE300 long-range variant, powered by a 276 PS (203 kW) front motor paired with a 115 kWh NMC battery. It delivers a claimed WLTP range of over 700 km, addressing range anxiety – a key concern for Malaysian EV buyers.

A more powerful VLE400 4Matic model will follow later, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive with a total output of over 400 PS (300 kW), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. A more affordable variant with an 80 kWh LFP battery is also planned for future release.

Like Mercedes’ new CLA, the VLE uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling up to 300 kW DC fast charging. This means it can add up to 355 km of range in just 15 minutes – convenient for long-distance drives across Peninsular Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru or Penang.

To live up to its “Grand Limousine” label, the VLE offers optional Airmatic air suspension, which provides a smooth ride on Malaysia’s varied road conditions and can be adjusted by 40 mm for easier entry/exit or better ground clearance. Rear-axle steering (up to seven degrees) is also available, reducing the turning circle to 10.9 metres – practical for navigating tight city streets in KL, Georgetown or Ipoh.

In terms of size, the VLE measures 5,309 mm long, 1,999 mm wide and 1,943 mm tall, with a 3,342 mm wheelbase – longer than the Xpeng X9 (5,293 mm) and even the long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class (5,289 mm). A longer 5,484 mm variant (3,517 mm wheelbase) will also be launched later, offering even more space.
Design-wise, the VLE features a bold grille with the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star (a first for a van-shaped Mercedes), wavy headlights connected by an LED strip, flush pop-out door handles and large wheel options (19 to 22 inches). It is available in AMG Line, Standard and Exclusive trims, with higher-end models getting a gloss black lower body to enhance its premium look.

Inside, the VLE boasts a modern dashboard with piano black trim and an optional MBUX Superscreen (10.25-inch instrument display, 14-inch infotainment screen and 14-inch passenger screen). A 23.1-inch augmented reality head-up display and central webcam are also available as options.

The rear seats are the highlight: the VLE can be configured as an 8-seater or 7-seater, with manual or power-adjustable second-row seats (bench or captain’s chairs). The top-tier Grand Comfort seats come with ottomans, wireless charging, lumbar adjustment and massage functions – perfect for luxury travel. A 31.3-inch 8K roof-mounted display (with Disney+ streaming) and 22-speaker Burmester 3D sound system are also optional.

Practicality is not compromised: with all seats up, boot space is 795 litres; removing all manual seats expands it to 4,078 litres – great for family trips or transporting large items. The VLE also has a 2.5-tonne towing capacity.

Safety features include MB.Drive Assist (adaptive cruise control, lane centring), MB.Drive Assist Plus (automatic lane change) and MB.Drive Assist Pro (highly automated driving, launching first in China). Park assist and a 360-degree camera with rim protection are also standard or optional.

While launched as an EV, reports suggest Mercedes may add combustion engine variants later, aligning with its adjusted electrification strategy. There is no word yet on Malaysian pricing or launch dates, but the VLE is expected to target premium buyers looking for a luxury, spacious and practical EV MPV.