Videopräsentation des neuen Mercedes-Benz VLE

The VLE is the first representative of the new Mercedes-Benz Van.EA platform, which will also underpin large vans in the future. Visually, however, it appears significantly more compact and dynamic than its actual dimensions of 5.30 meters in length, 2.0 meters in width, and 1.93 meters in height would suggest. With a wheelbase of 3.34 meters and a very low drag coefficient of 0.25 for a van, it combines spaciousness with sophisticated aerodynamics. The platform is clearly tailored to the luxurious VLE and VLS MPVs, which are intended to differentiate themselves more significantly from conventional vans in the future – including their own body shell. The increased dimensions result from heightened safety requirements, including a larger crash structure and wider battery protection. Up to eight people can be comfortably accommodated. While the seating position in the third row is somewhat cavernous, especially with the glass roof for very tall passengers, legroom and shoulder room are adequate. A clever technical feature contributes to the increased space: the rear axle dampers are mounted transversely, allowing for slimmer wheel arches. Practical: The seats, which weigh up to 34 kilograms, are now significantly easier to install and remove. In addition, eight USB-C ports are available in the rear. In the Exclusive Line, the VLE transforms into a rolling luxury lounge with massage seats, heating, cooling, a fold-out leg rest, and an integrated work table. A large overhead screen can be optionally deployed, accompanied by 22 speakers in a surround sound setup. High-quality materials, a cool box, and even a disinfectant compartment (for the Chinese market) underscore the premium feel. The ambiance in the front is equally impressive. The digital "Superscreen" layout combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a 14-inch central display, optionally supplemented by an additional 14-inch passenger screen. Numerous driver assistance systems utilize ten cameras, five radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors. The optional rear-axle steering with up to seven degrees of turning radius reduces the turning circle to 11.6 meters from wall to wall (10.9 meters from curb to curb) and, together with the five-link rear axle, ensures remarkably car-like handling. Mercedes also sets standards in terms of range: Up to 700 kilometers WLTP are possible with the most efficient front-wheel-drive version, and realistically, even in winter, over 400 kilometers remain achievable. Charging is possible with up to 22 kW AC and up to 320 kW DC. The large 115 kWh battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes. Up to around 240 kilometers of range can be added in ten minutes – ensuring long-distance capability. Practical details such as the separately opening rear window, well-designed cable management, and space-saving side-opening doors enhance everyday usability. The windows in the sliding doors can be fully lowered. The all-wheel-drive version with 305 kW is particularly impressive in terms of towing capacity: it can pull up to 2,500 kilograms, while the front-wheel-drive version can tow a maximum of 1,000 kilograms. The curb weight starts at around 2.8 tons, with better-equipped versions exceeding three tons. With a gross vehicle weight of 3,700 kilograms, the payload capacity ranges from approximately 500 to 900 kilograms, depending on the equipment. Performance is on par with passenger cars: the VLE 300 accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, and the VLE 400 in 6.5 seconds. Further variants will follow. Prices for the VLE start at around €57,000 net, while fully equipped models cost well over €100,000 – clearly distinguishing them from the later, more commercially oriented Van.EA models. music by bensound.com