Mercedes-Benz VLE Test - Über 500 Kilometer? Kein Problem! | Electric Drive Check

Mercedes calls the VLE a "Grand Limousine," which sounds like marketing hype, but in the VLE's case, it actually makes sense. At 5,309 millimeters long, with three full rows of seats, seating for up to eight people, and a drag coefficient of 0.25, it's not the kind of aerodynamic drag you'd expect from a shoebox with sliding doors. Beneath this lies the new van architecture, designed exclusively for electric drive, featuring a 115 kWh NMC battery and 800-volt technology. A long-wheelbase version, measuring 5,484 millimeters, will follow in 2027, primarily for the Asian market; the extra space is entirely in the rear, while the trunk remains the same size. So, if you opt for a chauffeur, you'll get more legroom, but no additional luggage space. 5,309 millimeters long, three full rows of seats, up to eight people—and yet, a drag coefficient of 0.25—is not what you'd expect from a shoebox with sliding doors. The VLE 300 electric model with 203 kW and front-wheel drive will be available in showrooms at launch, followed later by the VLE 400 4MATIC with 310 kW, a second motor on the rear axle, and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. In 2027, Mercedes will introduce two LFP models with 80 kWh batteries, including the VLE 250 starting at €64,804—the only variant to dip below the 80 kWh mark. Until then, this isn't aimed at buyers in the sub-€80,000 price range. Mercedes promises a WLTP range of over 700 kilometers. WLTP is always an optimistic postcard from the test bench, but the corresponding consumption figure of 18.4 to 20.7 kWh per 100 kilometers is remarkable for a five-meter-long car. On the roads around Bilbao, with plenty of ups and downs and a realistic driving profile, we averaged between 18 and 20 kWh. This realistically translates to roughly 500 kilometers of continuous highway driving before the first stop. That's the kind of range that makes the VLE the first electric van capable of effortlessly tackling the 1,000-kilometer stage of the AvD Classic rally. We didn't charge it—the car was simply too full for the test drive. On paper, the VLE draws more than 300 kW from a sufficiently powerful charging station and adds 355 kilometers of WLTP range in 15 minutes. Stuttgart to Rome, just under 1,100 kilometers, with two 15-minute breaks. If the 800-volt architecture lives up to its promises, charging here isn't a chore, but a quick coffee. The real magic happens while driving. AIRMATIC air suspension on all four wheels, rear-axle steering with seven degrees of turn in both directions, and a turning circle of 10.9 meters from curb to curb. In the narrow streets of Bilbao, you can maneuver this five-meter-long vehicle with just two fingers on the steering wheel, weaving between delivery vans and side impacts as if it were an ID.3. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels, smoothing out lane changes—we couldn't test this on the winding roads, but we definitely want to try it out on our own routes. Up to 4,078 liters of cargo space with all the individual seats removed. That's moving van territory and probably a shame to actually use with a car like this, but theoretically, it's possible. With three rows of seats in place, you're left with almost 800 liters. Three types of individual seats are available: manual comfort seats, electric premium comfort seats, and grand comfort seats with massage, calf support, and wireless charging. There are also two three-seater benches, also available with manual or electric adjustment. Here lies the most important purchase decision in the VLE configurator, and it has nothing to do with rims or paint color: manual or electric. The electric seats can be choreographed via an app and central display—four predefined modes from "Luggage" to "Executive." Beautiful, impressive, a veritable "seat ballet." However, they can't simply be removed. The manual seats weigh around 27 kilograms, have four integrated casters, and roll into the garage using a roll-and-go system. Our advice: at least the third row manually; for maximum everyday flexibility, the second row as well. If you're being chauffeured, go for the electric seats and enjoy the ballet. Direct competition? Practically none. An 800-volt Renault Trafic is expected to follow at some point, but it will be in a different league in terms of quality. Until then, the VLE is alone in its self-created segment. This comes at a price, quite literally: nothing will be available for less than €80,000 at launch; the VLE 300 starts at €82,259.70. The target group is thus clearly defined—large families with a budget, professional passenger and material transport companies, and shuttle operators with premium expectations. From Q1 2027, the VLE 250 with LFP battery will make the electric van accessible even for those below the €80 mark, starting at €64,804. #mercedes #mercedesvle #vle Advertisement: Electric Drive online: https://www.electricdrivemagazin.de The magazine is availabl...