Mercedes-Benz is best known in the US for its luxurious sedans and SUVs, but in many other parts of the world, vans wearing the three-pointed star badge are a common sight. For 2028, Mercedes is bringing its latest van to America in the form of the VLE, which will debut in fully electric form with seating for up to eight passengers.
2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE
The 2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE is an all-new model that rides on a new platform specifically designed for vans. It’s smaller than the existing Sprinter van, and will initially be offered solely with an electric powertrain. A hybrid version is likely to come at a later date. Mercedes-Benz offered a minivan called the Metris up until the 2023 model year, but the VLE shares nothing with it.
Design
Mercedes-Benz has modernized the minivan's look with its 2028 VLE, combining smooth shapes with intricate detailing to craft a machine that looks interesting from every angle. The van’s front is dominated by a massive grille that's illuminated in some versions. Above the grille is a pair of headlight clusters with distinctive star-shaped lighting elements. At the rear, arc-shaped taillights surround both the sides and the top of the liftgate. Mercedes claims an impressive 0.25 drag coefficient, making this an extremely aerodynamic van.
Powertrain
The 2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE will be offered with two electric powertrain options. VLE 300 vans will feature a single motor sending 268 horsepower to the front wheels, while VLE 400 vans will boast a 409-hp dual-motor powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD).
The EPA has not released range estimates for either version of the VLE, but Mercedes-Benz says it could go up to 435 miles on the European range test, which is less intense than American tests. In any case, the electric van should easily pass 300 miles of range in either VLE 300 or VLE 400 trims, courtesy of its large 115-kWh battery.
Mercedes-Benz says the VLE’s 800-volt architecture will enable very fast charging. Adding 200 or so miles should take around 15 minutes with the right charger, though actual charging speeds can vary greatly in the real world.
Interior
The VLE's interior is extremely customizable. In its base configuration, the van seats up to eight people, and the seats can be moved individually or removed entirely. There will be three seat options in the 2028 VLE, a manual Roll & Go setup with four integrated wheels, electrically operated seats that can perform what Mercedes-Benz calls a “seat ballet” and include a Remote Variable Seat Space that can be configured using an app, and a Grand Comfort seating option with an additional pillow, wireless charging, lumbar support, a massage function, and calf support.
Another interesting interior feature is the VLE’s Sky View panoramic sunroof. In addition to its large glass panel, the roof features ambient lighting and an electric sunblind.
Technology
The Mercedes-Benz VLE is loaded with screens. The optional MBUX Superscreen, which takes up the majority of the dashboard, includes a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch screen for the front passenger. A head-up display is also available, projecting a massive 23.1-inch image onto the windshield, and augmented navigation technology makes it appear to the driver as if the image is floating 13 feet in front of the vehicle.
Rear-seat passengers are also invited to the digital party. The VLE features a retractable 31.3-inch 8K panoramic screen with split-screen functionality. Apps can be downloaded, and when paired with the VLE’s internal eight-megapixel camera, passengers could videoconference or make video calls from inside the van.
The 2028 VLE will also offer intelligent Airmatic suspension that uses Google Maps data to make ajustments according to the road surface, while keeping the VLE as low as possible to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The ride height can be raised or lowered by 1.5 inches.
