New generation of Mercedes VLE, VLS and VLS Maybach

The new generation Mercedes VLE, VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS is not just another V-Class update, but a separate electric lineup of large MPVs and grand limousines on the VAN.EA platform. So far, the VLE is the most thoroughly revealed: it has already reached the pre-production stage, received an 800-volt architecture, a 115 kWh battery, and a claimed range of over 700 km WLTP in some versions. If you want to follow the model’s development, it’s worth checking both the Mercedes VLE review and the piece on Mercedes VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS.

The key nuance is simple: VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS are already confirmed as future top models, but their final technical specifications have not yet been published. So you can mostly talk in numbers about the VLE, while the VLS should for now be viewed as the direction of the lineup rather than a fully described production car.

The model and its place in the market

The Mercedes VLE targets several use cases at once: a large family, corporate shuttle, hotel transfers, VIP transport, and long-distance intercity driving without frequent charging. In format, it sits somewhere between a premium minivan and an executive EV, where the second row matters just as much as the driver’s seat.

VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS sit higher in ideology. If the VLE looks like a practical flagship for daily work, the VLS is meant to cover the niche of even more expensive, cabin-focused transport. In other words, it’s not a vehicle for those who simply want a roomy van, and not for those who need an affordable family EV. The core audience here is people who need space, silence, fast charging, and a premium second row.

Generations and model history

Formally, this is not about a classic model with several generation changes, but the launch of a new family. The starting point was the Vision V concept direction, after which Mercedes moved to the new VLE and VLS nomenclature for large electric passenger models.

By years, the picture looks like this: in 2025, VLE pre-production started; the global premiere of the production version is announced for the first half of 2026; and the rollout to individual markets will stretch further. For the USA, 2027 is explicitly named. VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS are already placed in the future upper part of the model range, but without a full spec sheet, so it’s too early to talk about separate VLS generations.

Engines and transmissions

This lineup has no familiar gasoline or diesel engines, so engine displacement is not applicable here. For now, only the VLE’s electric powertrains have been officially revealed: a base front-wheel-drive and a more powerful all-wheel-drive version.

For VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS, there are no official powertrain figures yet. The only known fact is that these will be top derivatives of the same new architecture, and later versions with an 80 kWh LFP battery should also appear.

Body, dimensions, and chassis

The VLE is a large vehicle even by class standards. A length of 5309 mm and width of 1999 mm immediately suggest that in tight courtyards, older parking garages, and narrow underground ramps it will take some getting used to. On the plus side, the 3342 mm wheelbase promises plenty of space between the rows.

The chassis spec is interesting: AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-axle steering, and a small turning circle for a body this size. In practice, that means the vehicle should be noticeably calmer on the highway and less clumsy in the city than you’d expect from the dimensions alone.

Interior, comfort, and safety

The interior is one of the main reasons to look at the VLE at all. Up to 8 seats are claimed, with several seating layouts, electric sliding doors, a big focus on the second row, and multimedia. Up front, three separate displays are предусмотрено, and for the rear in top scenarios they promise a large retractable screen and multi-channel audio.

On the electronics side, everything is moving toward maximum digital control: MB.OS, a new generation of MBUX, enhanced navigation, the MB.DRIVE suite of assistants, and remote functions. But there’s a downside as well: an excess of screens and menus can annoy those who prefer simple physical controls without extra learning.

Everyday use

On paper, the VLE looks very strong for long routes. DC fast charging up to 300 kW, a 10 to 80% top-up in about 25 minutes, and a large battery make it a logical option for intercity transfers, long family trips, and daily commercial work without constant range anxiety.

In real life, it’s worth staying realistic: in winter and on fast highways, consumption will be higher than the marketing figures, and a benchmark of around 520 km in mixed driving looks closer to reality. Another everyday factor is size. With a length of over 5.3 m and a width of almost 2 m, not every courtyard, parking garage, or school drop-off will be convenient. So for the city, this is not a small family EV, but a large tool for specific tasks.

Strengths and weaknesses

From an owner’s perspective, the VLE’s main advantage is the combination of space and electric long-range capability, and the main drawback is the format. If you need an all-round vehicle for every situation, including a tight city center, it may be too large and too expensive a tool. If passenger comfort and long routes are the priority, the model makes sense.

Tuning and accessories

For the VLE and especially for the VLS, it’s still too early to talk about a large market of model-specific tuning: the model is only coming out, and mounting points, exact interior contours, and practical differences between versions still need to be закрепиться on production vehicles. At the start, the most sensible items won’t be decorative, but floor protection, cargo-area protection, cabin organization, and solutions for family trips.

As a reference for accessory directions, you can look at today’s large Mercedes Vito/V-Class models, which are the closest in format in the catalog. Practically, it’s worth paying attention to these categories:

What to check for this model

• Floor mats — basic interior protection for family or shuttle use, especially when the vehicle constantly sees sand, water, and luggage.
• Interior accessories — useful for organizing the space of the second and third rows and preserving the trim in everyday use.
• Roof racks and cross bars — a relevant direction for travel, but for VLE/VLS such items are worth buying only after the production mounting points are confirmed.

Conclusion

The Mercedes VLE already looks like one of the strongest contenders in the large premium electric minivan segment: lots of space, fast charging, long range, and a modern chassis. For a family that drives big miles, corporate transfers, or a VIP shuttle, it makes sense. For dense city use, a tight budget, and for those who want a complete picture of reliability right now, the vehicle is still too new and too large.

VLS and Mercedes-Maybach VLS are best kept on your radar for now, but not judged by unconfirmed figures. This material is based on real selection experience, practice, and real-world usage scenarios of large Mercedes vehicles, so the main takeaway is simple: VLE can already be evaluated concretely, while VLS only makes sense to wait for if you need maximum space and status specifically in the rear of the cabin.