Mercedes-Benz is expanding the versatility of its new electric VLE Grand Limousine, adding a powerful all-wheel-drive model, new equipment packages and greater freedom to customise the luxury electric van.
The new Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 4MATIC becomes the range-topping performance variant, combining 310 kW of electric power with a 115-kWh usable battery and a claimed WLTP range of up to 654 kilometres. It can also accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, making it considerably more than simply a comfortable long-distance shuttle.
At the same time, Mercedes-Benz is restructuring the VLE lineup to give buyers more choice. Additional equipment packages, optional features and new seating configurations allow customers to tailor the electric Grand Limousine for everything from private family travel to executive transportation and professional shuttle services.
Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 4MATIC Brings 310 kW and All-Wheel Drive
The headline addition to the VLE lineup is the Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 4MATIC electric.
With a maximum output of 310 kW, the VLE 400 4MATIC is currently the most powerful version of the electric Grand Limousine. Its 115-kWh usable battery provides up to 654 km of WLTP-rated range, while an additional high-performance electric motor mounted on the rear axle gives the large luxury vehicle all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-to-100-km/h acceleration time of 6.5 seconds.
That figure is particularly notable given the VLE’s size and its focus on passenger comfort. Rather than treating performance as an end in itself, the 4MATIC system is intended to broaden the vehicle’s operating envelope by improving traction and stability in difficult road and weather conditions.
For customers who regularly travel in rain, snow or mountainous areas, the additional traction could be one of the most significant advantages of the new version.
Up to 654 Kilometres of Electric Range
Long-distance usability is central to the VLE concept, and the VLE 400 4MATIC combines its performance with a substantial battery.
The 115-kWh usable battery delivers a maximum claimed range of 654 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. That gives the electric Mercedes-Benz considerable potential as a long-distance people carrier, particularly for customers who want to replace a conventional combustion-powered luxury van with an EV.
Real-world range will naturally depend on factors such as speed, temperature, passenger load, road conditions and the use of heating or air conditioning. Nevertheless, the official 654-km figure puts the VLE firmly into the conversation for intercity travel and high-mileage professional use.
Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 4MATIC Can Tow 2.5 Tonnes
The new all-wheel-drive VLE is not limited to transporting passengers.
The VLE 400 4MATIC has a maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes, allowing it to pull caravans, boat trailers and horse trailers. Mercedes-Benz also quotes a maximum towbar load of 100 kilograms, which opens the door to carrying e-bikes using a suitable towbar-mounted carrier.
The vehicle is also equipped with electronic assistance systems designed to make towing easier.
ESP trailer stabilisation is intended to help maintain stability when a trailer begins to move laterally, while Trailer Manoeuvring Assist can make low-speed trailer manoeuvring considerably less demanding.
This combination of electric propulsion, all-wheel drive and a 2.5-tonne towing capacity gives the VLE 400 4MATIC an unusual degree of versatility for an electric luxury passenger vehicle.
Five-, Six- and Up-to-Eight-Seat Configurations
Mercedes-Benz is also giving customers more flexibility when specifying the VLE.
Depending on configuration, the electric Grand Limousine can accommodate as many as eight occupants. Five- and six-seat versions are also available, allowing customers to prioritise either passenger capacity or additional space and comfort.
The five-seat VLE 400 4MATIC starts at €65,926.08 excluding VAT, while the six-seat version starts at €66,310.08 excluding VAT.
Including VAT, the starting prices are €78,452.04 for the five-seat model and €78,909 for the six-seat version.
Leasing starts at €645.54 per month excluding VAT for the five-seater and €649.30 excluding VAT for the six-seater, subject to the applicable leasing conditions.
Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric Starts Below €60,000 Excluding VAT
The expansion of the range isn’t limited to the new 4MATIC flagship.
Mercedes-Benz is also repositioning the standard VLE configuration to make the electric Grand Limousine more accessible.
The Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 electric is now available as a five-seater from €59,441.50 excluding VAT, equivalent to €70,735.39 including VAT.
The six-seat version starts at €59,821.50 excluding VAT, or €71,187.59 including VAT.
This creates a wider spread between the entry-level VLE and the more powerful VLE 400 4MATIC, giving buyers the option of spending less on the vehicle itself or moving up the range for additional performance and all-wheel-drive capability.
Four Main Equipment Packages Expand Customisation
Mercedes-Benz is also expanding the equipment strategy for the VLE.
The range now offers multiple equipment packages designed to allow buyers to add comfort, technology and luxury features without necessarily selecting every available option individually.
The package hierarchy includes:
- Standard Equipment
- Advanced Package
- Advanced Plus Package
- Premium Package
- Premium Plus Package
Depending on the chosen specification, customers can combine these packages with trim levels including AMG Line, AMG Line Plus and EXCLUSIVE.
This approach makes the VLE more configurable while also giving buyers a clearer path toward higher levels of luxury equipment.
Advanced Package Adds More Luxury and Convenience
The Advanced Package introduces a number of features designed to enhance everyday usability and passenger comfort.
Available equipment includes black high-gloss turned 19-inch alloy wheels, shaded rear glass, an EASY-PACK tailgate with separately opening rear window, rear-axle steering and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control.
Ambient lighting and illuminated door sill panels further enhance the cabin environment.
Rear-axle steering is particularly useful on a vehicle of this size, as it can improve manoeuvrability in urban environments and reduce the effort required when parking or negotiating tight spaces.
Advanced Plus and Premium Packages Focus on Technology
Moving higher up the equipment range brings more sophisticated technology and comfort features.
The Advanced Plus Package can include DIGITAL LIGHT, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, electrically adjustable front seats and steering wheel, enhanced ambient lighting and the Comfort Package Plus with KEYLESS-GO.
The Premium specification takes the technology level even further with features such as DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function, MBUX Augmented Navigation, a head-up display and the MBUX Superscreen.
Mercedes-Benz also offers ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL, active front-seat ventilation and the Massage function Plus, reinforcing the VLE’s positioning as a luxury vehicle rather than simply a practical electric van.
More Equipment Is Now Optional
One of the more significant changes to the VLE range is Mercedes-Benz’s decision to make several previously mandatory features available as optional equipment.
This should give customers greater control over the final specification and potentially make it easier to configure a VLE around specific needs rather than paying for equipment they do not require.
For example, AIRMATIC air suspension is no longer the only suspension choice. Customers can also specify a comfort suspension.
AC charging at up to 11 kW is now available as an option as well.
The strategy effectively broadens the VLE’s appeal by allowing customers to choose between a more straightforward entry-level configuration and a highly equipped luxury specification.
Mercedes-Benz VLE Targets Both Private and Professional Buyers
The VLE’s expanding configuration range reflects the variety of roles Mercedes-Benz expects the vehicle to fulfil.
For private buyers, the combination of multiple seating configurations, a long electric range and luxury equipment makes the VLE an alternative to large premium SUVs and conventional luxury vans.
For professional operators, meanwhile, the VLE could serve as an executive shuttle, hotel transfer vehicle, airport transport or premium passenger carrier.
The VLE 400 4MATIC’s 2.5-tonne towing capacity adds another dimension, potentially making it useful for leisure activities involving caravans, boats or horse trailers.
Electric Luxury Van With a Wider Mission
Mercedes-Benz is clearly positioning the VLE as more than an electric replacement for an existing van.
The combination of up to eight seats, a 654-km WLTP range, 310 kW of power, all-wheel drive and a 2.5-tonne towing capacity gives the VLE a broad range of potential applications.
At the same time, the extensive equipment list—including DIGITAL LIGHT, the MBUX Superscreen, Burmester 3D audio, massage seats and advanced climate-control technology—pushes the model deeper into premium territory.
The result is an electric Grand Limousine that can be configured for very different customers without fundamentally changing its core character.
Mercedes-Benz VLE: A More Flexible Electric Grand Limousine
The latest Mercedes-Benz VLE updates are less about introducing a completely new vehicle and more about expanding what buyers can do with it.
The arrival of the VLE 400 4MATIC brings a significant performance upgrade, while its 654-km claimed range and 2.5-tonne towing capacity make it one of the most versatile configurations in the lineup.
Meanwhile, the expanded equipment packages and newly optional features provide greater freedom to configure the vehicle according to individual requirements.
With its combination of electric range, luxury, passenger capacity, technology and towing capability, the Mercedes-Benz VLE is increasingly shaping up as a premium electric mobility platform rather than simply another electric van.
For buyers searching for a large electric vehicle capable of combining executive comfort with genuine long-distance usability, the VLE 400 4MATIC is likely to be one of the most interesting additions to Mercedes-Benz’s growing electric lineup.
Source: Mercedes-Benz