Mercedes-Benz begins accepting orders for its VLE people carrier in Europe

Just over a month after its worldwide presentation, Mercedes-Benz has begun accepting orders for its new VLE people carrier on the German market. The first units available to reserve are the VLE 300 version, offered in two configurations: one with five seats from 82,260 euros and another with six seats from 82,712 euros. More affordable versions will follow, priced at around 70 thousand euros.

Over the course of the year, the range will be expanded with more equipment options and different trim levels, as Mercedes-Benz itself has announced. At its official presentation, the VLE 400 4MATIC version with all-wheel drive and 305 kW of power was shown, and details were given of the entry-level VLE 250 version, which will be equipped with an LFP battery pack. The VLE 400 is expected to arrive before the end of the year at the latest.

This new Mercedes-Benz people carrier features an innovative 800-volt architecture that enables charging at a peak power of 300 kW. In this way, the manufacturer promises that it is possible to recover up to 355 km of WLTP range in just 15 minutes, which makes it possible, at least in theory, to undertake thousand-kilometre journeys with just one brief charging stop.

Wide configuration options to meet all needs

As for its price, this will largely depend on the chosen equipment level. The VLE can be specified with a simpler interior, the higher-quality Premium package, or the luxurious Exclusive trim, which includes very comfortable individual seats and a large screen that descends from the ceiling. At launch, VLE 300 prices range from roughly 79,000 to 113,000 euros.

According to Mercedes, in the near future the entry-level five-seat version with standard equipment will start at 70,464 euros, and the six-seat version at 70,916 euros. The VLE 300 combines a 200 kW electric motor on the front axle with a 115 kWh battery pack using NMC cells, offering more than 700 km of WLTP range under optimal conditions.

“The new VLE redefines what our customers value in Mercedes-Benz and takes the experience to an extraordinary level. Its striking design and generous sense of space convey that cozy feeling of being at home in a completely new way.”