Mercedes-Benz expands the range of its new VLE people carrier with a new version featuring dual electric motors

Mercedes-Benz strengthens its electric offering in the people carrier segment. The new VLE 400 4MATIC arrives as an evolution of the VLE 300 with a single motor, presented in March, and positions itself not only as a conventional people carrier but as an electric large saloon designed for comfort, prestige and demanding everyday use.

This new 400 4MATIC version delivers a total of 310 kW thanks to a second motor integrated into the rear axle, although it shares the 115 kWh usable NMC battery with the front-wheel-drive version. The WLTP range reaches 654 km, around 60 km less than the 713 km of the VLE 300, a logical consequence of the higher consumption and weight of the dual-motor setup. The 800-volt architecture allows DC charging of up to 300 kW, making it possible to raise the state of charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes. Likewise, in a fast charge of just 15 minutes, it can recover enough energy to cover up to 355 additional km.

In Germany, the starting price of the six-seat variant is 78,909 euros, while the five-seat version starts at 78,452 euros. The VLE 300, on the other hand, has a price of 70,735 euros.

More options to choose from

The VLE range has also improved its level of equipment. Since summer, the VLE 300 can be ordered in AMG Line and AMG Line Plus trims, in addition to the Exclusive. The Advanced package has now been added as well, joining the Advanced Plus, Premium and Premium Plus. New features include 19-inch gloss black wheels and darkened rear windows. The combinations are more flexible: Exclusive can be paired with either Premium or Premium Plus (the latter includes a head-up display and MBUX Superscreen). The Sky View panoramic roof, previously standard on some configurations, is now optional.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz now offers greater freedom regarding the number of seats. Since July, there are rear premium comfort seats with electric adjustment, armrests and heating. The seating offer has been expanded: from five to eight occupants. Initially, only five, six or seven seats could be configured depending on the trim.