Mercedes-Benz is also preparing to start production of the VLE people carrier in China

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to start production in China of its new electric VLE people carrier, after production began at the Spanish Vitoria plant last June. Homologation documents submitted to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) confirm two versions with outputs reaching 305 kW, both fitted with NMC batteries using cells supplied by the joint venture formed by CATL and Mercedes-Benz.

For the Chinese market, the brand offers two drivetrain configurations. The VLE 300 uses a ZF EM0047 electric motor on the front axle, capable of delivering a peak output of 200 kW and 120 kW continuous. Top speed in this case is 210 km/h. The VLE 400, on the other hand, adds a second ZF EM0048 motor on the rear axle, turning the vehicle into an all-wheel-drive model. This rear unit provides 105 kW peak and 50 kW nominal, raising the combined output to 305 kW. Its top speed remains at 210 km/h.

As already mentioned, the cells for the NMC batteries fitted to both versions are supplied by the joint venture CATL-Benz, while pack assembly is handled by Fujian CATL. For the time being, neither the energy capacity nor the range on offer has been disclosed.

Local production will be carried out by Fujian Benz, the joint company formed by Mercedes-Benz, BAIC and Fujian Motor Industry, the same firm that already assembles the Class V and the Vito. The homologation documents also detail three tyre combinations ranging from 19 to 21 inches, rear sliding doors, a large panoramic roof and a surround-view camera system. The approach and departure angles are rated at 16 degrees, and the boot offers a depth of 550 millimetres.

Things to note

The VLE is the first production model based on Mercedes-Benz’s new VAN.EA electric platform. In Europe, the vehicle uses an 800-volt architecture that supports DC fast charging with peak power of 300 kW. The homologated range is around 700 kilometres under the WLTP cycle, and a 15-minute stop can add up to 355 kilometres. With this charging capacity, the brand claims it is theoretically possible to cover 1,000 kilometres with a single short break.

Mercedes-Benz presented the VLE in March as the successor to the EQV and opened orders in April. In the European market the starting price is €82,260, although the company plans to add more affordable versions at around €70,000. For China, official prices for the locally built model have not yet been announced.