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By Jonathan Crouch

The VLE is a very different kind of super-large electric Mercedes MPV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 36

A big Mercedes MPV is never short of space. But the brand's previous large electric People Carriers have been short of driving range and technology. All that changes with this VLE. It resets the segment standard.

Backgroundword count: 179

Mercedes aims to redefine what a big luxurious electric MPV should be with this VLE. We're often told that 'space is the ultimate luxury' but at the wheel of a car from the market's largest, plushest category of big MPV, it often doesn't feel like it. That's because these models are nearly always plushed-up versions of mid-sized vans and for all the chrome and leather usually applied, their commercial roots usually don't take long to shine through. Mercedes has long campaigned as the premium choice in the segment, first with the original V-Class of the Nineties (plagued by unreliability), then by its rather cheap-feeling Viano successor of the Noughties. Both models were based on the Vito van, as was the more recent generation V-Class of 2015, which spawned an all-electric model, the EQV, in 2020. Now you're up to date. And ready for an all-new generation of large Mercedes People Carrier. The VL-series model in question is based around completely fresh platforms - VAN.CE for the combustion versions and VAN.EA for the all-electric VLE model we look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 311

You might find it a touch ironic that Mercedes has developed this VLE to be far more car-like to drive than its EQV predecessor, yet given it an all-new platform designated 'VAN.EA'. What's not in question is that the VLE is a far more usable MPV than the model it replaces, thanks to the huge 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery most models now use. In the case of the front-driven VLE 300 variant many will probably choose, that means a range figure of over 435 miles, more than double the distance the old EQV could go on a charge. There's 268bhp offer, so 62mph takes 9.5s en route to 112mph. If that's not enough, then look to the top VLE 400 4MATIC, which gets a second motor - this one added to the rear axle - to boost power up to 409bhp. 0-62mph here takes just 6.5s. Urban or suburban users who don't need huge battery range or prodigious power might prefer instead to consult their dealer about the entry-level VLE 250, which has a smaller 80kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. Mercedes is keen to talk about the improvements in drive dynamics brought about by the new stiffer chassis, but what really matters in a big MPV like this is urban usability and ride comfort. To promote the former, there's a four-wheel steering system that enables the rear wheels to turn by up to 7-degrees and facilitates a turning circle tighter than a Volkswagen Golf. As for suspension, well a newly developed rear axle maximises ride quality and can work with an optional AIRMATIC air suspension set-up which is said to be 'S-Class-like' and can alter ride height by up to 40mm. It can also use map data to maintain its lowest setting in highway travel. Across the line-up, towing capacity is up to 2.5-tonnes, so the VLE easily hauls caravans, boats or horse trailers.

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