Mercedes-Benz has expanded its electric VLE lineup with the new VLE 400 4MATIC, a more powerful all-wheel-drive version of its luxury passenger vehicle.

The new model is already available to order in Germany with five- and six-seat configurations. Prices start at €78,452 for the five-seat version and €78,909 for the six-seat model, including German value-added tax but excluding delivery costs.

Mercedes describes the VLE as an electric “Grand Limousine” rather than a traditional van. The company wants it to combine the spaciousness of a multipurpose vehicle with the comfort, technology and road manners of a luxury sedan.

Two Electric Motors and 310 kW

The VLE 400 4MATIC uses two electric motors to provide all-wheel drive. Together, they produce 310 kW, equivalent to approximately 416 horsepower.

Mercedes has installed an additional high-performance motor on the rear axle. This gives the VLE better traction in rain, snow and other challenging road conditions.

The dual-motor setup also improves acceleration. The VLE 400 4MATIC can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.5 seconds. By comparison, the front-wheel-drive VLE 300 requires between 8.9 and 9.5 seconds, depending on its configuration.

Mercedes has not designed the VLE as a sports car. However, its stronger acceleration should make highway merging and overtaking easier, especially when the vehicle is carrying passengers or towing a trailer.

A 115-kWh Battery and 654 Kilometers of Range

The all-wheel-drive model uses a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with 115 kWh of usable capacity. Mercedes estimates a maximum WLTP range of 654 kilometers, or approximately 406 miles.

The VLE 300 can travel up to 713 kilometers under the same testing procedure. Therefore, selecting the additional motor and all-wheel drive reduces the estimated maximum range by about 59 kilometers.

This difference reflects the additional weight and energy consumption associated with the more powerful drivetrain. Mercedes lists preliminary combined energy consumption of between 20 and 21.7 kWh per 100 kilometers for the VLE 400 4MATIC.

Actual range will depend on temperature, speed, payload, wheel selection, climate-control use and driving style.

300-kW Fast Charging

The VLE is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports DC fast charging at up to 300 kW.

Under ideal conditions, Mercedes says the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes. The vehicle can also recover enough energy for as much as 355 kilometers of additional range during a 15-minute charging session.

Standard AC charging is rated at 11 kW, while a 22-kW onboard charger is available as an option.

These capabilities should make the VLE more practical for long-distance family travel and professional shuttle services, although the fastest charging speeds will require compatible high-power stations.

Towing Capacity Increases to 2.5 Tonnes

One of the most significant advantages of the VLE 400 4MATIC is its towing capacity.

The new version can tow up to 2.5 tonnes, compared with a maximum of 1.75 tonnes for the VLE 300. This makes it suitable for caravans, boat trailers and other heavy loads.

Its towbar supports a vertical load of 100 kilograms, which can accommodate a compatible bicycle carrier. Mercedes also includes trailer stability control and a maneuvering assistance system designed to help drivers reverse with an attached trailer.

Up to Eight Seats and More Equipment Choices

The broader VLE range can now be configured with between five and eight seats. Electrically adjustable premium rear seats with heating and individual armrests are also available.

Mercedes offers Advanced, Advanced Plus, Premium and Premium Plus equipment packages. Depending on the selected version, options include rear-wheel steering, air suspension, a head-up display, Digital Light headlights, a panoramic roof and the MBUX Superscreen.

According to the official Mercedes-Benz announcement, some equipment that was previously bundled into specific configurations can now be ordered separately. This gives buyers greater control over the final price.

The VLE 400 4MATIC arrives as an alternative for customers who need space, towing ability and all-weather traction but want to move away from a combustion-powered luxury van.