Limo-aping 2026 Mercedes-Benz VLE minivan teased   

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz VLE has been officially teased for the first time as the German brand confirms production of its next-generation V-Class replacement has begun at its Vitoria plant in northern Spain.  

The teaser of the mid-size 2026 Mercedes-Benz VLE people mover reveals how designers will take plenty of inspiration from the radical Vision V concept that was unwrapped earlier this year. 

Set to feature an only-mildly toned-down version of its Panamerica grille that is expected to mirror the latest GLC SUV and be illuminated, while the pair of slim headlamps incorporating Benz's logo that is repeated on the bonnet with the return of the three-pointed star emblem. 

When it launches, Mercedes has promised the VLE will introduce "outstanding efficiency" and to ensure it delivers on that claim, the minivan has had its body shape honed in the wind tunnel for a class-leading drag coefficient. 

Releasing pictures of it testing at the Nardo proving ground in Italy, the VLE will also come with advanced chassis tech that is likely to include air springs, adaptive dampers and rear-axle steering that should be able to pivot the rear wheels by up to 10 degrees. 

While the combustion and hybrid versions will be based on the VAN.CA platform, the battery-electric versions sit on the all-new VAN.EA architecture that will offer a range of more than 500km – a big step up on the meagre 365km delivered by the current EQV. 

Set to come with 800-volt electrics, expect DC charging capabilities of up to 320kW, with as much as 300km of range added after little more than 10 minutes. 

The new platform will also offer both single e-motor and dual-motor options, with the latter set to produce big power for sports car-like levels of performance. 

Once introduced, the VLE ('E' for E-Class) will be joined by an even larger, more luxurious VLS ('S' for S-Class) flagship van, with both appealing as VIP shuttles or alternatives to limousines. 

A range of delivery vans will also be spun off the VLE and VLS that are thought to come with more conventional styling. 

As well as introducing the firm's latest MB.OS operating system, the VLE will also come with Level 2 autonomous driving aids that will be upgraded to Level 3 autonomy before the end of the decade. 

The VLE will make its global debut in the first half of next year, meaning it probably won’t arrive here until late 2026 at the earliest, or possibly 2027. 

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