Mercedes’ new battery-wed VLE could open new doors - but if it comes, it won’t be seen in Benz car dealerships.

POTENTIAL local availability for a breakthrough electric people-carrier just revealed by Mercedes Benz isn’t a decision for the brand here.

Rather, it’s up to a dealer group which assumed responsibility for national sale of the German make’s commercial models.

The new VLE has begun life presenting as a plush multi-seat model, targeting well-heeled buyers seeking an E-Class-like experience but with more chairs.

Conceivably, if landed here, it would be vying to be an alternate to the growing count of luxury-appointed MPVs landing from China, most from makes new to this region and lacking the same prestige persona.

That kind of buyer is well known to the Mercedes’ Benz passenger network, directly operated by the factory.

Yet it is at core, a van, and that means its national future is in the hands of the Keith Andrews Group, which has yet to offer comment about its intentions.

A change of representation enacted last July, with Mercedes Benz New Zealand transferring rights to an operator already providing sales and after sales support for Fuso, Freightliner, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The VLE is a first use of a high-tech new platform, called VAN.EA, which will eventually go on to underpin all of Mercedes’ commercial EVs, as well as a larger, even more luxurious VLS version.

While pure commercial workday variants are also coming, the first edition is created as a luxury people carrier, with a massive load of high-end trimmings.

It replaces the EQV, which based on the Mercedes V-Class and was represented by the region’s factory operation.

Apart from being a fresh start in look, VLE is also a major step forward in technology, not least in respect to its drivetrain. The EQV was hampered by limited range, a best of 330 kilometres’ when tested to the WLTP schedule.

The VLE commands more than twice that in its most efficient form. The marriage of a new 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery under the floor with super-efficient electric motors, plus it being sleeker and more aerodynamic than the old model, has been crucial.

Range is quoted at 700km for the rear-drive 202kW VLE 300 model.

The 308kW VLE 400 4MATIC two-motor model that has also been shown hasn’t the same aptitude, Benz says - but it hasn’t given a range figure, yet.

Both models so far shown can tow up to 2.5 tonnes on a braked trailer. Later on, there will be more affordable versions using an 80kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery.

The VLE battery being latest tech means it is designed to use high-power 800-volt DC fast charging, replenishment at up to 300kW would add 355km of extra range in just 15 minutes. Benz has also designed an optional DC-to-DC converter so it can work with older 400-volt chargers too.

The passenger types have Airmatic air suspension, which Mercedes claims is so good at isolating the ride that: "only floating would be smoother.” The setup also means the VLE can be raised or lowered by 40mm to make it easier to get in and out. The cabin is fully plush, with no ’van plastic' evident. VLE also lays on helectric sliding side doors for easy access and a three-way climate control system.

Up front it’s, as they say, ‘all computer.’ There’s a full-width digital dash that comes with as many as three screens running the latest MB.OS software and built-in Google Maps. An owner can also add in the AI voice assistant of choice. Mercedes has left a small smattering of physical shortcut buttons on the dash too.

The retractable, 31.3‑inch panoramic screen in the back with a split-screen function is optional. Saying "Hey Mercedes, start the cinema experience” kicks in functionality. The screen glides out of its compartment while, at the same time, the window blinds close. The type also comes with an optional 22-speaker Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos.

There are three seating rows, allowing seating for between five and eight people, depending on your whim. Every seat aft of the driving zone can be fully removed. There are three different types of rear seat. Comfort is a standard manually adjustable seat type, Premium Comfort has electric adjustments and them there’s the ultimate. The Grand Comfort Seat gets an additional pillow, wireless charging, lumbar support with a massage function, and a Lay-Z-Boy-style leg rest.

Even with all seats in place, the luggage space still offers a massive 795 litres; remove all the chairs and there’s a huge 4078 litres of space.

In recognition that some buyers can find vans a bit unwieldy, this one has a rear-wheel steering system which deflects the rear wheels by up to seven degrees, cutting the turning circle to 10.9 metres.

If VLE comes, it would present at more outlets than Mercedes Benz has for its cars. Keith Andrews Group is also larger in respect to personnel count, employing more than 380 people.