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Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence.
“Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the long-distance route. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome – the Mercedes-Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture,” claimed Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mercedes-Benz AG.
The VLE test vehicles completed the 1090-kilometer (~677 miles) run from Stuttgart to Rome in ~13 hours of steady traffic. The journey began in Stuttgart at 52°F and ended in Rome at a summer-high 91°F. “Despite the temperature changes, comfort was never compromised, with the cabin consistently maintained at a cool 72°F,” Mercedes said.
Grand Limousines?
The future models of privately positioned MPVs – also known as Grand Limousines – will be named the Mercedes-Benz VLE and the Mercedes-Benz VLS. While the VLE can accommodate up to 8 seats and range from flexible vehicles for families to exclusive VIP shuttles, the VLS will attempt to compete in the luxury vehicle segment For the first time, Mercedes-Benz will offer all-electric mid-size luxury vehicles in the U.S., Canada and China (Grand Limousines).
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive
Click for more.
Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence.
“Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the long-distance route. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome – the Mercedes-Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture,” claimed Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mercedes-Benz AG.
The VLE test vehicles completed the 1090-kilometer (~677 miles) run from Stuttgart to Rome in ~13 hours of steady traffic. The journey began in Stuttgart at 52°F and ended in Rome at a summer-high 91°F. “Despite the temperature changes, comfort was never compromised, with the cabin consistently maintained at a cool 72°F,” Mercedes said.
Grand Limousines?
The future models of privately positioned MPVs – also known as Grand Limousines – will be named the Mercedes-Benz VLE and the Mercedes-Benz VLS. While the VLE can accommodate up to 8 seats and range from flexible vehicles for families to exclusive VIP shuttles, the VLS will attempt to compete in the luxury vehicle segment For the first time, Mercedes-Benz will offer all-electric mid-size luxury vehicles in the U.S., Canada and China (Grand Limousines).
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.