Mercedes-Benz is expanding its new electric VLE range with a 310kW VLE 400 4MATIC aimed at families, leisure users and premium shuttle buyers. The all-wheel-drive version combines a 115kWh usable battery with up to 654 kilometres of provisional WLTP range, a 2.5-tonne towing capacity and a cabin that can be configured with as many as eight seats.
The VLE 400 adds all-wheel drive and 310kW
The VLE 400 4MATIC uses an additional electric motor to provide all-wheel drive and a combined output of 310kW. Mercedes quotes a provisional 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds, giving the large people carrier enough performance to feel more like a premium passenger car than a conventional van.
The extra traction should also suit owners who use one vehicle year-round for ski trips, wet marinas or long-distance family travel. Rather than chasing sports-car acceleration, the package is aimed at making a large electric vehicle feel secure and effortless across a wider range of conditions.
A 115kWh battery supports long-distance use
Mercedes says the 115kWh usable battery can provide up to 654 kilometres of WLTP range in the VLE 400 4MATIC, although real-world distance will vary with speed, weather, payload and climate-control use. The broader VLE platform uses an 800-volt electrical architecture designed for high-power DC charging.
That makes the vehicle more credible for holiday and marina journeys where several hundred kilometres may separate home, airport and coast. Range remains important in a large multi-seat EV because carrying passengers, luggage or leisure equipment can materially change energy use compared with a lightly loaded car.
The towing figure makes it unusually relevant to boating
The VLE 400 4MATIC is rated to tow up to 2.5 tonnes and includes trailer-stabilisation and manoeuvring assistance. Mercedes specifically lists boat trailers among the use cases, alongside caravans and horse trailers, making the model directly relevant to owners of smaller tenders, personal watercraft or trailerable leisure boats.
A 100-kilogram towbar load also supports suitable e-bike carriers, widening the car's usefulness for active weekends. For an LYG household, this kind of flexibility can matter more than outright performance because one vehicle can cover family transport, airport runs and equipment-heavy leisure trips.
Five to eight seats broaden the ownership options
Mercedes is offering the VLE with seating configurations from five to eight occupants and a growing choice of equipment packages. Options include comfort-focused rear seating, AIRMATIC air suspension, panoramic glazing, upgraded MBUX displays and several wheel and trim combinations.
Prices vary significantly by specification, but the VLE is positioned as a premium electric alternative to both large SUVs and conventional luxury people carriers. Its strongest lifestyle argument is space: it provides room for passengers and luggage without asking buyers to move into a commercial-feeling vehicle.
Official sources: media.mercedes-benz.com; media.mercedes-benz.com.
