Mercedes-Benz has officially begun series production of the all-new electric VLE at its long-established van manufacturing facility in Vitoria, Spain, marking a major milestone in the brand’s electrification strategy.
The launch represents more than just the arrival of a new model. The VLE is the first vehicle to be built on Mercedes-Benz’s newly developed Van Architecture, a modular and scalable platform that will underpin the company’s future van lineup across both private and commercial segments.
The Vitoria facility becomes the first plant in Mercedes-Benz’s global production network to manufacture the VLE. Production for the Chinese market is scheduled to begin later this year at the company’s Fuzhou plant.
Mercedes-Benz VLE Combines Luxury and Long-Range Capability
Unveiled earlier this year as the successor to the EQV, the Mercedes-Benz VLE is positioned as a premium electric people carrier that blends limousine-like comfort with the practicality and versatility of a multi-purpose vehicle.
One of its headline features is impressive long-distance capability. The launch-spec VLE 300 delivers 203 kW of power and offers up to 713 km (443 miles) of WLTP driving range, depending on configuration. That places it among the longest-range electric MPVs announced to date.
The VLE rides on an advanced 800-volt architecture that supports DC fast charging at up to 300 kW. Under ideal conditions, drivers can add as much as 355 km (221 miles) of WLTP range in just 15 minutes.
A 115 kWh usable battery, front-wheel-drive layout, and aerodynamic design help maximize efficiency. Mercedes-Benz says journeys of around 1,000 km (621 miles) can be completed with only a brief charging stop along the way.
To improve compatibility with existing public charging infrastructure, the VLE can also utilize 400-volt DC fast chargers through an optional DC converter.
MB.OS Brings a New Digital Experience
The VLE is also among the first Mercedes-Benz vans to feature the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The software platform manages everything from infotainment and driver assistance systems to vehicle performance and connected services, delivering a more integrated digital experience.
Pricing and Future Variants
Mercedes-Benz began accepting blind orders for the VLE in April, allowing customers to reserve the vehicle before test drives became available.
Current pricing starts at €82,260 for the five-seat version, while the six-seat variant starts at €82,712.
The lineup is expected to expand later this year with additional trims, equipment packages, and seating configurations ranging from five to eight seats. A more affordable standard VLE 300 is also planned for 2026, with prices starting at €70,464 for the five-seat model and €70,916 for the six-seat version.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius described the VLE as an example of the company’s ability to accelerate innovation through digital development processes and international collaboration, highlighting the speed at which the vehicle moved from concept to production.
Vitoria Plant Undergoes Major Transformation
The start of VLE production is the result of a comprehensive modernization program at the Vitoria facility, one of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ largest industrial projects in Europe.
Significant investments have been made in body assembly, paint operations, logistics systems, and digital infrastructure. The upgrades enable flexible multi-powertrain production on a single assembly line while maintaining high levels of efficiency and quality.
Notably, the transformation was completed while production of existing models—including the V-Class, Vito, and eVito—continued uninterrupted.
According to Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, the VLE is designed to serve a wide range of customers, from families and leisure users to premium shuttle operators. He also emphasized the role of the Vitoria workforce in preparing the facility for the new production era.
Approximately 5,000 employees work at the site, and more than 160 training programs were introduced to prepare staff for new manufacturing technologies, materials, digital systems, and production processes.
Sustainability Remains a Key Focus
Mercedes-Benz is also emphasizing sustainability throughout VLE production.
The Vitoria plant has operated on a carbon-neutral balance basis since 2022. Renewable electricity, geothermal energy, and recovered waste heat from manufacturing operations help reduce the facility’s environmental impact.
All newly constructed buildings comply with the company’s Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) standard, while an on-site photovoltaic installation contributes renewable electricity generation.
Further improvements are planned. A new electrically operated paint shop is scheduled to begin operations in autumn 2026. The facility will run entirely on renewable electricity and is expected to significantly reduce direct CO₂ emissions compared with conventional paint processes.
Combined with manufacturing innovations and optimized battery production processes, these initiatives are designed to lower the overall carbon footprint of Mercedes-Benz van production.
A New Era for Mercedes-Benz Vans
The start of series production of the Mercedes-Benz VLE marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz Vans. As the first model built on the company’s next-generation Van Architecture, the VLE not only introduces impressive range and charging capabilities but also lays the foundation for a broader family of future electric and multi-powertrain vans.
With production now underway in Spain and global expansion plans already in motion, the VLE is set to become a key player in Mercedes-Benz’s growing electric vehicle portfolio.
