Inovev forecasts to sell 5,000 units per year of the new Mercedes VLE
- Mercedes has just unveiled the new generation of its large, battery electric EQV minivan, now called the VLE, as the carmaker has decided to gradually phase out the EQ designation in its new electric range. This is the case for the recent electric versions of the Mercedes GLB and GLC SUVs, as well as the recent electric versions of the CLA sedans.
- The VLE minivan draws inspiration from the recent trend of large luxury minivans, particularly those developing in the Chinese market. As a result, the VLE boasts a level of prestige never before seen in this type of vehicle in Europe, approaching that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach. It is built on a platform (VAN.EA) and features a completely bespoke 800V electrical architecture, unlike that of a standard commercial vehicle, offering performance, handling, and comfort comparable to any high-end sedan.
- Measuring 5.30 m long, 2.00 m wide, and 2.00 m high, the VLE features a 115 kWh NMC battery coupled to a 262 hp (193 kW) electric motor mounted at the front, enabling a range of 700 km according to the WLTP cycle—twice that of the previous EQV. This improvement is due not only to the large-capacity battery but also to significant enhancements in aerodynamics and electric motor efficiency. Mercedes thus announces a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, identical to that of the new generation of electric vehicles.
- The electric vehicle will also be available from next year in a lower battery capacity version (80 kWh battery) and a more powerful version (dual motors totaling 409 hp ). Inovev estimates annual production of the electric vehicle at 5,000 units (in Vitoria, Spain), which is almost double the production volume of the previous EQV. Until further notice, the Mercedes V-Class hybrid continues to be marketed without any changes to its body style.