The New Era of Electric Vans: Introducing, the brand new Mercedes-Benz VLE

Pre-series production of the new Mercedes-Benz VLE has successfully started, marking the dawn of a new era for commercial vehicles.

Vitoria – 30 years of Mercedes-Benz van production

Vitoria, the historically important van factory in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain, has been the home of Mercedes-Benz van production, starting with the Mercedes-Benz Vito in 1995. The mid-size allrounder van even owes its name to the second largest Mercedes-Benz van producer.  

As the brand drives towards a more electrifying future, the plant has now successfully started its production of the first pre-series vehicles of the new all-electric Mercedes‑Benz VLE, to prepare for the start of series production in 2026. To ensure the brand meets customer requirements of the first vehicles - based on the newly developed, modular and scalable van architecture -the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria has been comprehensively modernized. 

High-tech production

The ongoing investments in infrastructure, digitisation and training make the plant a future-ready pillar in the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network, and ensures Mercedes-Benz is setting standards in sustainable van production.

From 2026, the Vitoria plant will initially produce the new all-electric VLE, the V-Class, the Vito and eVito, in accordance with individual customer demand. The VLE is integrated into the ongoing production of the Vitoria plant- initially as an electric vehicle, but later to be introduced with a state-of-the-art combustion engine, ensuring we’re offering our customers with optimum choice with model range flexibility.

The new VLE – Redefining Space

Much like the new Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Vision V concept, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz VLE will combine limousine-like driving behaviours with MPV-like versatility. The focus is primarily on providing customers with the latest technology, efficiency and optimum comfort, which is of central importance for Mercedes-Benz. With up to eight seats, the VLE portfolio will range from flexible vehicles for families and customers with an active lifestyle to exclusive shuttles- therefore offering a versatile and flexible space for all business and leisure requirements.  

The VLE is the first vehicle based on the newly developed, modular and scalable van architecture. With aerodynamics records achieved in the wind tunnel tests, a long journey from Stuttgart to Rome only requiring two 15-minute charging stops, and the impressive agility and driving dynamics on the test track in southern Italy’s Nardò, the VLE is set to be a trailblazer in the commercial vehicle segment. Even the Polar Circle tests, where the vehicle is tested under the harshest conditions, showed that modern electric vehicles are not only ready, but very suitable for everyday use, even in cold weather, ice and snow.

Keep in touch

The new Mercedes-Benz VLE will celebrate its world premiere in the first half of 2026, so keep in touch with us via our website and social platforms on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for more information.

If you have any queries regarding the current Mercedes-Benz van range, our Sales and Service teams across the South West in Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton and Truro are available on 0330 162 3191.