Mercedes Is Bringing a 400-Mile Electric Luxury Van to America

Remember the Metris?

The Mercedes-Benz Metris was the brand’s commercial and passenger van in the U.S., slotted beneath the Sprinter. In Europe, it’s known as the Vito, but its luxury-oriented passenger-carrying versions, with a few more luxuries, are called the V-Class. The Vito and V-Class have been in production since 2014 and landed in the U.S as the Metris in 2016.

Offered in both cargo and passenger derivatives, the Metris was more like the Vito, as it lacked the usual luxuries found in stateside Mercedes-Benz models. It was discontinued in North America after the 2023 model year, leaving Mercedes-Benz without a midsize van for the last three years. It’s a unique kind of van in the U.S., as none of its European competitors have crossed the Atlantic.

A New Age of Mercedes Vans

The Vito and V-Class are still available in Europe and in some parts of the world, but Mercedes-Benz introduced its new-generation van a few months ago. Dubbed the VLE, it was first previewed as the Vision V in 2025, and it has been confirmed that it will come to America in 2027 for the 2028 model year.

In case you’re wondering, the VLE is nothing like the Metris. If anything, to call it the successor to that van might be a little odd. There are two key reasons for that: the first is that it’s all-electric. Secondly, it’s no gussied-up cargo van as it prioritizes luxury over outright carrying ability.

Two Motors to Choose From

Mercedes-Benz USA has released preliminary specs of the luxury van, as well as the two likely models coming soon. These are the VLE 300 and VLE 400 4Matic, differing in drivetrain and in power output.

Both come with an 115 kWh battery, although the front-drive VLE 300 produces 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive VLE 400 4Matic adds a second motor, boosting output to 409 hp. Mercedes-Benz claims the VLE 300 can do over 400 miles on a single charge, but estimates for the more potent version have yet to be revealed.

Interestingly, towing capacity was also mentioned, at least for the VLE 400 4Matic. In this case, it’s 5,000 lbs, although don’t expect it to match the factory-claimed range.

Creature Comforts

If you take a look at the cabin photos of the VLE, you can see that it has luxuries and more space than the S-Class can only wish for. Thanks to its upright profile and seats that slide and swivel, there is ample stretch-out room inside. Seating capacities range from 6 to 8 passengers. In this car, the fewer the seats, the plusher it gets.

The van can be specified with an electric Grand Comfort Seat. That adds an additional pillow, armrests, cupholders, wireless charging, lumbar support, massage function, and calf support. Also available is a retractable 31.3-inch panoramic display serving as rear-seat entertainment. The Sky View panoramic glass roof is also there for those who prefer viewing scenery over videos.

For those in front, there are three screens on the dash courtesy of the MBUX Superscreen. It includes a 10.25‑inch driver display, a 14‑inch infotainment screen in the middle, and another 14‑inch display for the front passenger. The front passenger can also stream videos, use apps, or play games with their dedicated screen.

This Isn’t Even the Most Luxurious Version Yet

If the available amenities already sound overwhelming, do note that the VLE is the junior model in Mercedes-Benz’s luxury van range. Coming soon is the Mercedes-Maybach VLS, and we’re expecting the luxuries to be downright extravagant.

We say expecting because Mercedes has yet to share more details about the Maybach van. All we know is it’ll be more opulent than the VLE, and prices could start at around $200,000. The company dubs it a ‘Grand Limousine,’ and with its Maybach label, we won’t be questioning that.