Mercedes-Benz revealed the new VLE minivan earlier this month, and it will give U.S. customers something different to consider in the luxury class. The VLE is set to become America’s most opulent minivan when it goes on sale, but something even more lavish is coming from Mercedes in the minivan segment. The company has just teased the all-new Mercedes-Maybach VLS, which means the Maybach sub-brand—considered a Bentley and Rolls-Royce competitor—will gain a minivan model for the first time.
A Grand Limousine Like No Other
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Maybach describes the VLS as a Grand Limousine, a lofty statement but one which fits the standard to which Maybachs have always been built. The teaser only shows what appears to be the rearmost pillar, which has the Maybach emblem affixed to it.
“The all-new Mercedes‑Maybach VLS delivers an exceptional sense of space with unrivaled exclusivity, welcoming passengers into a completely new world of comfort and digital sophistication,” said the official press release. “This extravagant Grand Limousine transforms the generous space into an extraordinary private lounge with everything that characterizes a Mercedes‑Maybach.”
Mercedes made mention of the Vision V concept, revealed last year and expected to provide the basis for the production Maybach VLS. The tapering rear window line of the concept certainly resembles the teaser image of the production model. The Vision V is electric, so we can expect the same from the Maybach VLS—a silent electric powertrain suits an ultra-luxury model, anyway. The VLE already makes up to 409 horsepower in dual-motor guise, so the Maybach VLS will very likely exceed this.
Mercedes-Benz Vision V Mercedes-Benz
The Vision V concept’s jaw-dropping interior was described as a “private lounge”, and it looks that way with its plush seating, retractable 4K cinema screen, and world-class materials. If you thought the VLE was impressive, the Maybach VLS completely throws out the minivan rulebook. Mercedes mentioned “an uncompromising commitment to the rear passenger”, leading us to believe the Maybach VLS will sacrifice maximum seating capacity for ultimate comfort; the concept only accommodates four people, unlike traditional minivans.
Related: 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Gets Major Luxury Update to Rival Rolls-Royce
Estimated Launch Date and Pricing
Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes has not yet confirmed when the new Maybach VLS will be released, but even the regular VLS-Class has not been revealed yet, so we expect both to be shown in full later this year. That could set the luxury minivans up for a 2027 arrival, but Mercedes-Maybach didn’t explicitly state whether the Maybach VLS is coming to the United States.
If it does, expect an enormous price tag. The Maybach EQS electric SUV starts at $180,000, and the VLS is expected to offer an even superior VIP experience. We expect the starting price to exceed $200,000, with the top model possibly surpassing the $244,400 you’ll pay for the V12-powered Maybach S680 sedan.
If Lexus puts the dramatic LS Concept minivan into production, it’ll be one of the closest things to the Maybach VLS—in this market, at least. High-end luxury minivans are far more popular in China, but U.S. customers may soon find out what they’ve been missing.
