The Mercedes VLE prototype has passed wind tunnel, track, and cross-country road tests.
The Mercedes-Benz VLE, the first model based on the VAN.EA all-electric platform, recently completed three major efficiency trials: wind tunnel testing, high-speed track calibration, and a 1,100 km cross-country challenge from Germany to Italy.
At Mercedes’ Stuttgart wind tunnel facility, the VLE’s aerodynamics were validated. Although the prototype was camouflaged, the optimized roofline and rear design demonstrated stability even under strong wind conditions.
The test team then moved to the Nardò proving ground in Italy, where high-speed and extreme dynamic driving were used to fine-tune the electric drive system, energy recuperation, and thermal management. They also assessed the impact of rear-wheel steering on both efficiency and handling.
Finally, the VLE completed a 1,100 km journey from Stuttgart to Rome, requiring only two 15-minute fast-charging stops. The route covered mountain roads, highways, rural routes, and city streets, with outside temperatures ranging from 11°C to 33°C while cabin temperature remained constant. Rear-wheel steering proved particularly advantageous in mountain switchbacks and narrow urban streets.
However, several details remain undisclosed, including the drag coefficient, powertrain specifications, peak charging rate, and consumption curves across different climates. Whether the “two charges only” pace seen in testing can be replicated by real-world users will depend heavily on speed, gradients, and traffic conditions.
According to Mercedes, the VLE is scheduled for mass production in 2026. It will be the first vehicle on the VAN.EA platform, which will be split into two series: VLE, designed for family and leisure use, and VLS, aimed at the business market.
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