Autocar UK – 24 June 2026 – Autocar UK

But it always felt like a well-executed electric version of a van. The new VLE is based on Mercedes’ new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) that will support not only electric but also petrol and diesel models. It sits at the centre of a new family of electric MPVs that will stretch from the next-gen Vito commercial vehicle to the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach VLS unveiled earlier this year. The scale of progress over the EQV is immediately evident.

The VLE will be offered in standard- wheelbase form measuring 5309mm long with a 3342mm wheelbase, alongside a 5484mm version on a 3517mm wheelbase when UK sales begin later this year. The range opens with the front- drive VLE 300, powered by a 272bhp front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. Drawing from a 115kWh battery, it is said to cover 414 miles on a charge, and it can hit 62mph in 9.5sec.

Above it sits the dual-motor VLE 400 4Matic, with 416bhp. Mercedes claims 0-62mph in 6.5sec and a range of “more than” 391 miles. Both receive the same 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and 800V architecture, and DC charging is rated at 300kW. Mercedes plans to broaden the line-up next year with two additional models using a 80kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. The VLE seats between four and VLE has a more relaxed, car-like driving position Refined and quiet on the move, with good overtaking punch eight, depending on configuration, and offers a wide variety of layouts.

A new ‘Roll and Go’ function allows seats to manually slide, fold and be removed, while electrically adjustable versions can be repositioned remotely via the infotainment or an app. Material quality is markedly improved, with richer materials and a more contemporary feel than in the EQV. An optional MBUX Superscreen spans the dash, while a panoramic roof, ambient lighting and an optional 31.3in retractable rear display bring the cabin in line with Mercedes’ passenger cars.

Behind the wheel, the driving position is noticeably more car-like than before.

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Reports that the UK government is about to soften EV sales targets for car firms from 80% to 50% by 2030 is welcome news for the car industry (p14) and follows similar moves in mainland Europe. Car manufacturers have been feeling the pressure – and the hit to their bottom lines – for a few years now as they’ve been forced to sell a growing percentage of zero-emission vehicles or face significant fines.

It’s the age-old chicken-and-egg conundrum. The car industry launched ample EVs to meet legislation and avoid fines, which means consumers have choice, yet not enough of those consumers are buying EVs – still – for car manufacturers to hit their mandated sales percentages. Most car buyers I speak to still flag range anxiety as off-putting. It’s deeply encouraging that the government has listened to car makers.

But now it’s up to those car firms to keep pushing EVs – as they’ve shown they can do – or they risk ending up in the same situation a few years down the road. Meanwhile, the government now needs to invest in infrastructure and incentives and to explain to people why EVs are better if it actually wants this transition to happen. If both of those things align, we’ll have success: a stronger car industry and a better environment.

THIS WEEK 24 JUNE 2026 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 3 EV SALES TARGETS SOFTEN BUT SALES PITCH MUSTN’T Most controversial Ferrari The brand’s head of global marketing explains why the Luce EV looks like it does – and what it means for the future of Ferrari. autocar.co.uk New Bovensiepen driven Former Alpina custodian begins its new era with a stunning, carbon- bodied coupé, but what’s it like to drive?

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