Luxury Vehicles: Mercedes Prepares to Elevate Van Living to Premium Standards
The Mercedes-Benz Group has announced its plans to release a new lineup of vans, with the highlight being the VLS-Class, a high-end luxury minivan that could make its way to American roads.
The unveiling of the VLS-Class was teased by the Vision V luxury van concept, which showcased a 62-inch screen and futuristic reclining seats. The VLS-Class, often referred to as a "Grand Limousine," is designed for two passengers and is best driven by a chauffeur, offering a level of luxury similar to the S-Class.
The VLS-Class is not the only new addition to the Mercedes-Benz van family. The VLE is the successor to the V-Class MPV and seats up to eight passengers, comparable to the E-Class. Both the VLE and VLS will ride on the new VAN.EA architecture for electric vans and VAN.CA for hybrid models with an internal combustion engine.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group, expressed his belief in the potential for a high-end luxury minivan in America. He also hinted at writing the next chapter for the Sprinter's future. The successful Sprinter van, produced in South Carolina, will be part of the new lineup, with the VAN.CA platform underpinning the next generation Sprinter vans.
The rollout timeline for the U.S. for both the personal and commercial versions of the VLE and VLS is still under discussion. However, it is known that the electric vans will be released first, followed by ICE-powered models. The electric vans will feature an 800-volt architecture for fast charging.
About 80 percent of sales are expected to come from commercial vans, including the Sprinter. Final decisions on every detail for the personal vans, including those for North America, have not been finalized yet.
Interestingly, the variant of the Mercedes-Benz VLS-Class will be marketed in the USA by Ford under the Ford Transit brand when it is rolled out there. The VLS could be embraced in China and potentially used for VIP transportation in the U.S.
However, there will not be an AMG version of the new vans, according to Michael Schiebe, head of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach. The new generation of Mercedes-Benz vans will be released next year, with the vans first becoming available in Europe, followed by North America, China, and other parts of the world.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz is set to redefine the van market with its new lineup, led by the luxurious VLS-Class. As more details about the personal vans, including those for North America, are finalized, we can expect an exciting evolution in the world of commercial and luxury transportation.
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