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Mercedes-Benz VLE Drives to Rome, Passing Long-Distance Tests with Flying Colours
The new Mercedes-Benz VLE has recently completed an impressive long-distance journey from Stuttgart to Rome, showcasing remarkable efficiency, comfort, and agility throughout nearly 1,100 kilometers of varied driving conditions. This real-world test underlined the electric van’s readiness for everyday use — whether for family travel, leisure activities, or urban driving.
Challenging Route, Exceptional Performance
Two test vehicles embarked on this 1,090-kilometer journey, covering diverse terrains that included winding Alpine passes, high-speed freeway stretches, busy country roads, and narrow Italian city streets. Despite the demanding route profile, the VLE’s electric drivetrain demonstrated outstanding efficiency, with only two brief 15-minute charging stops needed during the entire trip. The vehicles maintained a steady, comfortable interior temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, even as outside temperatures rose from 11 degrees in Stuttgart to 33 degrees upon arrival in Rome.
Rear-Axle Steering for Agility and Control
One of the standout features during this journey was the VLE’s innovative rear-axle steering system. This technology significantly improved handling in tight corners and narrow streets, typical of Italian cities and mountain passes. The system enhances agility, making everyday driving less stressful and more enjoyable for drivers and passengers alike.
Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Vans, praised the results:
“Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the long-distance route. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome, the Mercedes?Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture.”
Rigorous Testing for Production Readiness
This journey is part of a larger program aimed at validating the vehicle’s maturity level across different climatic zones and driving profiles. Beyond advanced digital simulations and controlled facility testing at the Mercedes?Benz Vans campus in Stuttgart/Untertürkheim, real-world drives such as this are crucial. They provide invaluable insights into the van’s practicality, accelerating development toward production readiness.
Previously, technology prototypes of the VLE completed drives to the North Cape in Norway and underwent cold-weather testing in Sweden. The successful Alpine-to-Rome test marks another milestone on the path to launch.
Entering a New Era of Electric Vans
Launching in 2026, Mercedes?Benz’s new modular and scalable Van Architecture sets a fresh benchmark for both commercial and private transport vehicles. This architecture distinctly separates the design and function of Grand Limousines from commercial transporters, ensuring tailored experiences for each customer segment.
The Mercedes-Benz VLE, designed as a Grand Limousine, will offer up to eight seats, catering to families, leisure customers, and VIP shuttle services. Alongside the VLE, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz VLS will introduce a new luxury segment for midsize all-electric vehicles, available in markets including the U.S., Canada, and China.
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