Mercedes is getting ready to pull the wraps off the new Vison V, a show car previewing the next-generation, all-electric vans it’s set to put into production next year. “The future model line-up will range from entry-level family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious and luxurious limousines,” the automaker said Monday.
Expect multiple drivetrain configurations for both the retail and commercial vans.
Is the van market set for a comeback? There are signs this just might be happening – though it could also be a manufacturers’ fantasy. In recent months we’ve seen the launch of the all-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the debut of the Kia PV5. Now, Mercedes-Benz is getting set to reveal the Vision V, a show car providing a good sense of what’s coming from the German luxury brand next year.
“Starting in 2026, the modular, flexible, and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will pave the way for a new era of vans,” the automaker said in a statement released Monday.
“The future model line-up will range from entry-level family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious and luxurious limousines, each catering to different customer needs. By extending the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury.”
Here’s what we know so far.
What is it?
A prototype of the Mercedes EV van is shown testing.
“Hello world! Here we go – Mercedes-Benz Vans’ vision of a new era. This is just a first glimpse, but rest assured: there is much more to come…” the automaker said in a statement accompanying an earlier set of teaser images of its all-electric van.
Mercedes actually has provided some insight into what’s to come and, it turns out, there are two derivatives of the new platform, the VAN.EA-P architecture to be used for family-sized vans, the VAN.EA-C architecture to serve commercial applications. It’s not clear yet but generally expected that Mercedes will drop the current, electric eSprinter van when the new EV reaches market as it will be more efficient and make better use of its underlying battery-electric drivetrain.
“VAN.EA enables a clear distinction between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment,” the automaker claims, and the retail packages “will range from high-end family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious limousines tailored to the most discerning customers.”
Range and drivetrains
A schematic showing the flexibility of the VAN.EA architecture.
As with most new EVs, those based off the VAN.EA platform are expected to offer multiple drivetrain configurations, including single and twin-motor versions. The automaker has promised the most efficient version should get “well over” 500 kilometers, or more than 310 miles, of range.
While details have yet to be released, we can expect to see the retail vans come equipped with the Tesla-style NACS charging port, rather than the older CCS receptacle found on current Mercedes-Benz EVs, such as the EQS and EQE. Those models also are set to migrate to the NACS standard by the time the VAN.EA family is ready for production, however.
No details have been released on the electrical architecture of VAN.EA models though it’s also expected they will move to 800-volts which offers advantages including faster charging.
More EV News
- First Look: Kia PV5 Electric Van
- First Drive: Volkswagen ID.Buzz Microbus
- Mercedes Launches its Own EV Charging Network
Autonomous driving
Among other new EV Van entries: the Kia PV5.
Mercedes has been racing to not only catch up to, but leapfrog the semi-autonomous technologies offered by manufacturers like Ford, General Motors and, of course Tesla. We can expect to see that become apparent once the new EV vans come to market.
The company has already launched a Level 3 system in its S-Class line that allows motorists to not only take hands off the wheel but eyes off the road, at least at slower speeds under carefully selected conditions. That Drive Pilot technology is now available in parts of Europe and the U.S., including the state of California.
Mercedes has indicated a goal of increasing both the speeds and conditions under which Drive Pilot can operate. The automaker has also signaled a goal of introducing a Level 4 autonomous driving system on the commercial VAN.EA-C line. That could allow such things as driverless last mile deliveries or shuttles between warehouses.
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