Discover the all-new Mercedes VLE Minivan.

Yes, a Mercedes Minivan. This is not your average Mercedes Metris passenger van. This is a luxury car in the shape of a minivan. Something that is currently very popular in China. I guess it makes sense for Mercedes to be part of that trend.

The upcoming Mercedes VLE is essentially a high-end luxury vehicle in the shape of a minivan, a concept that has become extremely popular in China over the past few years. With that trend growing rapidly overseas, it makes sense for Mercedes to explore the same idea in the American market.

The new VLE will be testing uncharted territory since it is expected to be sold in the United States. A fully electric luxury minivan from Mercedes could open an entirely new segment here. Other automakers are likely watching closely to see how successful it might be. Brands like Volvo already offer upscale minivans in overseas markets, and if the VLE proves popular, more luxury brands could follow.

The VLE will offer a choice of wheelbases as well as single-motor and dual-motor powertrains. It will be equipped with a large 115 kWh battery capable of charging at speeds of up to 300 kW. The estimated EPA range is expected to be around 370 miles. These are very serious specifications and quite impressive for such a large vehicle.

In terms of size, the VLE is already a bit longer than most minivans currently offered in the U.S. The long-wheelbase version stretches about six inches further, making it even longer than a Cadillac Escalade. Apparently, this longer version will be the only one initially offered in the U.S., which might not be the best strategy. A similar mistake was made by Volkswagen when it decided to sell only the long-wheelbase version of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in North America. However, Mercedes may eventually introduce the slightly smaller version with an 80 kWh battery in the U.S. at a later date.

Design-wise, things look promising in some areas but questionable in others. The front grille, for example, is enormous, ridiculous and basically just plain ghastly if you ask me. It is so large that it almost becomes difficult to understand the design direction. The rear light design might have looked more futuristic a year ago, before the arrival of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 with its striking lighting signature.

Inside, the cabin looks very similar to the interiors we have seen in recent Mercedes models. At first glance it might feel a bit familiar, but it is starting to grow on me. Without the oversized passenger screen, the dashboard might actually look quite elegant. The door panels, in particular, appear very well designed and add a touch of sophistication that fits the luxury positioning of the vehicle.

Here is how Mercedes itself describes the controversial front grille:

“The front is characterized by a reinterpreted, brand-defining grille. Depending on the equipment line, it features an illuminated frame, a seamless light strip linking the headlights, star-shaped daytime running lights with DIGITAL LIGHT, and either a standing star on the hood or an integrated central star.”

Overall, introducing a luxury electric minivan to the U.S. market is a bold and fascinating move for Mercedes-Benz. If it succeeds, it could open the door for an entirely new premium family vehicle category.

As for pricing, nothing has been officially announced yet. But one thing seems certain: the VLE will almost certainly become the most expensive minivan ever sold in the United States.