Mercedes Is Adding A Luxury Van To The S-Class Family

Most Mercedes-Benz models fall into four different families, tentpoled by the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class. The GLS, for example, is an SUV member of the S-Class family, while the EQS serves in the EV role. And it seems as though Mercedes is going to bring an unlikely new product into the fold. In its teaser for the Vision V concept, which will debut tomorrow in Shanghai, the automaker announced it will build a new lineup of vans wearing the VLE and VLS nameplates that correspond with those product lines – that’s right, there’s going to be a minivan member of S-Class family sometime soon.

The Vision V Concept Looks Fabulous

The sole image Mercedes released in its teaser for the Vision V concept nonetheless has us excited. The image displays what looks like the rear seat of the van, with a pair of captain’s chairs separated by a leather-lined armrest. An ornate burl walnut tray table sprouts from the console, complete with beverage holders and a sophisticated chessboard with crystal and sterling silver chess pieces. Mercedes-Benz’s love affair with ambient lighting appears to be as strong as ever, with LED strips glowing an icy blue on the console and inside the Burmester speaker grilles. By the way, that partnership is apparently alive and well, and thank goodness – Burmester makes one of our favorite in-car audio systems.

The tuck-and-roll seat upholstery gives the Vision V a decidedly mid-century appearance, exhibiting some retro-friendliness that Mercedes has never really shown before. The lovely seats also look very comfortable, with deployable leg rests and cylindrical, bolster-style individual cushions that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end furniture shop. The interior appearance (at least based on the one image we’ve seen so far) reminds us a bit of the Concept CLA-Class from 2023, so it’s possible some of these finishes will make it to production given the new CLA’s cabin styling. So far, the Vision V has a neat look, with attention to detail that suggests Mercedes is serious about its future luxury van products.

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The concept can also recharge 249 miles in 15 minutes, thanks to an 800-volt EV architecture.

Breaking Down The Nomenclature

Mercedes-Benz says the Vision V will preview a future lineup of vans that will run the gamut from spacious family transportation and executive shuttles to impeccably comfy, luxury-lined vehicles driven by chauffeurs. The automaker refers to its forthcoming products as grand limousines, using the German term for sedan, possibly in an attempt to downplay their resemblance to the decidedly unfashionable “minivan.”

Whatever they’re called, the new products will be offered in VLE and VLS grades, with the former presumably living downmarket and the latter occupying the top echelon of luxury. Given the concept’s debut in Shanghai, it’s likely the luxury Mercedes vans – sorry, grand limousines – will be offered in China, a market that’s very friendly to sliding passenger doors. It’s also likely the VLE and VLS will be popular in Japan, where the Lexus LM is a popular choice for VIP transport.

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However, given Mercedes-Benz no longer offers the Metris in the US market, it seems possible that the VLE will be offered here, at least. The Metris boasted impressive space and comfort for up to eight passengers, making it a popular airport shuttle or executive transport, especially in urban environs. If the VLE is reasonably priced, it could be a perfect substitute for the Metris in our market. Heck, the VLS could give Benz an in-house rival to those aftermarket luxury conversions, so maybe it’ll show up too.

Source: Mercedes-Benz