Summary
The China-made Mercedes-Benz VLE was exposed in China during the homologation process, revealing two powertrain options. The post China-made Mercedes-Benz VLE exposed as it aims to rival domestic MPVs appeared first on CarNewsChina.com .
The China-made Mercedes-Benz VLE was exposed in China during the homologation process, revealing two powertrain options. This model will fight for market share with a growing number of domestic luxurious MPVs.
The Europe-made Mercedes-Benz VLE (the mass-produced version of the Vision V concept) entered mass production in Spain in June 2026. Two months later, this multipurpose vehicle got ready to be mass-produced in China, one of the largest Mercedes-Benz regional markets. It will be offered in two versions.
The Chinese-spec VLE will be manufactured in China by the Fujian Benz joint venture controlled by Mercedes-Group, BAIC, and Fujian Motor Industry. This company also assembles the V-Class and the Vito.
The China-made Mercedes-Benz VLE applied for a sales license with a standard wheelbase of 3,340 mm. This model boasts hefty dimensions of 5310/2000/1922 mm. It is offered with three variants of staggered tires: 235/60 R19 & 255/55 R19, 255/50 R20 & 265/50 R20, and 265/45 R21 & 275/45 R21. Its approach and departure angles are equal at 16 degrees.
The VLE’s curb weight lies between 3,030 and 3,220 kg, depending on the powertrain. The gross weight reaches 3,780 kg. Both modifications of this VLE adopt seven seats with a 2+2+3 layout. The trunk’s depth is 550 mm. The car’s equipment adopts a large panoramic roof, rear sliding doors, and a surround-view camera system.
The entry-level Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 adopts the ZF-made EM0047 electric motor with a peak power of 200 kW (268 hp) on the front axle. The rated power is 120 kW (161 hp). Battery cells for the VLE are produced by the CATL-Benz joint venture, while the final assembly is held by Fujian CATL. The battery capacity has yet to be revealed. However, its chemistry is ternary NMC.
The more powerful Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 boasts a dual-motor AWD. It has the additional EM0048 electric motor from ZF in the rear axle, providing 105 kW (141 hp) of power. Its rated power is 50 kW (67 hp). The total peak power output of the system is 305 kW (409 hp). This system is also powered by a ternary NMC battery with cells from the CATL-Benz JV.
The Mercedes-Benz VLE will enter the highly competitive market niche in China that is growing rapidly. We listed some of the German MPV rivals below, mentioning their price ranges:
- Denza D9 (BYD): 309,800 – 600,600 yuan (45,910 – 89,010 USD)
- Voyah Dream (Dongfeng): 309,900 – 709,900 yuan (45,930 – 105,210 USD)
- Luxeed V9 (Huawei & Chery): 389,800 – 519,800 yuan (57,770 – 77,035 USD)
- Zeekr 009 (Geely): 439,000 – 899,000 yuan (65,060 – 133,230 USD)
- Li Auto Mega: 529,800 – 559,800 yuan (78,515 – 82,960 USD)
- Maextro V680 (Huawei & JAC): 648,000 yuan (96,035 USD)
- Maextro V800 (Huawei & JAC): 766,000 – 1,016,000 yuan (113,520 – 150,570 USD)
