Passenger version of Mercedes new EV vans promises over 311 miles of electric range and Level 3 autonomy by 2030
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- Mercedes is testing a prototype of its new electric V-Class minivan.
- A panel van also in development will use the same VAN.EA platform.
- The vans have 800-volt charging tech and “well over” 311 range miles.
VW’s ID.Buzz retro minivan has gone down a storm, winning praise from reviewers, including us, and being named NACTOY utility of the year 2025. But not everyone wants to drive around in something that looks like a refugee from a Disney cartoon. Some people just want sensible, grown-up and anonymous, which is where this new Mercedes V-Class comes in.
The passenger-focused V-Class and its cargo-carrying Vito panel van brother are being reborn as EVs in 2026, but Mercedes dropped a teaser in December telling us a concept previewing the V-twins’ “luxurious, highly elegant, and spacious” vision of the future would debut in spring 2025.
Related: Mercedes Teases Future Electric Vans With VAN.EA Prototypes
We know both passenger (seen in these spy shots) and commercial versions of the vans will ride on the same new VAN.EA electric platform, and that Mercedes is working hard to offer more differentiation between V-Class and Vito this time, so it sounds like the V-Class will push the luxury angle harder than before.
The luxury van segment is booming in certain parts of the world, persuading even the likes of Lexus to join the party with its LM. Chinese brands like Zeekr, with its 009, have also jumped on the trend and Mercedes evidently wants in on the action.
We’ll have to wait a little longer before we get to see some of the interior luxury features, which are likely to include optional screens for rear passengers, but Mercedes has revealed some of the VAN.EA platform’s technical secrets. In common with the upcoming CLA electric sedan, the V-Class will feature 800-volt charging, a 22 kW on-board charger and be capable of travelling “well over” 311 miles (500 km) on a single charge.
Though the vans will launch with regular Level 2 driver assistance, by the end of the decade Mercedes plans to add Level 3 kit as seen on the S-Class, which means full eyes- and hands-off driving on motorways. But commercial vans will go a step further, delivering Level 4 autonomy so they can be deployed as robotaxis.
The square nose on this prototype might be just disguise – the real hood could be more streamlined. But the shallow window height and tapered roofline, which gives a surprisingly sporty look, and the flush door handles are the real deal.
Do you prefer the restrained style of a V-Class over the retro charm of an ID.Buzz? Leave a comment and let us know.
Images: SH Proshots