Mercedes-Benz launches the Rolls-Royce of the minivan world — and the all-electric VLE promises a 'limousine-like ride'

• Mercedes-Benz says upcoming VLE will offer a "class-leading" EV range
• Huge battery equates to an impressive 435-mile range on a single charge
• Modular interior can seat up to eight people

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the vehicle that will replace its current EQV model and push its range of stylish, premium V-Class vans to the next level, with a strong choice of electric powertrains promised from launch.

The VLE will be the first model to ride on the German marque’s box fresh VAN.EA platform, which will go on to form the basis of a number of electric vans and commercial vehicles. It also promises an impressive 268bhp and a range of more than 435 miles in the debut VLE 300.

This luxurious people-mover will feature a frankly enormous 115kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, while an 800V electrical architecture will allow for ultra-fast charging speeds, with Mercedes suggesting that 199 ...