New Mercedes VLS to be ultra-luxurious ‘S-Class van’
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz V-Class will gain an ultra-luxurious range-topper badged VLS, which will provide the same level of luxury as the S-Class limousine in a much more spacious cabin.
As previewed by the radical new Vision V-Class concept at the Shanghai motor show, this new top-class MPV will be designed to “provide luxury car buyers with a true penthouse-style ‘third space’”, according to Mercedes design boss Gordon Wagener.
Talking to Autocar at the show, Wagener said the new top-spec V-Class – which is expected to launch next year and could cost nearly £100,000 – will effectively be “an S-Class van”, aimed at expanding Stuttgart’s coverage of the luxury car market, following on from the GLS SUV and CLS four-door coupé.
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“We call it VLS, and that name emphasises that it could be S-Class-like transportation, or potentially something that could even offer more than an S-Class,” Wagener said, highlighting the added comfort and luxury appeal that comes with an MPV’s larger interior.
“A van is an underrated thing, especially when you look at the chauffeur market and the luxury segment. What do people want when they are chauffeured? They want to have space, and in a van you can offer something that a sedan never can, because you have more space.
“So you can do something that is more like what people are used to: first-class seats like on an airplane, that you can recline or even sleep on, and then you have the passenger compartment which is shut off by the big-screen monitor – so when you sit in there it’s actually no different to sitting at home on your sofa and watching TV.
“That makes that car what is known as the third space.”
Mercedes already sells a premium high-spec version of the outgoing V-Class, but the VLS will be tangibly better equipped and more lavishly appointed, as previewed by the concept, which is “very close to production”.
Asked if there was still a space for the Maybach brand when future Mercedes-Benz models are so luxuriously outfitted, Wagener said that perhaps “you can imagine something like [V-Class] as a Maybach as well”.
He added: “Maybach was always about space, first-class seating, offering more space.”
The standard version of the new V-Class will be badged VLE, Mercedes has confirmed, though it has not given any further details on powertrains and specifications. Petrol and electric options are expected to be carried over to the new generation, which will be based on Mercedes’ new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform.
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The concept’s striking exterior “marks the next step” of Mercedes’s design language, the company said, especially in terms of also making it as aerodynamic as possible – key in terms of maximising range for the production EV, that will likely be a heavy machine.
Notably, the brand points to its new grille (similar to that found on the EQS), headlamp design and illuminated standing star, suggesting these could make production, while the machine’s futuristic-looking rear light bar will likely be toned down before it hits showrooms.
The dramatic four-seat cabin, however, is where most work has been done, says Mercedes.
Key focus has been made on creating a “private lounge” for the rear passengers, that’s extensively clad in white Nappa leather. Main features include a retractable 65-inch cinema screen (that when up also acts as partition wall), a 42-speaker sound system and two airline-style seats (made with tubular cushions) that are fully reclinable.
Seven projectors are also fitted to create different ambiences, the rear windows can be switched from transparent to opaque for a “unique cocooning effect”, and there’s even a karaoke mode (one of seven that range from “gaming” to “relax”).
The concept showcases the “dawn of a new era”, says the German brand, that “sets standards in design, comfort and an immersive user experience,” added Thomas Klein, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Up front, the elements that could carry over the real machine are clear to see, such as a production-spec steering wheel, the three-screen Superscreen (to debut in the upcoming CLA) and crystal-look air vents.
The extensive interior space is made possible by the new modular VAN.EA platform. While no details have been revealed on what powers the concept, the platform is fitted with 800V electricals and will be offered with front- and four-wheel-drive powertrains. The longest-legged variants will top 311 miles of range.
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