Mercedes-Benz Vitoria plant has launched VLE pre-production, and the new car will be released in 2026

[PCauto] Mercedes-Benz has announced the successful launch of pre-production for the all-new all-electric VLE at its Vitoria, Spain factory, ​​a step that lays​​ a solid foundation for mass production scheduled for 2026.

This marks a significant milestone in the electrification transformation of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division. As the first model based on the brand-new modular architecture Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), VLE will redefine the luxury multipurpose vehicle market.

The Vitoria factory adopts a wide range of advanced production technologies

Located in the Basque Country, Spain, this factory has been in operation for over 70 years since it started production in 1954, with a current production area of 665,000 square meters.

After the expansion begins in March 2024, the factory will support the production of both VAN.EA electric architecture and VAN.CA fuel architecture models, becoming an important facility for Mercedes-Benz's dual-track strategy.

Factory manager Bernd Krottmayer stated that over 90% of the facility upgrade projects have been completed, including the construction of a modernized body shop and a fully flexible paint shop. The assembly hall has also been upgraded while maintaining ongoing production.

The factory adopts advanced production technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twin, introducing the Mercedes-Benz operating system MB.OS for the first time in the van series.

These technological transformations allow the plant to flexibly manufacture models with different powertrains (including the VLE, V-Class, Vito, and eVito) ​​and can reconfigure​​ the production line in real time according to customer demand.

Since 2013, the factory has fully utilized renewable energy, achieving carbon-neutral production through photovoltaic power generation, geothermal heating, and waste heat recovery from painting processes.

Approximately 5,000 employees have adapted to the new production standards through more than 160 training courses, covering cross-disciplinary skills such as integration of new IT systems and the application of new materials.

Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, emphasized that cross-functional teams adopted digital development methods, completing the entire development process of the VLE from concept to mass production readiness in record time.

The VLE model itself also incorporates a wealth of advanced technologies

As the debut product of the new VAN.EA platform, the VLE combines sedan-level handling performance with MPV-level spatial practicality, offering up to an eight-seat configuration and catering to diverse scenarios such as family driving and business shuttles.

During the development process, measured data demonstrated the VLE's remarkable competitiveness:

· Achieved best-in-class aerodynamic performance in wind tunnel tests;

· Successfully completed a long-distance test from Stuttgart, through the Alps, to Rome with only two 15-minute fast charging stops;

· Showcased agility at high speeds at the Nardò testing facility in Italy;

· Validated reliability under extreme conditions during winter testing in the Arctic Circle.

These achievements rely on core technologies such as the 800-volt high-voltage platform and four-wheel steering system. Some versions will also feature the Drive Pilot L2+/L3 autonomous driving function, which has been adapted from the S-Class.

VLE is Mercedes-Benz's response to the demands of the electrification market

Unlike the existing EQV and other models based on fuel vehicle platforms, VLE is designed from the ground up for electric driving, offering better spatial utilization and energy efficiency performance.

Although initially focusing on pure electric versions, the platform's compatibility allows for the introduction of hybrid models in the future (VAN.CA architecture). This flexibility helps balance the fluctuating demand in the current electric vehicle market.

As the first base in the global production network to launch VLE, the Vitoria plant's successful experience will be replicated in other factories, including the production system of the next-generation Sprinter in the future.