- A redesigned Mercedes-Benz V-Class is due in 2026 as the primary mannequin on the Van.EA devoted EV platform
- The brand new V-Class is probably going the posh midsize van Mercedes beforehand confirmed for the U.S. market
- The Van.EA platform will ultimately underpin all Mercedes vans
Mercedes-Benz has been noticed testing a prototype for its subsequent V-Class midsize van, set to debut in 2026 as the primary mannequin on the brand new Van.EA devoted EV platform. The extremely modular platform will ultimately underpin the entire automaker’s vans.
The present V-Class was by no means offered within the U.S., although a decontented industrial model, identified in most markets because the Vito, was briefly offered right here because the Metris. Mercedes additionally provides the bigger Sprinter van within the U.S. for industrial consumers.
2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris
The brand new V-Class, whose identify is but to be confirmed, will quickly be previewed by a thinly veiled idea car. Deliberate variations embrace a luxurious passenger van, a camper van, and a industrial van.
Prototypes counsel shorter entrance and rear overhangs in comparison with the present V-Class, together with elevated curvature of the windshield—doubtless to enhance aerodynamic effectivity. Different seen modifications embrace flush-mounted door handles and narrower aspect home windows. Sliding doorways are additionally current on each side of the car.
2027 Mercedes-Benz V-Class EV spy photographs – Photograph through Baldauf
Cutouts within the camouflage for varied sensors, together with hid sensors on the aspect mirror caps, level to superior automated driver-assist options. There could even be an upgraded model of Mercedes’ Drive Pilot system, which is already ranked at Degree 3 on the SAE scale of self-driving functionality, permitting drivers to quickly take their eyes off the highway in particular circumstances.
The Van.EA platform employs a three-module design, enabling simple adaptation to numerous car sizes. A entrance module homes high-voltage energy management {hardware} and an electrical motor, frequent to all platform-based automobiles. A middle module, obtainable in numerous lengths and battery configurations, determines the dimensions of the car. A rear module incorporates the rear axle, which might function a motor for all-wheel drive or stay motorless for front-wheel drive. Prototypes additionally point out that some fashions will embrace rear-wheel steering.
Van.EA – cargo and passenger
Mercedes introduced in 2023 {that a} luxurious midsize van will likely be offered within the U.S. With the anticipated arrival of the brand new V-Class in 2026, any U.S. launch would doubtless align with the 2027 mannequin yr.
The Van.EA platform can even underpin the following era of Mercedes’ full-size Sprinter van. Whereas a luxurious model of the Sprinter isn’t anticipated, Mercedes has hinted at camper variants.
