The next Mercedes EQV will be available in 2026 with a range of 500 kilometers

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to radically reinvent the V-Class as it makes the transition to electric propulsion.

New images released by the company show two prototypes that, although heavily camouflaged, reveal key details of the new model. The roofline, for example, is much more jagged than that of the current van, suggesting that aerodynamics have become a greater priority in the switch to electric power.

Mercedes previously confirmed that the V-Class and Vito van will switch to a tailor-made electric load carrier architecture called VAN.EA.

This is designed for more flexibility than the outgoing models’ platform, which should allow a “clear distinction” between van, MPV and luxury shuttle variants, Mercedes said.

VAN.EA is equipped with 800V electricity and a 22kW AC charger. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains will be offered, and the longest-legged variants will have a range of over 500 kilometers between charges.

Level two autonomy (which requires driver supervision at all times) will be included at launch, while level three (which allows the van to drive itself in specific conditions such as low-speed traffic jams) by the end of this year is promised for the V-Class. the decade. Mercedes said it also plans to introduce level-four autonomy (which allows the van to drive itself without driver intervention) for the Vito by 2030.

The new V-Class comes at a time when the luxury van segment is experiencing rapid growth in China and other East Asian markets. Geely-owned Zeekr launched its 009 van last year and followed it with the Mix, a rival to Volkswagen ID Buzz. Volvo sells a new 009 as EM90 and Lexus offers the hybrid LM.

“Substantial growth potential is seen in the US for premium commercial large vans and in China for luxury private vans,” Mercedes said in a statement last year.