Mercedes-Benz is set to make a comeback in the personal van market with a strong push into the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company has unveiled a teaser image of a new electric van, signaling its intention to cater to both private buyers seeking luxury transport and commercial clients.
While Mercedes has continued producing commercial vans, the brand has scaled back van sales in the U.S. in recent years. Its full-size Sprinter and midsize Metris lines have primarily served commercial customers. This strategic shift isn’t unique to Mercedes; smaller vans like the Ram Pro Master City and Ford Transit Connect have been discontinued in the American market.
Currently, Mercedes still manufactures luxuriously-equipped Sprinters, which have become the modern-day limousines. These vans are especially popular with celebrities who require ample space for stylists and elaborate attire, particularly when attending awards shows. Smaller personal vans are currently scarce, primarily existing as airport shuttles.
However, this could soon change due to the advent of the electric vehicle platform. As Mercedes explains, “Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz Vans will introduce its newly [developed], modular, and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA). With VAN.EA, Mercedes-Benz is shaping a completely new era of vans.”
EVs streamline the process of introducing new vehicles for automakers. Since most of an EV’s components are situated beneath the load floor, automotive manufacturers can create a single EV platform and utilize it with various body styles. For example, Chevrolet utilizes virtually identical mechanical elements in its electric compact SUV and its full-size trucks. Mercedes has developed a platform exclusively for vans. The company states that it “enables a clear distinction between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment.”
This development suggests the potential return of luxurious vans tailored to private customers, possibly resembling the long-discontinued R-Class. Mercedes’ press release on the matter was posted on its American media website, hinting at a potential U.S. launch. More detailed information will be released soon, with a world premiere of the new platform scheduled for spring 2025.
