Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with a new luxury van, offering a potentially ideal option for U.S.-based fans who find the Sprinter too large. The upcoming model, which is expected to debut in 2025 before hitting the market in 2026, will be based on the automaker’s new Van Electric Architecture, or VAN.EA.
This new platform, announced in the spring of 2023, will underpin all of Mercedes’ battery-powered vans, whether intended for private or commercial use. The VAN.EA platform will be “modular and scalable,” offering different wheelbases, battery sizes, and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Little is known about the specifics of the new van, but it is expected to be a mid-size offering and will fill the void left by the discontinued Metris in 2023. Mercedes-Benz has indicated that VAN.EA vans will “range from high-end family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious limousines tailored to the most discerning customers.” These vans seem to be fairly advanced in the developmental stage, as evidenced by the images of prototypes undergoing road testing released earlier this fall. Although these EVs were covered in camouflage wraps, their general shape suggests they may not be winning any design awards. The Sprinter’s somewhat utilitarian style has not stopped it from being the go-to base for luxury camper vans, however.
The global debut for the next generation of Mercedes vans is anticipated in the spring of 2025. In addition to the new van, an electric four-door coupé and a high-performance SUV, both utilizing the new AMG.EA platform and expected to deliver over 1,000 hp, are also expected to make their debuts in 2025.
