Mercedes-Benz’s New Electric MPV: A Luxury Alternative to SUVs?
Mercedes-Benz is re-inventing the MPV with its new VAN.EA electric vehicle platform. The company is developing a luxurious multi-purpose vehicle that will offer passengers S-Class levels of luxury and refinement. Andreas Zygan, head of van development at Mercedes-Benz, insists it’s not a minivan, but rather “a luxurious large limousine that is an alternative to the big SUV.”
The VAN.EA platform is one of four new electric vehicle architectures Mercedes-Benz is introducing before the end of the decade. It will underpin both commercial vans and the new MPV. Two versions of VAN.EA are being developed: VAN.EA Commercial for business van users, and VAN.EA Private, which will replace the current V-Class MPV.
Key Features of the VAN.EA MPV
- The MPV has a completely different, more aerodynamic body developed with passenger car engineers.
- It features a complex rear suspension engineered with help from AMG.
- The main e-motor is at the front axle, making it front-wheel drive or 4Matic with a smaller rear e-motor.
- U.S.-market models are expected to be 4Matic with a battery delivering over 300 miles EPA-rated range.
- Features include air suspension and rear-wheel steering.
During a prototype drive at Mercedes-Benz’s winter test facility near Arjeplog, Sweden, the interior noise levels were impressively low, even on rough roads. The body structure felt highly rigid, enabling better suspension and steering finesse. The digital brake system provided excellent feel and control, while the rear-steering system delivered great agility.
The driving experience was more like an SUV than a van, with a traditional driving position and excellent handling. Mercedes engineers confirmed that the MPV will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds.
Interestingly, while the VAN.EA is designed as an electric vehicle, a variant called VAN.CA is being developed to accommodate internal combustion engine powertrains. This ‘bridging’ architecture will share 70% of its parts with VAN.EA but won’t arrive until after the electric versions.
The new Mercedes-Benz MPV represents a significant gamble in the luxury market, but the company is confident that customers will pay for the unique combination of space and luxury it offers.
