Mercedes-Benz Vision V previews next-gen luxury EV van on VAN.EA platform

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off the Vision V Concept, a bold and futuristic take on what the brand believes the luxury MPV segment should become in the electric era. Built on the all-new VAN.EA (Van Electric Architecture) platform, the Vision V is not just a design study — it serves as a near-production preview of upcoming models, including the VLE and VLS, that will eventually phase out the aging EQV.

From the moment you lay eyes on it, the Vision V makes an unapologetically futuristic statement. Its monolithic, smooth-edged silhouette prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency but still manages to convey presence and prestige. The front fascia is dominated by a massive, closed-off oval grille flanked by four ultra-slim LED headlamps, joined by a full-width light bar. Topping it all off is an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star ornament — a clear nod to traditional luxury, now reimagined for the EV age.

In profile, the Vision V sits confidently on 24-inch alloy wheels, with short overhangs and a stretched wheelbase that hints at an ultra-spacious interior. The rear design is equally dramatic, featuring a continuous LED tail light that wraps around the tailgate in a single loop — a detail that evokes comparisons to the Panther Ferrari Daytona shooting brake of the 1970s, a niche icon known for its unconventional rear design.

Beneath the sculpted body lies the VAN.EA platform, Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated electric van architecture. The skateboard-style chassis supports 800V charging, enabling ultra-fast DC charging rates. Buyers can expect single- and dual-motor powertrains, and while Mercedes hasn’t confirmed power figures yet, early reports suggest flagship variants will exceed 500 km of range on a single charge.

At launch, the Vision V will offer Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, with Level 3 and Level 4 capabilities set to be rolled out via over-the-air updates as the tech matures. This positions the Vision V not only as a people-mover but as a rolling showcase of Mercedes’ latest advancements in electrification and autonomous tech.

While the exterior signals a paradigm shift, it’s the cabin where the Vision V truly breaks away from convention. The layout features four individual, fully-reclinable seats with tubular cushioning, designed for maximum long-distance comfort. The centre console houses a multi-purpose tray tablethat doubles as a glass chessboard, with elegant chess pieces neatly displayed in transparent cabinets flanking the cabin.

Sound comes courtesy of a 42-speaker Burmester system with Dolby Atmos spatial audio — an over-the-top setup that turns the Vision V into a rolling concert hall. Further elevating the in-cabin experience is a glass partition between the driver and rear passengers. With a tap, it can turn from clear to frosted for privacy, or be transformed into a 65-inch projection screen courtesy of seven integrated projectors hidden in the ceiling and floor. Even the side windows can serve as display surfaces, offering passengers an immersive visual environment tailored to their mood or activity.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the Vision V Concept is a very close representation of the final product, which is expected to launch globally in 2026. Its mission is clear: to establish Mercedes as the dominant force in the premium electric MPV segment, currently heating up with rivals like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, Lexus LM, Volvo EM90, and a rising wave of luxury Chinese EV vans.

Unlike traditional vans focused on practicality, the Vision V is pitched squarely at affluent buyersseeking a blend of space, sophistication, and high-tech indulgence — be they chauffeured business professionals, high-end hotels, or VIP transport services.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision V is not merely a concept — it’s a manifesto. It challenges the norms of what a van can be and pushes the envelope in design, technology, and interior experience. As electrification reshapes the automotive landscape, Mercedes is staking its claim on a segment often overlooked: one where comfort is king, and the journey matters just as much as the destination.