The great European road trip. It’s the stuff of dreams: winding Alpine passes, sweeping autobahns, and navigating the beautifully chaotic streets of an ancient city. But doing it in an electric vehicle? For many, that dream is still punctuated by the nagging hum of range anxiety. Well, Mercedes-Benz might have just silenced that hum for good.
In a stunning display of real-world capability, Mercedes-Benz sent two of its new VLE test vehicles on a demanding journey from Stuttgart, Germany, all the way to Rome, Italy. This wasn’t some sanitised, hypermiling test on a closed track. This was the real deal: a nearly 1,100-kilometre trek across the Alps, through bustling traffic, and into the heart of the Italian capital. The result? The journey was completed in about 13 hours with just two charging stops, each lasting a mere 15 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to order and drink a proper cappuccino.
The Grand Tour, Electrified
The route was deliberately chosen to be challenging, pushing the VLE’s new Van Electric Architecture to its limits. The vehicles tackled steep, winding pass roads, long stretches of freeway, and the notoriously narrow streets of Italian cities, all while keeping the occupants comfortable with the air-conditioning set to a pleasant 22 degrees, despite outside temperatures climbing from 11°C in Stuttgart to a balmy 33°C upon arrival in Rome.
This test drive was designed to showcase the VLE’s everyday usability, focusing on the efficiency of its electric drivetrain, recuperation capabilities, and advanced thermal management. According to Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Development for Mercedes-Benz Vans, the mission was a resounding success. “With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome – the Mercedes‑Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture,” he stated.
Tech That Tames the Tarmac
A key feature that proved its worth, especially in the tight confines of Rome, was the rear-axle steering. This system provides a new level of agility, making a large vehicle handle with the nimbleness required for stress-free maneuvering through ancient cityscapes and hairpin turns.
This journey wasn’t a one-off publicity stunt. It’s part of a comprehensive and global validation program to ensure the vehicle is ready for production. Development vehicles have been put through their paces in numerous climates and conditions, from extensive cold testing in Sweden to a trip to the North Cape in Norway, proving the platform’s robustness.
A New Era: Introducing the “Grand Limousine”
This impressive performance is the herald of a completely new era for Mercedes-Benz, which will officially begin in 2026 with the introduction of its new modular and scalable Van Architecture. This platform will allow for a clear distinction between its commercial transporters and a new category of privately positioned MPVs, which Mercedes is calling “Grand Limousines”.
These future models, named the Mercedes-Benz VLE and VLS, are aimed squarely at the luxury market. The VLE, with seating for up to eight, is designed as a flexible vehicle for families and leisure enthusiasts, as well as an exclusive VIP shuttle. The VLS promises to define a unique segment of its own, dedicated to “true automotive luxury”. In a significant move, Mercedes-Benz will offer these all-electric midsize luxury vehicles in the U.S., Canada, and China for the first time, bringing a new level of electric sophistication to those markets.
This Stuttgart-to-Rome challenge proves that the future of the electric family road trip is not only possible but practical, efficient, and decidedly luxurious.
