Mercedes-Benz has begun teasing its upcoming electric van, signaling a new era for the brand’s van lineup. Set to replace the Sprinter and V-Class, including the eSprinter in certain markets, the new van will be built on the company’s newly developed Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform. The VAN.EA is a highly modular and scalable platform designed to accommodate various sizes and configurations, ensuring it will meet the needs of Mercedes-Benz’s diverse van segment.
Mercedes-Benz has teased the VAN.EA-P model, which will be aimed at the upper end of the family vehicle segment, combining luxury, elegance, and spaciousness. The first global debut for this model is set for the spring of 2025. Mercedes-Benz describes the show car as a “vision of a luxurious, elegant, and spacious limousine” that aims to meet the highest customer demands. While the teaser image gives only limited insight into the van’s design, it does show that the vehicle will feature the iconic three-pointed star in a ring atop the hood.
Hello world! Here we go – Mercedes-Benz Vans’ vision of a new era.
Just a first glimpse, but be sure: There is much more to come in spring 2025.#MercedesBenz #Van pic.twitter.com/G85nJNxUgM
— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) December 13, 2024
The VAN.EA platform is divided into three segments: a uniform front block housing the front electric motor and axle, a configurable center block that will determine the size of the van, and a rear block that will vary depending on the drivetrain and other configurations. Alongside the VAN.EA-P, Mercedes-Benz will also introduce the VAN.EA-C, designed for commercial use, which will serve as the replacement for the current eSprinter Cargo Van available in the US. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz plans to offer camper or RV configurations, catering to the growing popularity of factory-built recreational vehicles.
The upcoming electric van is expected to offer an impressive range of around 310 miles, though advancements in battery technology may result in even better numbers at launch. The vehicle will also feature the latest Mercedes-Benz technologies, including the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and Level 2 advanced driver-assist systems.
Following its debut in 2025, the first VAN.EA-based model will be available by 2026, and Mercedes-Benz USA has confirmed that an all-electric minivan based on the VAN.EA platform will be available in the American market, with the model likely being the next-generation V-Class. The van will also be introduced in China, competing in the luxury minivan segment alongside models like the Lexus LM.
