Mercedes-Benz plans two powertrain variants for China. The VLE 300 uses a ZF-supplied EM0047 electric motor on the front axle with a peak output of 200 kW and rated output of 120 kW. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 210 kph.
The VLE 400 adds a ZF EM0048 motor on the rear axle for all-wheel drive. The rear motor contributes 105 kW of peak power and 50 kW of rated output, bringing combined peak system output to 305 kW. It also has a top speed of 210 kph.
Both versions use ternary NMC batteries. The cells come from the CATL-Benz joint venture, with Fujian CATL responsible for assembling the battery packs. Battery capacity and range figures for the Chinese models have not yet been disclosed.
The Chinese version of the Mercedes-Benz VLE has appeared in documents filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealing technical specifications ahead of local production. The electric MPV will be built by Fujian Benz, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz, BAIC and Fujian Motor Industry that also manufactures the V-Class and Vito.
The homologation documents also list three staggered tyre combinations ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Equipment includes rear sliding doors, a large panoramic roof and a surround-view camera system. Both the approach and departure angles are 16 degrees, while the luggage compartment has a depth of 550 millimetres.
