![\"Mercedes](\"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/luxury-redefined-the-mercedes-benz-vls-van-promises-first-class-comfort-and-space.jpg\" "\\"Mercedes")
<\/a><\/p>\nDesign boss Gordon Wagener says striking new concept shows how MPV will become first-class limousine<\/p>\n
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz V-Class<\/a> will gain an ultra-luxurious range-topper badged VLS, which will provide the same level of luxury as the S-Class<\/a> limousine in a much more spacious cabin.\u00a0<\/p>\n As previewed by the radical new Vision V-Class concept at the Shanghai motor show<\/a>, this new top-class MPV will be designed to \u201cprovide luxury car buyers with a true penthouse-style \u2018third space\u2019\u201d, according to Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener.<\/p>\n Talking to Autocar at the show, Wagener said the VLS \u2013 which is expected to launch next year and could cost nearly \u00a3100,000\u00a0\u2013 will effectively be \u201can S-Class van\u201d, aimed at expanding Stuttgart\u2019s coverage of the luxury car market, following on from the GLS SUV and CLS four-door coup\u00e9.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe call it VLS, and that name emphasises that it could be S-Class-like transportation\u00a0or potentially something that could even offer more than an S-Class,\u201d Wagener said, highlighting the added comfort and luxury appeal that comes with an MPV\u2019s larger interior.<\/p>\n \u201cA van is an underrated thing, especially when you look at the chauffeur market and the luxury segment. What do people want when they are chauffeured? They want to have space, and in a van you can offer something that a sedan never can, because you have more space.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSo you can do something that is more like what people are used to: first-class seats like on an airplane, that you can recline or even sleep on, and then you have the passenger compartment which is shut off by the big-screen monitor,\u00a0so when you sit in there it\u2019s actually no different to sitting at home on your sofa and watching TV. That makes that car what is known as the ‘third space’.\u201d<\/p>\n Mercedes already sells a premium high-spec version of the outgoing V-Class, but the VLS will be tangibly better equipped and more lavishly appointed, as previewed by the concept, which is \u201cvery close to production\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n Asked if there was still a space for the Mercedes-<\/span>Maybach brand when future Mercedes-Benz models are so luxuriously outfitted, Wagener said that perhaps \u201cyou can imagine something like [V-Class] as a Maybach as well\u201d.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cMaybach was always about space, first-class seating, offering more space.\u201d<\/p>\n The standard version of the new V-Class will be badged VLE, Mercedes has confirmed, although it hasn’t given any further details on powertrains and specifications.<\/p>\n Petrol and electric options are expected to be carried over to the next generation, which will be based on Mercedes\u2019 new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform.<\/p>\n The concept’s striking exterior\u00a0\u201cmarks the next step\u201d of Mercedes\u2019\u00a0design language, the company\u00a0said, especially in terms of making it as aerodynamic as possible – key in terms of maximising range for the production EV, which will likely be a heavy machine.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/luxury-redefined-the-mercedes-benz-vls-van-promises-first-class-comfort-and-space-1.jpg\")
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