- Pre-series production of the Mercedes-Benz VLE electric poeple mover has started at Vitoria.
- Over 90% of plant upgrades are complete, including a new bodyshop, flexible paint shop and modernised assembly. 
- The VLE will debut in the first half of 2026, introducing MB.OS to Mercedes-Benz van series production.
Mercedes-Benz has kicked off pre-series production of its all-new VLE people mover at the Vitoria plant in Spain, setting the stage for a full market debut in 2026.
The VLE is the first model built on the brand’s fresh modular van platform - an architecture designed to support both electric and combustion drivetrains.
Vitoria gets its glow-up
More than 90 percent of the plant’s modernisation has already wrapped, including a new body shop, fully flexible paint shop, and a refreshed assembly hall. The overhaul allows the site to build the VLE alongside the V-Class, Vito and eVito, switching seamlessly between drivetrains depending on demand.
Sustainability is baked in, too. The plant has been running on 100 percent renewable electricity since 2013 and now adds solar power, geothermal heating, and waste-heat recovery from its paint shop. Production will remain net carbon-neutral, in line with Mercedes-Benz’s wider manufacturing network.
“Ready to build the future”
Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, described the VLE as “the first vehicle of our new, modular and highly flexible van architecture. In record time we have brought the VLE from the initial concept considerations to production maturity.”
Bernd Krottmayer, who leads the Vitoria site, said his team’s swift ramp-up proves the plant’s flexibility: “We are ready to build the future of Mercedes-Benz Vans.” 
What’s the VLE all about?
Mercedes promises the new VLE will blend saloon-like ride comfort with the versatility of an MPV. With seating for up to eight, it’s pitched at families, active lifestyle buyers, and premium shuttle operators alike
Early test runs have shown strong efficiency, agile handling - even at speed on the Nardo oval - and cold-weather capability during Arctic trials.
The VLE will be the first van to launch with the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) baked in, signalling a step-change in digital integration for the brand’s commercial lineup. Its world premiere is locked for the first half of 2026, with Vitoria leading global production.
