Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it plans to offer a Mercedes-Maybach van, basing this upcoming flagship “Grand Limousine” model on the as-yet-unrevealed VLS…
- Flagship VLS to feature Maybach badge
- Set to be first Maybach based on a van
- Likely to feature all-electric powertrain
German brand Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed it will affix the storied Mercedes-Maybach badge to a (seemingly not-so-humble) van for the very first time, revealing plans to roll out a flagship version of the upcoming VLS.
As a reminder, the Mercedes-Benz VLE is tipped to eventually replace the current-generation V-Class, with the yet-to-be-revealed VLS set to be positioned above it. However, the Stuttgart-based brand has now confirmed a Mercedes-Maybach VLS will serve as the very pinnacle of the range.
Describing the upcoming luxury van as a “Grand Limousine defined by prestige and exceptional elegance”, Mercedes-Benz promised the Maybach-badged version would appeal to “customers with the highest expectations”. The company suggested the Maybach VLS would bring together “generous space, uncompromising elegance and an uncompromising commitment to the rear passenger”.
“The all-new Mercedes‑Maybach VLS delivers an exceptional sense of space with unrivalled exclusivity, welcoming passengers into a completely new world of comfort and digital sophistication,” the automaker said in a short statement. Currently, the Maybach range includes ultra-luxury versions of the fully electric EQS SUV, the S-Class sedan, the GLS SUV and the SL roadster.
“This extravagant Grand Limousine transforms the generous space into an extraordinary private lounge with everything that characterises a Mercedes‑Maybach: impeccable craftsmanship, luxurious materials and exquisite design details. It’s a true Maybach, now combined with the ultimate spatial and immersive digital experience, elevating automotive excellence even further,” Mercedes-Benz added.
Though the official announcement made no mention of powertrains, it’s all but certain the new Maybach-branded van will ride on Mercedes-Benz’s latest modular Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA). It will also likely draw plenty of inspiration from the “Vision V” concept revealed by Mercedes-Benz Vans back in April 2025.
That concept vehicle – which effectively took the form of a 4-seater – featured a large, automatically opening door on the right-hand side as well as an illuminated, retractable running board. Meanwhile, a “switchable” glass wall separated the “private lounge” area from the cockpit. The seating area furthermore featured a retractable 65-inch cinema screen (with split-screen functions and 4K resolution).
According to British publication Autocar, the “standard” version of the new VLS is expected to go into production towards the end of 2026, with the flagship Mercedes-Maybach VLS set to follow in 2027. Look out for a full reveal in the coming months…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Mercedes-Maybach VLS
Q: Is this the first time Mercedes-Benz has put a Maybach badge on a van?
A: Yes, the upcoming VLS will mark the official debut of the Mercedes-Maybach nameplate in the MPV segment. While 3rd-party tuners have customised V-Class interiors for years, this is a factory-backed “Grand Limousine” designed to offer the same level of prestige as the Maybach S-Class and GLS SUV.
Q: What can we expect from the interior of the Maybach VLS?
A: Based on the “Vision V” concept, the Maybach VLS is expected to function as a mobile private lounge. Potential features include a switchable glass partition between the cockpit and rear quarters, a massive 65-inch retractable 4K cinema screen and an emphasis on “immersive digital sophistication” for rear passengers.
Q: Will the Mercedes-Maybach VLS be electric or petrol-powered?
A: While official engine specs haven’t been released, the VLS is set to ride on the new modular Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA). This strongly indicates that the flagship Maybach version will be a fully electric vehicle, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to electrify its top-tier luxury portfolio.
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