• Mercedes-Benz Vans at IAA Transportation 2026: heritage, present and future in the spotlight
• The new Van Architecture: the exhibition premiere of the new electric VLE and the “THE BOuLDER” sculpture offer an extended look into the future of Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles
• Mercedes-Benz commits to offering complete solutions, designed for the specific needs of commercial operators: the Mercedes-Benz PRO Business Eco-System brings together vehicles, Digital Extras and services

Hanover. Customers and their needs have always been at the center of everything Mercedes-Benz does. As the inventor of the light commercial vehicle and an innovative force in the Van segment, the brand with the star has, for 130 years, put its entire expertise at the service of its commercial customers. Through innovative, personalized solutions, the company has constantly paved the way for the evolution of the transport of goods, services and people, contributing to greater utility, improved efficiency and increased productivity. At this year’s edition of IAA Transportation in Hanover, held from September 14 to 20, the company presents several new developments in Hall 13, Stand C51.

The new Mercedes-Benz Van Architecture: the exhibition premiere of the new electric VLE

With the new electric VLE, Mercedes-Benz has opened a new era this year. Grand Limousine is the first model based on the new Van Architecture, a modular architecture, developed from the ground up and flexible in terms of propulsion system. It combines the best of two worlds: the agility and ride comfort of a Mercedes-Benz limousine with the generous space and versatility of an MPV. Thanks to an extended range of over 700 km (WLTP), 800-volt technology and ultra-fast charging, VLE is the ideal solution for any journey.

Grand Limousine stands out through its generous sense of space, exceptional comfort and a wide range of equipment options, including for individual use in shuttle mode. It offers ample space for five to eight occupants and is available in a variety of seating configurations, with individual seats or manually or electrically adjustable bench seats in the rear. This also includes a vis-à-vis configuration, particularly appreciated for shuttle services. As such, VLE covers a wide range of uses, from hotel, airport and shuttle services, to premium variants for exclusive passenger transport.

At IAA Transportation, Mercedes-Benz presents the potential VLE also offers for professional use as a shuttle vehicle. In the eight-seat variant with manually adjustable comfort bench seats, it is an elegant, powerful all-rounder, perfectly suited to the high demands of shuttle operations. The two electric sliding doors, included as standard equipment, ensure comfortable access on both sides. With THERMOTRONIC, an additional two-zone automatic climate control system is available for the rear compartment, helping maintain a pleasant interior climate regardless of weather conditions. The EASY-PACK tailgate, with separate opening, makes it easier, for example, to load and unload passengers’ luggage. Thanks to optional rear-axle steering and a turning circle diameter of just 10.9 meters, VLE is particularly agile in urban environments. To meet the most demanding customer requirements, regardless of weather and road conditions, VLE is also available to order with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, starting October 15, 2026.

Mercedes-Benz VLE 400 4MATIC electric | Provisional data: combined energy consumption: 21.7–20 kWh/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A
Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 electric | Data: combined energy consumption: 20.7–18.4 kWh/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A

MB.OS also enables an exceptional multimedia experience and actively supports the driver through intelligent driving-assistance functions. Thanks to MB.OS, an AI-based system, VLE integrates the new MBUX, with intuitive, personalized operation, as well as the MBUX Virtual Assistant with multi-agent generative artificial intelligence. VLE already comes with extensive safety and assistance systems as standard. Through the optional MB.DRIVE packages, coordinated steering, braking, acceleration and parking functions can further reduce driver effort, offering more comfort and more confidence in day-to-day shuttle operations.

“THE BOuLDER”: a look into the future of Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles

Through the expressive, imposing “THE BOuLDER” sculpture, Mercedes-Benz Vans offers exhibition visitors an impressive perspective on the next generation of commercial vehicles. With a length of 6.50 meters, a height of 2.75 meters and a width of 2.50 meters, the stone-textured sculpture suggests how the company is once again reinventing the Van. It symbolizes the importance of commercially used vehicles and brings together art and craftsmanship in a fascinating way. Milled from a single solid block, the sculpture reveals the contours and first design details of the future Sprinter. On the passenger side, the contours of a medium-sized van, also developed based on the new Van Architecture, can be distinguished.

Based on the new Van Architecture and on MB.OS, Vans with the three-pointed star will become even more efficient, smarter and more versatile. They will be available with both fully electric propulsion systems and high-tech combustion-engine drivetrains. The new medium and large Vans are currently being developed in close collaboration with commercial customers from different industries, in order to be constantly adapted to their needs and requirements. This is reflected, in part, in the new design already suggested by the “THE BOuLDER” sculpture. In the future, Sprinter will continue to be available in numerous length, wheelbase and mass variants, being adapted to a wide range of configurations and industry-specific conversion and bodybuilding solutions.

In the future, MB.OS, an AI-based system, will also enable over-the-air updates of the vehicle’s entire software, including driving-assistance systems, in the commercial vehicle sector. As such, every Van will stay up to date for years, much like a smartphone that can periodically receive new apps and extended features. MB.OS also offers maximum flexibility and the ability to seamlessly integrate content from external providers. This allows commercial customers to access their own essential apps and tools, for example for fleet management or navigation, directly in the vehicle, through the MBUX multimedia system. Extended connectivity helps customers further digitize their own processes and connect them to existing systems, unlocking additional efficiencies in day-to-day operations. As such, customers have even greater freedom to use the vehicle’s systems exactly as they need.

The Mercedes-Benz PRO Business Eco-System: a complete approach for commercial customers

Mercedes-Benz Vans is now taking a decisive step further for commercial customers. Through the Mercedes-Benz PRO Business Eco-System, vehicles, services and digital solutions are brought together to help companies succeed in their day-to-day operations. Through its customer promise, “Business Performance. Every Day.,” Mercedes-Benz Vans commits to supporting companies with personalized solutions for efficiency, availability and productivity throughout the entire lifecycle of their vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz PRO brings together all services relevant to the use of commercial vehicles into an integrated ecosystem. This covers consultancy and needs analysis, choosing the right vehicle, individual conversions and bodybuilding solutions, through to financing, leasing, insurance and Digital Extras. Complemented by e-mobility and battery-charging solutions, as well as a broad range of services, Mercedes-Benz PRO supports customers in using their vehicles as efficiently, economically and productively as possible.

In addition, through the new electric VLE as a shuttle vehicle and the “THE BOuLDER” sculpture, Mercedes-Benz Vans offers a preview of the vehicles developed based on the new Van Architecture. Together with the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, MB.OS, the new Van Architecture will, in the future, open up extended opportunities for even more seamless connection of vehicles, digital services and data-based solutions, helping improve the daily performance of customers’ businesses.

“Mercedes-Benz Vans has always presented solutions that help companies carry out their operations reliably, efficiently and successfully. Ten years ago, we introduced Mercedes PRO. With Mercedes-Benz PRO, our ambition goes far beyond the vehicle itself. We are creating a connected ecosystem of vehicles, digital solutions and services, which supports our customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their vehicles, through Mercedes-Benz PRO. What motivates us is creating the conditions that allow our customers to perform at the highest level, every day.”

Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans

“We want to adopt an even more customer-centric approach for Mercedes-Benz Vans: what do our customers need to make their activity simpler, more efficient and more successful? Our ambition is to focus closely on the specific requirements our customers face in their daily operations. Through Mercedes-Benz PRO, we combine vehicles, Digital Extras and services into personalized solutions, which simplify processes and contribute to strengthening competitiveness. The new Van Architecture and MB.OS provide the foundation to adapt these solutions even more precisely to our customers’ requirements in the future.”

Mathias Vaitl, Head of Marketing & Sales, Mercedes-Benz Vans

Mercedes-Benz PRO for “Business Performance. Every Day.”

Through Mercedes-Benz PRO, Mercedes-Benz Vans brings its offering for commercial customers together into an integrated ecosystem of vehicles, digital solutions, financial services and services. The approach builds on Mercedes PRO, introduced around ten years ago, and takes the offering to the next level. Under the customer promise, “Business Performance. Every Day.,” Mercedes-Benz PRO helps companies improve fleet and business process performance. At IAA Transportation, Mercedes-Benz Vans presents the Mercedes-Benz PRO Business Ecosystem in detail. It comprises five service categories: “Customise it,” “Stay connected,” “Be electric ready,” “Finance with confidence” and “Keep driving.”

Customise it: choose your Van and adapt it – personalized solutions for every industry

Mercedes-Benz Vans offers a wide range of solutions for an extensive variety of commercial applications, available directly from the factory. The modern model range spans from the versatile, compact Vito to the Sprinter, with high payload and load volume, available with both fully electric and conventional propulsion. The extensive selection of factory configurations already covers numerous applications. For industry-specific requirements that go beyond these configurations, Mercedes-Benz VanPartners develop personalized conversion and bodybuilding solutions. As such, every business can find the ideal combination of function, load volume, payload and TCO for its specific operational needs. Converted vehicles account for 75% of commercial Sprinters on the road.

At the Hanover exhibition, Mercedes-Benz Vans presents an extensive selection of vehicles illustrating the diversity of the current portfolio and the variety of industry-specific solutions. Front and center is the eSprinter, which brings the legendary robustness, durability and reliability of the combustion-engine Sprinter into the fully electric driving space. Customers can choose between two body types and lengths, as well as three battery capacities for different usage profiles, all available directly from the factory. On the stand, eSprinter is displayed in four variants: as a panel van with a range of Digital Extras for optimizing vehicle use, availability and operating costs; as an eSprinter panel van converted for eight-seat passenger transport by AMF-Bruns GmbH & Co. KG; as a panel van with a refrigerated conversion by Kerstner GmbH; and as a cargo superstructure by Spier GmbH & Co. Fahrzeugwerk KG, based on the eSprinter chassis. In addition, a platform chassis by JPM SAS, based on the Sprinter 4×4 specification, is also on display. A Vito Tourer 4×4 as an emergency-response vehicle, with a conversion by Ambulanz Mobile GmbH & Co. KG, as well as an eVito panel van with a shelving system by Sortimo International GmbH, round out the exhibition portfolio.

Stay connected: Digital Extras and fleet management for optimized availability

Through Digital Extras in every vehicle and fleet connectivity services, Mercedes-Benz Vans offers seamless digital connectivity, from vehicle diagnostics to fleet management. The Mercedes-Benz Van Uptime Monitor Digital Extra is the central element for increasing vehicle availability and the predictability of repair work. It is available free of charge for all medium and large Mercedes-Benz commercial vans. After all, any vehicle that cannot be on the road means lost time and lost revenue. Through a digital customer dashboard, Van Uptime Monitor offers complete transparency into the technical condition of vehicles and helps customers efficiently plan necessary service visits, avoid unplanned downtime and go straight to resolving technical issues as they arise in the short term.

For fleet managers, Mercedes-Benz Fleet Pilot functions as a central control hub: the web portal offers real-time vehicle data, maintenance management, location tracking and geofencing, as well as detailed trip logs. Alternatively, the Mercedes-Benz Fleet API enables seamless integration of vehicle data into existing fleet management systems, in a modular, scalable way for fleets of any size. As such, Mercedes-Benz Vans offers the right digital solution for every use case.

Be electric ready: making e-mobility easier for every customer

Alongside a continuously growing portfolio of electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz supports its customers with comprehensive consultancy, smart planning and personalized charging solutions, as they electrify their fleets. The new Mercedes-Benz eCharging Planner includes smart planning and analysis tools, such as the charging infrastructure planner. It analyzes the energy needs of a potential electric fleet, checks existing power supply and recommends the appropriate charging infrastructure. It also identifies relevant installation requirements and calculates the break-even point, as well as costs for vehicles, charging points and charging infrastructure. The charging infrastructure planner is brand-independent, making it ideal for companies with mixed fleets. For the final implementation of the charging solution, specialized partner ChargePoint provides support.

For charging on the go, Mercedes-Benz gives customers access to one of the largest charging networks in the world through MB.CHARGE Public. The charging service is seamlessly integrated into the MBUX multimedia system and the Mercedes-Benz app. MB.CHARGE Public for business also allows fleet customers in selected markets to centrally manage their electric fleet vehicles. In addition, together with partner TRONITY GmbH, Mercedes-Benz offers fleet customers a vehicle-based solution for reimbursing home-charging costs.

Finance with confidence: a diverse range of financial services for companies

Mercedes-Benz Vans supports commercial customers not only when purchasing a vehicle, but throughout its entire lifecycle. The company offers an extensive portfolio of leasing and financing options, including for conversion and bodybuilding solutions, as well as service and insurance packages, all from a single source. Many of these services can be combined into a single contract, with a single monthly payment. This reduces administrative effort, creates transparency and allows for better predictability of monthly costs.

Keep driving: services and solutions for maximum availability

For commercial customers, vehicle availability is essential. Any unplanned period of downtime can have a direct impact on productivity, delivery capacity and business success. That’s why Mercedes-Benz Vans offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions consistently geared toward maximum availability and cost efficiency.

From maintenance and repairs, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and digital services to attractive service contracts, mobility solutions and breakdown assistance, Mercedes-Benz supports its customers throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle. The goal is for vehicles to stay reliably and efficiently on the road, with minimal downtime. Digital solutions such as Van Uptime Monitor make an important contribution to this. The connected system continuously monitors the vehicle’s technical condition and gives customers early warnings of potential faults. As such, necessary measures can be planned in advance, helping avoid unplanned service visits.

The strength of the Mercedes-Benz service portfolio truly shows in emergency situations. In the event of a technical breakdown, customers across Europe can rely on 24/7 roadside assistance. A single call to the Customer Assistance Center is enough for qualified technicians to quickly provide support. Currently, approximately 70% of all breakdowns are resolved directly on site, allowing the journey to continue without a service visit. If on-site repair is not possible, Mercedes-Benz organizes fast transport to the nearest service partner and, if necessary, provides an appropriate replacement mobility solution. Through MobiloVan, the Mercedes-Benz mobility guarantee valid across Europe, these services are available to customers free of charge. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz experts support service centers with specialized know-how and priority supply of spare parts. All of this is backed by very high parts availability, so that repairs are carried out quickly and efficiently. As such, vehicles return to the road as quickly as possible.

Service contracts specifically tailored to commercial requirements offer added peace of mind, covering regular maintenance and repairs.

Customer focus: 130 years dedicated to the needs of companies

A consistent customer focus is deeply rooted in Mercedes-Benz’s DNA. Even Carl Benz kept the mobility needs of professional users in mind. Ten years after inventing the automobile, he presented, in 1896, the world’s first light commercial vehicle. The Benz delivery van combined the chassis of the Benz Victoria model with a closed body. And because transport needs were already highly varied back then, Carl Benz also developed a delivery van with a detachable cargo compartment, based on his lighter Velociped model. Through a few simple steps, the Benz combinations delivery van could be transformed into a two-seater automobile, effectively becoming the first multifunctional vehicle. At IAA Transportation, Mercedes-Benz Vans presents a Benz combinations delivery van from 1899. It is the oldest functional commercial vehicle in the world.