• Spy photographers appear to have caught a mule for the next-generation Mercedes V-Class / Vito.
  • The redesigned model will ride on the VAN.EA platform, which was created for battery electric vehicles.

The Mercedes V-Class / Vito is nearly a decade old, but a redesigned model is on the horizon. That’s clear today as spy photographers have caught what appears to be a heavily disguised mule.

Spied testing at a distance, the van is proof that seeing isn’t believing as a number of features carryover from the current model including the greenhouse and much of the bodywork. However, the van appears to have a modified front end and extended side skirts.

More: 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQV Adds Extra Style To Electric Van

We can also see temporary taillights and an extreme diffuser. The fender flares may also be a tad wider than those found on the current model.

Furthermore, the van is outfitted with an assortment of sensors including two that reside beneath the mirrors. This isn’t too surprising as Mercedes has previously suggested Level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology will be available at launch, while a Level 3 system would arrive by the end of the decade.

Commercial variants will be even more advanced as Mercedes has said Level 4 technology is “planned to be realized by [the] end of the decade to address the business potential of driverless transportation.”

2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future
2026 Mercedes V-Class Mule Hints At An Electric And Autonomous Future

Baldauf

Little is known about the vans at this point, but the company has previously suggested the redesigned V-Class will come stateside and be even more luxurious than the current model. As the automaker explained last year, “Both in the U.S. and China, Mercedes‑Benz Vans for the first time aims to offer VAN.EA-based private vans in an unparalleled luxury positioning to more strongly cater to the expectations of its sophisticated customers. In the U.S., Mercedes‑Benz Vans will offer for the first-time ever a privately positioned midsize luxury van.”

The models will ride on the all-new VAN.EA platform, which will arrive in 2026 for purpose-built battery electric vehicles. Mercedes has previously indicated they’ll be offered with front- and rear-wheel drive as well as an assortment of battery capacities.