New European spy photos appear to show the Mercedes VLE luxury minivan in hybrid form, adding a combustion engine to the electric-focused lineup previewed earlier this year.

The prototype shares the basic body design and sheetmetal seen on the battery-electric VLE. However, several exterior details indicate that it is not powered solely by electricity.

Hybrid hardware revealed by prototype details

The clearest difference is the front grille. Unlike the electric VLE’s largely closed-off front end, the white prototype has a large conventional opening that could provide cooling air for an internal-combustion engine.

The van also has fuel and charging flaps on opposite rear quarter panels. The electric model has a flap on the passenger side, making the additional opening on the prototype a likely fuel filler. Close-up views of the rear underside appear to show part of an exhaust muffler, although the tailpipes are largely concealed.

Mercedes has not indicated which engine is used in the prototype. One possibility is the 1.5-liter inline-four offered in the new CLA sedan. In that application, the combustion engine works with an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and produces up to 187 horsepower, or 190 PS, with all-wheel drive.

Electric VLE models remain more powerful

If the hybrid VLE uses that powertrain, it would have less output than the electric versions already detailed. The VLE300 produces 272 hp, equivalent to 203 kW or 276 PS, while the VLE400 develops 409 hp, or 305 kW and 415 PS.

The VLE400 is listed with a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds. The potential hybrid version may not match that acceleration, but the spy photos indicate that it would retain the same general interior space and luxury focus as the electric van.

The VLE’s 120.9-inch, or 3,071-millimeter, wheelbase provides room for six to eight occupants across three rows. Available equipment can include Mercedes’ MBUX Superscreen across the dashboard, along with a 31.3-inch 8K display that folds down from the roof for passengers in the rear compartment.

Potential 2027 debut

The hybrid VLE is expected to debut in early 2027, with deliveries anticipated to begin during the second half of that year. Mercedes has not disclosed additional details about the engine or the hybrid model’s specifications.