THE GRAND LIMOUSINE FOR THE ELECTRIC AGE
Mercedes-Benz VLE
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new electric VLE, the first vehicle built on its innovative modular Van Architecture. Launched on 10 March 2026, this groundbreaking “Grand Limousine” masterfully fuses the serene ride and precise handling of a flagship saloon with the unmatched spaciousness and versatility of a premium MPV. It sets a new benchmark for large electric vehicles, offering up to eight seats, class-leading efficiency, and an immersive digital experience powered by the AI-driven Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
The VLE’s sleek, low-slung silhouette achieves an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.25, while its bold front grille, striking light signatures, and elegant proportions signal a fresh design era. Inside, the extraordinary sense of space is elevated by a vast Sky View panoramic roof, ambient lighting that creates a wraparound “Welcome home” atmosphere, and unprecedented flexibility. Rear passengers enjoy a retractable 31.3″ 8K panoramic screen with split-view functionality, turning the cabin into a mobile cinema, gaming lounge, or videoconferencing suite. The MBUX Superscreen across the front row further enhances the experience with three high-resolution displays.
Seating is revolutionary. New individual “Roll & Go” seats with integrated wheels can be moved, locked, or removed with ease, while electric variants allow remote “seat ballet” configuration via app or head unit. Options range from comfortable manual seats to the opulent Grand Comfort Seat with massage, calf support, and wireless charging. Cargo capacity reaches an astonishing 4,078 litres with seats removed, and the vehicle can tow up to 2.5 tonnes.
Ride quality rivals the S-Class thanks to AIRMATIC air suspension with 40 mm level control and seven-degree rear-axle steering, yielding a tight 10.9-metre turning circle. The entry VLE 300 electric (203 kW) offers a WLTP range exceeding 700 km from its 115 kWh battery, with 800-volt architecture enabling up to 355 km of range in just 15 minutes of DC charging. The VLE 400 4MATIC (over 300 kW) accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds while maintaining superb efficiency and traction.
Advanced MB.DRIVE assistance systems, comprehensive safety features, and over-the-air updates keep the VLE future-proof. Practical touches include hands-free electric sliding doors with retractable windows and a separately opening rear window for easy loading.
The VLE redefines space, comfort, and versatility as a shapeshifting luxury electric vehicle perfectly tailored to modern families, leisure enthusiasts, and exclusive shuttle duties alike. In the premium segment, few vehicles promise to feel this effortless, this spacious, and this advanced.
AFFORDABLE PREMIUM ELECTRIC MOBILITY
Volkswagen ID. Cross
Volkswagen’s upcoming ID. Cross promises to redefine the affordable electric compact SUV segment when it reaches European showrooms in the second half of 2026. Priced from around €28,000 (approximately R560,000), this five-seater targets drivers seeking premium-feeling electric mobility without compromise on everyday practicality or wallet strain.
Currently prowling the streets of Amsterdam in a striking camouflage wrap, the near-production prototype already hints at a confident new chapter for Volkswagen’s ID family. Its exterior embodies the brand’s new Pure Positive design language: clean, decisive lines, beautifully balanced proportions, and a quietly assured stance that feels more sophisticated than its compact footprint suggests. At roughly 4.15 metres long, it occupies the same urban-friendly territory as the petrol T-Cross, yet the MEB+ platform beneath delivers noticeably more generous interior space.
Powertrain flexibility means buyers can choose among three front-wheel-drive outputs – 85 kW, 99 kW, or 155 kW – paired with either a 37 kWh or 52 kWh battery. This range covers everything from brisk city errands to longer inter-city runs. Modern driver-assistance systems enhance comfort and confidence, while the relatively small battery allows for competitive charging times. DC fast-charging capability is 90 kW on the smaller pack, and 105 kW on the larger pack – not record-breaking, but sufficient given the battery size.
In an era when many electric vehicles feel either too expensive or too compromised, the ID. Cross stands out for its thoughtful blend of compact dimensions, genuine space, polished execution and accessible pricing. It looks set to become one of the most convincing everyday EVs yet from Wolfsburg.
PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE EV FOR ACTIVE FAMILIES
Toyota bZ4X Touring
Toyota has unveiled the new bZ4X Touring, a thoughtfully evolved battery-electric SUV launched in Japan on 25 February 2026. This model builds on the original bZ4X by dramatically enhancing luggage space and outdoor versatility while preserving the engaging drive.
The bZ4X Touring offers a spacious, family-friendly cabin, complete with 113 mm of rear headroom and 1,000 mm of legroom. Yet its true party piece is practicality: cargo capacity swells to approximately 619 litres, which is about 1.4 times that of the standard bZ4X. With the 6:4 split rear seats folded, the load length stretches to 1,850 mm. Thoughtful details abound, including luggage and shopping hooks, and rear-seat release levers accessible from the boot. In the front cabin, the low-profile horizontal dashboard and stand-alone 14″ touchscreen create an airy, premium feel.
Performance remains a highlight. The flagship 4WD variant delivers a combined 280 kW from twin high-output eAxles and a 74.69 kWh lithium-ion battery, sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. An advanced 4WD control system and standard X-Mode with three terrain settings ensure composure on snow, mud or rough tracks. Even the front-wheel-drive Z grade achieves a class-leading WLTC range of 734 km, while battery preconditioning allows rapid charging from 10-80% in around 28 minutes, even at -10°C.
Comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense, Advanced Drive and Advanced Park technologies further enhance everyday confidence, proving that BEVs can be both exciting and eminently practical. The new bZ4X Touring delivers genuine long-distance touring ability, effortless performance and true family utility in one desirable electric package.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS
