FCA's Melfi Plant Begins Retooling To Build Renegade Plug-In Hybrid

There are things I really like about this EV Minivan like the AWD and the customizable seating features. Not sure about the big screen TV for the second and third row. Clearly the back end of the Minivan is polarizing, but they optimized it for the ability to put things in and easy take out when hauling stuff. Gotta love the 434 miles of range. Depending on Price, I think this will do very well here in the U.S. for Families and those wanting space with easy access.

An interesting take on the Minivan segment by Mercedes-Benz as the VLE is much like any other name of Mercedes autos with the VLE not actually standing for anything but implied by the auto company as V - Van, L - Luxury, E - Electric drive train. MPV being Multi-Purpose Vehicle and with that we introduce you to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz VLE MPV electric van. Mercedes says this blends limousine-like ride comfort with refined MPV versatility. The VLE MPV has Mercedes ALL-NEW 800V technology and high-performance charging along with their latest MB.OS or Mercedes-Benz Operating System — the same AI-powered platform debuting in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. 10 Reasons the VLE Redefines Luxury Travel Mercedes has stated that the VLE redefines grand limousine travel with the following 10 Reasons: Innovative aesthetics that captivate: The new VLE embodies a completely new design with a low, streamlined silhouette and iconic aesthetics resulting in outstanding aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of just 0.25. Highly flexible seating for up to eight people – manual Roll & Go or remote "seat ballet": The manually operated seats feature four integrated wheels and can be effortlessly moved back and forth, locked in any position, or easily removed and rolled into the garage. The electrically adjustable seats expand flexibility even further allowing repositioning via app and head unit, almost like choreographing a ballet (Remote Variable Rear Space). Newly developed seats – choose your style and comfort level: The new mechanical and electrical individual seats and benches can be configured in multiple different ways. The highlight of the three seat types is an electric Grand Comfort Seat with an additional pillow, wireless charging, lumbar support, massage function and calf support. Unparalleled MBUX rear space experience – turn every journey into an immersive adventure: Hidden in the headliner above the front seats is a retractable, 31.3-inch panoramic screen with 8K resolution, split-screen function and an eight-megapixel camera – perfect for enjoying a movie, music videos, and games or for joining business video conferences. Superior ride – agile and comfortable like a true premium limousine: AIRMATIC air suspension with 1.5 inches of level control makes every journey a remarkably serene experience. And with seven-degree rear-axle steering, the VLE is exceptionally agile and achieves an impressive turning circle of just 35.75 feet More than 434 miles (700 kilometers WLTP2 range) – long-distance comfort without range anxiety: On long journeys the VLE can be recharged for a range of up to 220 miles (355 kilometers WLTP) within just 15 minutes, thanks to 800-volt technology and a new battery with a usable energy content of 115 kWh. Extraordinary interior experience – Sky View panoramic roof: The impressive glass roof conveys a remarkable sense of space, freedom and tranquility. Surround ambient lighting invites the passengers to sit back and unwind. An electric sunblind protects against excessive sunlight. Top-notch digital intelligence – the VLE makes your driving experience smarter and personalized: Thanks to the AI-powered Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the VLE features the latest MBUX with intuitive and personal control. It also features the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which uses multi-agent generative AI and understands complex conversations with memory, responding like a friend. Over-the-air updates keep the VLE up to date for years, adding new features without the customer ever having to visit a dealer. Digital cockpit – MBUX Superscreen: Three screens behind a large glass surface: a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch screen for the front passenger. While the driver benefits from clear, focused information, the front passenger can enjoy a personalized entertainment experience – such as video streaming, gaming or apps. Lane changing and steering made effortless – MB.DRIVE: Distance Assist DISTRONIC and MB.DRIVE ASSIST adds semi-autonomous steering on motorways and a revolutionary Lane Change Assist. Just engage the turn signal and let the grand limousine handle it from there. Key Performance and Convenience Specs With the following 10 reasons above, Mercedes also has what they believe are the numbers in other critical places to drive interest in people buying their Minivan: 4MATIC all-wheel drive with 409 HP or 305 kW HANDS-FREE sliding rear doors on both sides with fully retractable windows Three climate control systems keeping each zone comfortable be it 15 degrees below zero in north countries to 100 plus degrees in places like Dubai Customizable seating interior Google Maps AI Navigation The navigation system on the VLE is based on Google maps with the first integration of Google Cloud's New Automotive AI Agent for complete in-vehicle conversation services with Google Maps. Mercedes-Benz does not state if Android Auto or Apple Carplay will be supported or not, but with the new codeveloped Google Maps Cloud based Automotive AI Agent system, I have a feeling no. Check out the 2027 Mercedes-Benz VLE MPV photo gallery for a wide range of pictures that cover the various options on the interior to the exterior. More customizable than current Minivans on sale today. More details will be released closer to launch in the U.S. marketplace. Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle push has come a long way since the 2020 EQC kicked off their electric dream. View full article

Yes.  And to think that that was done with very simple engines with four speed transaxles makes it even more impressive.  Those 3400, 3500, and 3800 V6s what have been considered somewhat complex when compared to a 231 c.i. V6 with a two barrel carburetor, and even more complex compared to a 250 c.i. L6 with a one barrel carburetor that they put into some hefty GM cars coinciding with the arrival of the catalytic converter. 

Tall overdrive gear and good torque at low RPM.  Even the 3800 powered Bonnevilles and LeSabres could manage 30+ mpg highway fairly effortlessly. 

I've gone down the rabbit hole one a couple private equities and what all they own and some of them are meeesssssyyyyyy.