Mercedes-Benz is preparing a new van generation arriving in 2026, releasing photos Friday of camouflaged prototypes undergoing cold-weather testing in northern Sweden.
Unlike the current Sprinter and V-Class vans on separate platforms, the new generation shares a common, highly flexible architecture.
Mercedes announced the platform will support both electric (Van.EA) and internal-combustion (Van.CA) powertrains. While the automaker originally planned an all-electric van future, it revised that strategy last year, now expecting to sell combustion-engine vehicles well into the next decade.
The first model on this platform will be a midsize van, likely replacing the overseas V-Class. The current V-Class also underpins the Vito commercial van—briefly sold in the U.S. as the Metris—and the EQV electric van.
Teaser for Mercedes-Benz Vision V van concept
Mercedes confirmed the electric version launches first, previewed this spring as the Vision V concept.
A luxury version retaining the V-Class name is confirmed for the U.S., though exact timing remains uncertain. A related commercial version may keep the Vito nameplate, but it's unclear whether the U.S. will receive it given strong demand for the locally built Sprinter.
The platform's three-module design allows easy adaptation to different sizes, enabling greater differentiation between luxury and commercial models. It will also underpin the next-generation Sprinter. While a luxury full-size van isn't expected, Mercedes has hinted at potential camper variants.