Next-Gen 2026 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Mule Spied With Electric Power

Mind you, it will be a good while until it arrives given that it just made its spy photo debut. On top of that, the tester was not a prototype, but a mule of the upcoming generation, retaining most of the current one's body, including the greenhouse, and sporting a few novelties.

Normally, there wouldn't be anything to write about in terms of design when speaking about mules. However, in this instance, it is clear that the three-pointed star brand gave it an entirely new face with what appears to be a flatter nose. Although provisional, the taillamps are also different, and the company chose to place the rear license plate holder above the normal recess in the tailgate.

Besides the revised front and rear fascias, it is clear that this mule of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Vito also featured wider tracks. This is evident when looking at the extended wheel arches, which suggests that the engineers paid extra attention to the chassis. Reports indicate it utilizes an entirely new platform dedicated to electric vehicles.

There are more indications that this mule featured a zero-emission powertrain, like the closed-off grille and the lack of tailpipes. There wasn't anything special about the wheels, as the five-spoke set equipping this tester is typical to the company's lineup. Nevertheless, we expect Mercedes to give it some aero-styled alloys once the model goes on sale, which would improve its driving range a bit.

Our spy photographer couldn't get close enough to this mule to take a few shots of the interior. However, it will feature an entirely new dashboard panel, as well as a fresh center console, gear shifter, steering wheel, door cards, improved seats, and so on. It will be interesting to find out whether it has a portrait-oriented infotainment system or if it packs a dual-screen layout behind a single pane of glass.

The German automaker will likely spruce it up with the latest technology gear, as the upcoming V-Class/Vito will be cleverer than its predecessor. It should also be more comfortable, and it will still be available with leather upholstery in the upper specifications. A Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system should be on deck, and it appears that Level 3 will join it in a few years. This explains some of the sensors strapped to this mule.

We wouldn't expect this model any sooner than 2025, perhaps in the second half of the year, and it will cross the Atlantic Ocean to launch in the United States, likely for the 2026 model year.