Why footballers and celebrities will all soon be driving the new Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric Car Lease

The new Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric Car Lease - Why footballers and celebrities will all soon be driving it

In a swing of momentum in the news and media, electric cars are being proffered as THE solution for UK drivers. Personal and business leasing customers alike have been impacted by rising oil and gas prices, which has essentially created a perfect storm where the cost of fuel and the average cost of the vehicle is now in favour of the BEV.

Considering that the last 5 – 6 years of the electric car transition has been littered with obstacles surrounding price, costs and unaffordability, it is somewhat satisfying for more positive news stories surrounding this segment.

Thankfully the industry is not stopping there, and more good news and innovations continue to proliferate our news / media stories. Only recently, the  GB News  outlet noted the British company utilising solar panels in electric cars to extend their range!

The Oxford Photovoltaics (Oxford PV) has now joined SUITE (Smart Use of Integrated Technology for EV), which receives public funding for accelerating innovation in EVs. The company are looking at solutions for vehicles including solar on the bonnet, boot and roof, which could be used to improve the range of the vehicle.

Using high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, which are lightweight and robust, this could be a solution to range improvements on a vehicle without necessitating large amounts of batteries (shown as kWh on the vehicle). Having bigger battery cars does mean more weight and more cost, which ultimately gets passed onto the customer.

Already the Nissan group, which manufactures and produces their electric cars in the UK, are trialling this in their Ariya SUV concept. Suggesting that some 14 – 15 miles of range could be added using this technology is an incredibly positive facet. While these are only incremental benefits, it does highlight the direction of our industry and helps provide customer confidence on the next steps of the market.

One brand which has been looking to have a bigger impact in the UK’s electric leasing market with a swathe of updated options is Mercedes. While the German engineering company have been producing EVs on mass for nearly 7 years, it has been hit and miss with their products, leading to a revision and adjustment on some of their key vehicles.

We have already touched on the EQB revision to an EQB Electric and the EQC change to a GLC Electric previously, but that isn’t the end of the Mercedes story. Only last week (13 April 2026), a luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was confirmed for the market. While this is still a new concept, UK customers can review this new Mercedes option on their website.

Offering capacity for up to 8 people, the new Mercedes VLE is an MPV with efficiency, robust range and luxury. Configured with the latest MB.OS system, this vehicle offers immersive and intuitive driving, coupled with support from the MB.DRIVE assistance and parking systems.

The new VLE radiates sovereignty from the front, with a clear and distinctive front along with the brand-defining grille and illuminated frame. The star-shaped daytime running lights can be upgraded to the DIGITAL LIGHT which Mercedes now offer. Standard equipment includes the LED high performance headlights, 19” alloys, flush-mounted door handles, 2 electric sliding doors, retractable windows and the Mercedes star.

The AMG lines will add sporty equipment like the 20” alloys, sports pedals, AMG trim and black roofline. The digital narrative is very much there with the modern cockpit designed for up to 3 digital displays, numerous individualised options as well as a “welcome home” feeling.

By adding the MBUX Superscreen you enjoy a 3-screen config including the 14” screen for a passenger if video streaming and gaming is high on the agenda. Aspects like wireless charging and temperature-controlled storage (for hot and cold food) are indicative of what this elite vehicle is about.
   
However, the structure and configuration of the vehicle is what is going to make this THE choice for professional athletes, footballers and celebrities who necessitate chauffeur and luxury travel. Without going into too much tax and accounting detail, many successful individuals will create a limited company to control their income, image rights while reducing income tax and personal risk / liabilities.

Even the UK’s best, and most financially successful, footballer Erling Braut Haaland utilises a UK limited company to manage his financial and tax affairs in the UK. With a reputed salary of nearly £30 million plus benefits and sponsorships, managing your wealth is incredibly important in these cases.

Using the company as a “vehicle” to procure other assets, including your transport is also key. Many individuals will use chauffeurs and driven transport when completing their sporting or external obligations. Having a wholly tax-deductible asset which allows them to do this, with the comfort and practicality, is fundamental. Plus having an electric vehicle, MPV or otherwise, does wonders for a celebrity’s image and connection with ongoing public matters.    

The VLE is a “space of possibilities” when it comes to seating, with the rear compartment available in a 3 to 6 seat format. As the website shows, there are some unbelievable options for UK customers to utilise, including optional cup-holders, storage tables, temperature-controlled compartments, storage drawers and the dual-zone climate in the rear.

A “Roll & Go” is a manually adjustable seat concept, so that you can add and remove them with ease. The Remote Variable Rear Space, allows for the electrically adjustable rear seats which can be configured and moved with an app, or the head unit, allow up to 4 pre-defined rear seat configurations.

From a Classic to Excellence seat design, there are a variety of options to meet the demands and requirements of most customers. Where this vehicle really sets itself apart is with the MBUX Superscreen in the rear coupled with Rear Space Experience, Augmented Reality and HUD. With a 31” screen for the rear passengers, along with an app for them to control how and where they want to sit, this is the epitome of luxury and comfort.

Other features include the Burmester 3D surround system with 22-speakers and a 750-watt amp to make you feel immersed or more practical options like the GUARD 360 for protecting your asset.         

Excited and want to know more? UK customers just need to register their VLE EV interest using the Mercedes form - and send their configuration to us. As a company well versed in managing high-net worth individuals, sports stars and celebrities, our team have the leading electric vehicle solutions for you or your advisors.  
      

So how will the new Mercedes VLE perform? Is it a good EV?

•  VLE 300 - with a usable battery of 115kWh this FWD SUV offers 203kW (272hp), top speeds of 106mph and 0-62 times of 106 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 280 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 375 miles (on a full charge) – 330 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 12 hours and 30 minutes with the 300 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 26 minutes. The VLE has no confirmed Bidirectional charging. It has a 116 mpg equivalent, 795L cargo volume (4078L with the seats down). It cannot tow. The heat pump is available as a standard option.

Want to know more about going into VLE Electric?

Head to our dedicated Mercedes special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]