First public showing of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Mercedes-Benz is in the early stages of development of its next V-Class midsize van and a test mule has been spotted.

A test mule is a prototype in its early stages, usually using a makeshift body borrowed from an existing vehicle to hide new mechanicals. In this case, Mercedes used a modified body from the current V-Class.

This gives an idea of the proportions of the vehicle. For example, the next V-Class will be wider than the current model, as indicated by the flared wheel arches. It will also be slightly longer in overall length.

Cutouts for various sensors in the camouflage gear and hidden sensors in the side mirror caps hint at advanced automatic driving assistance features. Mercedes' Drive Pilot system, which allows drivers to temporarily take their eyes off the road under certain circumstances, already ranks as Level 3 on the SAE scale of automated driving capability.

The vehicle will be based on the Van.EA, Mercedes' new dedicated EV platform designed for light commercial vehicles; the Van.EA platform features a three-module design that can easily adapt to different vehicle sizes. The next V-Class is expected to feature both single-motor and dual-motor powertrains.

The next V-Class will debut in 2026 as a 2027 model and may be introduced in the US market. Last year, Mercedes confirmed plans to introduce a midsize luxury van in the U.S., believed to be the next V-Class.

The current V-Class was not sold in the U.S., but a decontented version was briefly sold as the Metris, primarily targeting commercial buyers. Mercedes also offered a larger Sprinter van for commercial buyers.