Mercedes-Benz has filed two new trademarks with the European Intellectual Property Office, which appear to be for vans with varying degrees of luxury. The names VLE and VLS were both registered, which suggests that the German automaker could be readying a change to the V-Class lineup, potentially turning the current model into the VLE and adding a more luxurious VLS with greater legroom and fancier finishings. There are other possibilities, however.
VLE And VLS: Likely Uses For New Model Names
The V-Class is 211.4 inches long, so there’s no need to introduce an extended-wheelbase model. Instead, the VLE could fulfil the current family van role with the seven-seat setup of today’s V-Class. Alternatively, the VLE could become a more luxurious model that sits slightly above the V-Class, potentially creating a three-model van lineup. For the VLS, fewer but more opulent seats, unique finishings, and a large screen could help create the basis for something even greater. Aftermarket outfits have created Maybach-style vans based on the V-Class and Mercedes might want a piece of the action.
Alternative Uses
While it’s quite possible that there’s a market for luxury vans beyond what exists today, most premium vehicle buyers want an SUV like the GLS, which can also seat up to seven people. Mercedes has learned the hard way, through vehicles like the R-Class, that overproliferation of low-volume niches is not profitable. And it’s learned that more than once, with its most recent lineup reduction plan being announced in February of last year.
This removed the need for a convertible AMG GT; the SL fulfils that niche. It also killed the awkward CLS and the two-door versions of the C-Class and E-Class, now represented by the CLE Coupe and Cabriolet. However, nobody can predict the future, and it’s conceivable that Mercedes is preparing for when the market might be interested in multiple body styles and trim levels. If not, these trademarks at least protect the automaker from another entity using a name that might be associated with Mercedes.
