{
  "id": 3707223,
  "title": "Elektromobilität: Diese fünf Elektro-Vans erfinden den Familienbus neu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/elektromobilitat-diese-funf-elektro-vans-erfinden-den-familienbus-neu",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-27T09:13:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/mobilitaet/elektromobilitaet/elektromodelle-diese-fuenf-elektro-vans-erfinden-den-familienbus-neu/100249739.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Elektromobilität: Five innovative electric vans are redefining the family bus\n\nThe van story has been told before. Once, Renault Espace, Chrysler Voyager, and Opel Zafira were considered practical family cars. They were dethroned by SUVs, which looked more dynamic, promised adventure, and became global best-sellers, though they often offered less space. Now, a Renaissance of the large-room limousine begins with a small detour via electric propulsion and driven primarily from Asia.\n\nBatteries are hidden in the vehicle's floor, creating spacious interiors, enormous ground clearance for luxurious legroom, and digitalization provides unprecedented entertainment variety for the rear passengers. Powerful electric motors offer whisper-quiet rides at high speed, hefty battery packs guarantee massive ranges despite poor aerodynamics, and high charging power shorten the box stops. Classic family buses are becoming rolling living rooms or even mobile first-class for Generation E. Chinese manufacturers are leading this change impressively and putting European brands under pressure. But the first Europeans have woken up: Volvo, with its newly Chinese roots, is already in the waiting line. While VW has lost its way in its workshops and cooperations, and neither Multivan nor ID.Buzz, nor the transporter can match its old glory, at least Mercedes is answering with a completely new van generation. Five protagonists show how different the future of the electric van can look.\n\nXpeng X9: The technology leader Xpeng X9 demonstrates how Chinese manufacturers think about the van concept from scratch. With a length of 5.32 meters and optional six or seven seats, it offers ample space, including lounge seats in the second row. For the rear passengers, there's a huge ceiling screen, and for the driver, all assistants needed for the next level of autonomous driving. Up to 503 horsepower makes it roar, even a barely three-tonne spaceship flies smoothly, especially since the van feels amazingly agile thanks to the rear axle steering. Although it is not the most efficient, it covers up to 580 standard kilometers before the 542 kW charging power revives it. The market launch in Germany has already taken place, prices start at 77,600 euros. Thus, the X9 positions itself as a luxurious alternative to classic premium vans, aiming to be a technology leader rather than a follower. Mercedes VLE: A new round for space travel with Star Mercedes launches the VLE into the next era of space travel. With five to seven seats, the spacious limousine rises to new heights, bringing comfort and technology closer to passenger cars, which Mercedes also wants to emphasize with the nomenclature. However, prices increase parallel to the launch, starting at 64,800 euros. For those who don't want to wait for the small battery and trimmed equipment, the minimum price is 82,260 euros. Then, features like air suspension, panoramic roof, and the new rear axle steering are onboard. Powered by a 272-horsepower electric motor at the front axle, fed by a 115-kWh large battery, the VLE has a range of over 700 kilometers, the highest speed of 180 kilometers per hour, and a charging power of up to 300 kW. For a five-digit premium, there's also the VLE as an all-wheel-drive with a second electric motor at the rear axle and a system power of 415 horsepower. The range drops to almost 630 kilometers, but the towing capacity increases from 1.7 to 2.5 tonnes. Although the VLE was developed on an electric skateboard architecture, Mercedes plans a more affordable version with an 80-kWh battery for around 600 kilometers in the medium term, as well as a diesel engine by 2027. For those who want more space and luxury, there's a VLS in this year, and a Maybach-van in 2027. The Denza D9: Space for luxury BYD's premium brand Denza attacks established luxury vans head-on. The 5.25-meter-long model is available as a plug-in hybrid and as a pure electric car. Germany receives the DM-i hybrid version first, the second Denza model after the Sport Wagon Z9 GT. It comes with up to seven seats in the 2+2+3 layout, \"Zero Gravity\" seats with 16-point massage and 14-fold adjustment in a row of two, a cooling/heating compartment, and a sound specialist Devialet system. The hybrid drive combines a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline with two electric motors for a system power of 353 horsepower, a 59-kWh battery allows up to 210 kilometers of pure electric range according to WLTP. In total, the D9 comes up to almost 950 kilometers of total range. Charged with up to 559 kW. In China, there's also a pure electric version with a larger battery and up to 800 kilometers range according to Chinese measurement method. For Germany, prices are between around 80,000 and 90,000 euros. A precise delivery date is not yet announced by Denza. Volvo EM90: Scandinavian calm The EM90 interprets the luxury van by Volvo in its own way. Instead of offering as many screens or spectacular gimmicks in the foreground, the Swedish brand focuses on calm, high-quality materials, and relaxed travel. The 5.21-meter-long van provides six seats with generous single seats in the second row. An electric motor with 272 horsepower drives the rear wheels, fed by a 116-kWh battery - the technical basis is the SEA platform of Volvo's sister company Zeekr, on which the 009 also stands. The range is up to 738 kilometers according to the Chinese cycle, realistically over 500 kilometers in Europe.",
  "summary": "Der Van erlebt dank Elektroantrieb und Flachboden-Architektur ein Comeback. Aus nüchternen Familienkutschen werden rollende Lounges. Doch den Komfort lassen sich die Hersteller gut bezahlen.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Elektromobilität: Diese fünf Elektro-Vans erfinden den Familienbus neu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/elektromobilitat-diese-funf-elektro-vans-erfinden-den-familienbus-neu",
        "published": "2026-08-26T04:38:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}