Mercedes-Benz Doesn’t Fear the Cold – But Does the Cold Fear Mercedes-Benz?

If a car can survive the frozen hellscape of the Arctic, then it can certainly handle the harshest winter anywhere—and that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz is putting its new MPVs through. Forget your standard family hauler—these machines are built for VIP transport, luxury family travel, and high-end executive journeys, and their ability to withstand -30°C temperatures and ice-covered roads is being pushed to the absolute limit.

The testing ground? Arjeplog, Sweden—where the roads are slicker than a politician dodging a question and grip is reduced by a staggering 90% compared to dry asphalt. Can these elegant MPVs maintain their composure when the road turns into a skating rink? Or will they slip and slide like an office worker rushing across an icy parking lot on a Monday morning?

Since Mercedes-Benz doesn’t believe in half-measures, all MPVs are equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, allowing them to glide across frozen roads with the grace of a ballerina—albeit one that weighs two and a half tons. Meanwhile, an advanced suspension and thermal management system ensures that passengers experience first-class comfort, rather than feeling like they’re on an expedition atop a reindeer’s back.

Built on the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Van Architecture (MBA) platform, these MPVs are future-proof. Starting in 2026, fully electric models (VAN.EA) will roll out, followed by state-of-the-art internal combustion versions (VAN.CA), meaning that no matter the powertrain, future MPVs will be powerful, versatile, and effortlessly stylish.