The 170 VL was one version for the 170 V, a car that was offered in many bodywork versions, from an off-road roadster to a delivery van.
And its purpose was obviously to be used as a military vehicle.

In February 1936, the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin was dominated by the theme 50 Years of Automotive Engineering”. As was to be expected, Daimler-Benz was present at the historic anniversary show with a host of exhibits in the hall of fame. Not only that, with the 170 V, 170 H, and 260 D, it also unveiled three new passenger car models. The “V” in the model designation indicated that the engine was at the front. As far as Daimler-Benz was concerned, the 170 V was by far its most important pre-war passenger car model, securing the Mercedes-Benz brand a top position in the mid-size segment.

The backbone of the vehicle was the X-shaped oval tubular frame design, which was similar to the H-versions (air-cooled rear-engines) and the Kaffer (Beetle). It was tough enough to cope as a Kubbelwagen (vehicles for rough terrain).

The VL version was built with four removable doors and an open top. The idea was to build a very light vehicle. After the successful versions built for the German Army and Police, the VL was intended as an expedition vehicle. Its high maneuverability came from the rear axle, which was steered.