I attended the international launch of this multi-purpose vehicle at the home of Mercedes in Stuttgart, Germany.
For starters, Mercedes looked back in time with the design of the original multi-purpose vehicle and have produced a more stylish, safer vehicle that offers loads of comfort, safety and other relevant features that is sure to be a hit with Mercedes-Benz aficionados.
Five years ago, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class set benchmarks in the MPV segment with its design, its high-quality feel, its comfort and its safety and assistance systems and has since enjoyed a successful international career.
The facelift builds upon these core values and thus improves the attractiveness of these passenger vehicles. The compact Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon campers and leisure vans also benefit from the full scope of the innovations implemented to the V-Class.
What's more, Mercedes-Benz Vans is taking the next step in this segment and will soon be offering a fully-electric MPV. With the V-Class MPV, the future is electric.
The front of the vehicle adds to the aesthetics of the MPV. The most striking feature is the redesigned bumper with broader cooling air intake and diamond structure of the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. This adds to the sporty, broader stance of the vehicle, implying its readiness for action.
In the interior, too, the designers have been busy, transposing the interior design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car models into the new V-Class. The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. In line with the facelift, the V-Class presents itself with new air vents in a sportier turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the reduced design, drivers can orientate themselves much more simply.
As part of the facelift, rear passengers can enjoy an especially comfortable space. The optionally available luxury seats for the first row of seats are a real treat and, just like in the S-Class, they offer a fully reclining function, back massage and climatisation.
The new leather upholstery colours a makes a modern and elegant statement. Available are six different ‘nappa’ leather upholsteries in light and dark colours available. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain. The new look interior is both modern and elegant and has that ‘Mercedes’ touch and feel.
In line with the facelift, the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class is equipped with a four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine in output variants including the V 250 d with 140 kW (190 hp) and 440 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption of an average 6l/100 km, and with new best values in its segment – the V 300 d with 176 kW (239 hp) and 500 Nm torque. In the acceleration phase, the V 300 d can briefly deliver an additional 30 Nm of torque ("overtorque") in addition to its 500 Nm of torque.
The V 300 d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 220 km/h.
For the first time in the V-Class, the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission will be available to increase shifting comfort and fuel efficiency. The new engine generation is even more efficient and clean. It is pleasantly quiet inside the vehicle and somewhat ‘annoying’ vibrations have been reduced.
All engine variants of the new V-Class are equipped as standard with rear-wheel drive, but 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option. In this way, the new V-Class can still move agilely on various types of terrain.
The vehicle height remains under the two-metre mark even when equipped with all-wheel drive. Thus, the new V-Class does not lose any of its daily usability and can still fit in regular garages as well as multi-storey and underground car parks.
Safety and assistance systems also gets a revamp
Available for the first time, Active Brake Assist can, depending on the situation, reduce the severity of a collision with a vehicle in front, stationary obstacles and pedestrians crossing the vehicle's path or it can even prevent them from occurring altogether.
New paint colours in graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic expand the spectrum of the well-received black/white tones. Equally new is the optional steel blue paint colour. With the new hyacinth red metallic colour, the new V-Class also optionally makes an especially emotive statement.
At the same time, the four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful and avant-garde appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design. At the upper end of the new wheel’s portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.
And thus, the vehicle appeals to a broad spectrum of customer groups:
The all-new V-Class is in a league of its own for safety standards, comfort, aesthetic new design appeal and general all-around good looks. The facelift model continues to build on this position. Price: On application at your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership.
