Road tripping in the Mercedes V300d

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Ample space for packing in several golf bags and all other associated luggage. Style, class and comfort is what the experience was in the V300d. In 2015 Mercedes-Benz launched the V-Class into the South African market with a completely new approach to design, value appeal, comfort and safety in the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment. Since then, the V-Class has gone from success to success exceeding sales targets globally, as well as within South Africa. The 2019 facelift refreshed the already dominant model adding focal points that included a restyled and striking front-end design, a sporty and streamlined cockpit as well as a new range of alloy wheels and interior trim options. With the introduction of the V 300d to this already successful model range, Mercedes-Benz hopes to take the MPV segment to even greater heights.

New engine, new transmission – powerful and efficient

The V300d is equipped with the four-cylinder OM 654 engine, with a two-litre displacement and boasts 176kW of power complemented by 500Nm of torque making it the new top performer in the segment. In the acceleration phase, the V300d can deliver an additional 30Nm of torque in addition to the 500Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in up to 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220km/h.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The 9G-Tronic automatic transmission is also available for the first time in the V-Class range and is exclusively available as standard for all V 300d variants. The Dynamic Select switch allows the driver to switch between Comfort and Sport drive programmes and customise the gear shifting characteristics. The Manual mode allows the driver to shift manually using the Direct Select steering wheel paddles.

Design and even greater comfort

The personalisation and high-quality interior and exterior finish with the attractive Avantgarde and AMG line that customers have become accustomed to with the V-Class are carried over into the V300d.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The Exclusive line comes standard with the highly sought after customisation options such as the panoramic sunroof, rear climatised seats and centre console with a built-in drinks cooler. To complement the high level of individualisation the V-Class customers enjoy, the Night Package is available exclusively for the V300d.

Comfort a must

Comfort is a must in the MPV segment. To date, the V-Class has impressed passengers with comforts such as individually adjustable leather seats in the rear and the V300d is no different. As with all other V-Class models, the V 300d comes standard in a seven-seat configuration but this can be customised to a six or eight-seater, depending on the customer’s needs. Leather seats can be changed from the standard black leather to brown leather, or silk beige leather at no extra cost.

For the driver, Intelligent LED lights impress with their practical application in real driving by adjusting the headlamp range when oncoming traffic is detected. The Adaptive Highbeam Assist system continuously adapts based on the road condition.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

This car comes packed with every little thing you can imagine: Easy-Pack Tailgate that electrically closes the rear door, a split window in the tailgate with a raised parcel shelf, 19" (inch) Alloy Wheels, either AMG or black AMG, or 10 spoke light alloy are standard and tyre pressure monitoring system

Safety

All safety aspects synonymous with the brand and that customers have grown accustomed to have been carried over to the V300 d variants. Safety highlights include the Driver Assist package that features pre-safe, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist.

In addition to the Driver and Co-Driver airbags, Thorax Airbags for driver and co-driver and the front window airbags from A-B pillar come standard, and additional Window airbags that extend from the A-D pillar can be ordered as an option.
MBUX Telematics

V300d models also feature the Mercedes-Benz User Experience or MBUX and replaces the previous Comand Online system. This feature will also now be available across the full V-Class model range.

The system includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Mercedes-Benz hard-disk navigation.

The standard Burmester sound system also comes standard on all V300d models. The 16 speaker surround sound system brings impressive sound to every seat in the V-Class thanks to the multichannel surround sound technology.

Mercedes have not thought about one thing. They have thought about everything.

Pricing

• V300d Avantgarde - R 1,425,023
• V300d Avantgarde with AMG Line - R 1,500.003
• V300d Exclusive - R1,627,250