The Mercedes of MPVs is here – view specs and prices on new Mercedes-Benz V-Class here

The once-popular family MPV has dwindled in popularity in many countries, including South Africa.  One brand that has been doing consistently well is Mercedes-Benz.

Meet another letter in the ever-growing Mercedes-Benz alphabet – meet V-Class. 

V-Class replaces Viano as the luxury car / commercial vehicle manufacturer’s luxury MPV offering, sure to transport happy families and tourists and clients around in Mercedes-Benz style, comfort, efficiency and safety.

There are 2 trim levels for this MPV, consisting of the standard more minibus-like V-Class… and then there is the luxurious V-Class Avantgarde.

Engines are again all diesel, as suited to this type of vehicle, but the 3.0 CDI V6 is no longer available, which made the Viano the only strong-performance MPV around.  The new diesel options are variations of the same 2.1-litre 4-cylinder, ranging from the V200CDI with 100kW/330Nm, V220CDI with 120/380, and V250 BlueTec with 140/440 numbers.  Strangely the standard models are offered in manual, with 7-speed auto optional, and standard on Avantgarde.

Safety standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Program (a must in an MPV), Airbags and head / thorax sidebags (side airbags in the seat backrests offering additional head protection), 5 x 3-point seatbelts, outside seatbelts in the rear with automatic belt adjustment, Hill Start Assist, flashing adaptive brake lights, Headlamp Assist, and tyre pressure loss warning system.  Lane Keeping Assist (will warn the driver if deviating from a marked lane) and Attention Assist (to remind the driver to take a break) are other built-in helpers.

Convenience features include Active Park Assist to steer the V-Class into a parallel or alley docking parking bay (now this takes the stress out of parking such a big vehicle).  Interior comfort is aided by warm-air duct floor vents between front-middle row seats for ventilation of rear passengers, while the rear has aircon controlled via an overhead rear panel.  Air supply through 4 roof vents can be individually shut/adjusted.  So V-Class is top-class travel.

Perhaps, to soften the blow, we need to prepare you for pricing – the outgoing Viano prices ranged from about R 690 000 to R 960 000.  Models and pricing, including emissions tax and VAT, on Mercedes-Benz V-Class:

 

Mercedes-Benz V200CDI:	R 695 981
Mercedes-Benz V220CDI:	R 726 875
Mercedes-Benz V250 BlueTec:	R 782 416
Mercedes-Benz V220CDI Avantgarde:	R 949 175
Mercedes-Benz V250 BlueTec Avantgarde:	R 984 196