Although the MPV segment may not be as popular as the Crossover or SUV segment, manufacturers still value it. Whether it's stripped-down, back-to-basics fleet use or opulent luxury shuttles, the MPV segment is still worth catering to. On the upper end of the spectrum is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, recently updated and refreshed to provide a travel experience bar none. But, as we know, luxury comes at a price, and in the V-Class, it's a rather stiff one. So, what are your alternatives?
Related: Mercedes-Benz V-Class vs Volkswagen Caravelle vs Toyota Quantum: The lowest running costs?
Considering the price of the best-selling MPVs, the Volkswagen Caravelle and Toyota Quantum pose the only real threat to the stately Mercedes-Bez V-Class. While neither costs anywhere near as much as the V-Class, buyers in this segment who are not convinced that the V-Class is the solution will also be considering these. Here is how they compare.
Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive
Price: R2 267 768
Powertrain
The Mercedes-Benz V300d is powered not by a 3.0-litre but a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 174kW and 500Nm torque. Power is then sent to the rear wheels through an automatic 9-speed 9G-Tronic gearbox. Mercedes-Benz claims that this combination should be able to return combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 7.0 L/100km.
Standard Equipment
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class shines in the standard equipment department, offering quality, luxury appointments that are befitting of the price tag. In the V300d, you can expect to find the following equipment:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Multibeam LED headlights
- Sliding panoramic sunroof
- Seating for 7 (6 passengers, 1 driver)
- Dual 12.3-inch display screens
- MBUX infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charging
- 64-colour customisable ambient lighting
- Fold-out table
- Heated and ventilated seats
- 4-zone climate control
Safety
The V300d is fitted with 7 airbags and the full array of ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, along with Attention Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic), Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and High Beam Assist.
Practicality
As with all three of these vehicles, practicality is the name of the game. Measuring load volume is unnecessary as the multiple seating configurations allow for various volumes.
On the towing front, the V300d is rated to tow 750 kg unbraked and has a braked towing rating of 2 000 kg.
Price and value
The retail price of the Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive is R2 267 768 before options. It is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a PremiumDrive maintenance plan with options for 5, 6, and 7 years, covering distances from 100 000 to 140 000 km.
Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0BiTDI 146kW Highline 4Motion
Price: R1 564 100
Powertrain
The Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0BiTDI 146kW Highline is powered by, as the naming convention suggests, a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder twin turbodiesel engine producing 146kW power and 450Nm torque, sending the power through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) before passing it to all four wheels for improved traction. According to Volkswagen, you can expect a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100km.
Standard Equipment
Despite the lower price, the standard equipment of the Caravelle is impressive. The finishes are certainly a little more utilitarian, but that doesn't stop it from being a comfortable, well-equipped space to occupy. You can expect the following standard features:
- 17-inch Woodstock alloy wheels
- Seating for 7
- Nappa leather upholstery
- 10.1-inch digital cockpit
- 10.25-inch Discover Pro Media infotainment system
- Centre table
Practicality
Again, load volumes vary depending on the configuration, but on the towing front, the Caravelle is rated to tow 750 kg unbraked and 2 500 kg braked, which is the highest of the three compared here.
Safety
The Caravelle is equipped with 6 airbags and has a comprehensive array of active safety systems, including ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, along with Crosswind Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Trailer Assist, Park Distance Control front and rear, a reverse camera, and Lane Keep Assist.
Price and Value
The Caravelle is R700 000 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz, with a starting price of R1 564 100 before options. This price includes a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.
Toyota Quantum 2.8 LWB VX Premium
Price: R1 210 900
Powertrain
Powering the Toyota Quantum is the tried-and-tested 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This unit produces 115kW and 420Nm torque, the lowest output of the three in this comparison. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels. Toyota claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.7 L/100km.
Standard Equipment
The cheapest of the three, the Quantum, is well-trimmed and equipped but still lacks some of the creature's comforts of the other two. In the VX Premium grade, you will find the following:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Seating for 9
- Captain chairs (rotating seats)
- Retractable leg rests
- Quilted leather upholstery
- 8-inch Toyota AVN infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 12-speaker audio system
- Front and rear climate control
Safety
The Toyota Quantum has 7 airbags in addition to the regular array of ABS, EBD, traction, and stability control systems. The VX Premium grade is fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes pre-collision braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic High Beam Assist.
Practicality
The Toyota falls short in this department. Its low power output hinders its ability to tow great weights. It's rated to tow 400 kg unbraked and only 1 500 kg braked.
Price and Value
The cheapest of the three, the Toyota Quantum costs R1 210 900 with very few options as most is included in the price. It is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
Verdict
It's hard to ignore the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with its technology and luxurious trimmings, but it comes at a rather steep premium. The Caravelle would be our choice as it offers the best blend of tech, safety, and power, all at a more palatable price. If you're not looking to make a statement, the Volkswagen is the pick of the bunch, but if you are, there's no other option but the V-Class.
