New vs used Mercedes-Benz V-Class: What are the top 4 differences?
When Mercedes-Benz is the topic of conversation, thoughts immediately gravitate towards luxury saloons packed with the latest tech and forward-looking styling. The spacious V-Class people carrier is usually overlooked in these conversations, but it shouldn’t be, because the Mercedes-Benz V-Class can be as luxurious and tech-packed as the saloons – with the appropriate options selected, of course.
Previously known as the Mercedes-Benz Viano on local shores, the V-Class is currently in its third generation and has a few updates in its lifecycle. This van has space for up to eight passengers, along with some luggage, and it’s a brilliant way to travel on the daily commute to drop the kids off at school or to take the family to the coast on holiday.
The last update to the V-Class happened in 2019, with new models added to the range in 2020 and as recently as 2023. There is an all-new V-Class on the way, but the revised third-generation model is still available locally for now. Is it worth shelling out for the latest incarnation, or does the pre-facelift model still tick the right boxes? We decided to investigate.
Related:Everything that you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz V-Class
1. Equipment
Being a Mercedes-Benz, you know the V-Class will have many great tech- and safety features, no matter which version you’re considering. The feature list is as extensive as ever, but we now see Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) added to the Anti-Lock Braking System and an improved traction control system.
Active Brake Assist was also added, a feature that detects impending collisions and sounds and acoustic and visual alarms. If ignored, this system will automatically apply the brakes to mitigate the forces of impact, thus potentially saving lives. And on that note, the airbag count has increased to six. Attention Assist, High-Beam Assist Plus and Crosswind Assist (handy for Van Reenen’s Pass) were also added during the update.
Related: Mercedes-Benz unveils the new Vito and V-Class
2. Luxury Interior
To keep the interior look and feel in line with its hefty price tag, the updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class received a new dashboard design with a twin-stripe look and finishes like ebony wood, brushed aluminium, piano lacquer and carbon fibre. Add some more upmarket soft-touch trimmings to the package, and the overall effect is much more upmarket than before.
One immediately noticeable change was to the air vents, where the update saw the installation of the turbine-style dashboard air vents, as used in the rest of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. It’s more cockpit-like inside and creates the impression of being in a sportscar rather than a large people carrier. The instrument cluster was also refreshed, again bringing the V-Class in line with its siblings.
Related: Toyota Quantum vs Mercedes V-Class vs Volkswagen Caravelle: which one is the best value for money?
3. Comfort
In this price bracket, comfort is essential, and Mercedes-Benz paid particular attention to this aspect during the update. Many options are available regarding seat-trim materials, and new options include the much-touted Tartufo Nappa leather.
The seats are fully adjustable and offer heating and cooling and a massage function (available as an option for the front seats). The V-Class has the kind of seats that make you want to be a passenger instead of a driver. Combine this with improved refinement, and the latest V-Class becomes an even more accomplished long-distance tourer than before.
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4. Aesthetics
There’s not generally too much you can do to a van to make it look good, but if we have to rate what’s currently on the market, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is among the best looking. The change from pre-facelift to facelift wasn’t significant, but a revised front bumper added a dash of sportiness and chunkier look. There’s a new air dam, a different design for the black mesh inserts, and slats on the grille. For those who want a more in-your-face look, the AMG-Line trim option adds in chromed pins with a diamond pattern to the front grille.
As you may expect, pricing can be wild when there’s a Mercedes-Benz badge front and centre on a car. The facelifted V-Class can be had in various trims, with the V220d starting at R1 321 609 before options, with a V250d and V300d also available. All V-Class models are available in base, Avantgarde trim, and AMG Line trims. The prospect of a R2.0-million-plus Mercedes-Benz van is very real in 2023.
This does help to explain how the V-Class doesn’t sell too many examples worldwide, and it’s an especially niche vehicle here in SA. On the used-car front, a 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class V 250d Avantgarde can be found hovering around the R800 000 mark, with about another R100 000 drop in value per year as their ages increase. These offerings are really good value and will make most people happy, but everything depends on how desperately you need to keep up with the Joneses...
