Where once there was the ‘Viano’ now there is the V-Class…well it’s Mercedes-Benz all-new luxury eight-seat people mover.
Put simply it is the world’s best luxury people mover. That’s it.
And, as you would expect it leads the field for luxury inclusions, technology and safety.
Unlike the Viano which employed at 165kW/440Nm V6 turbo-diesel engine, the all-new V-Class has switched to a 150kW/480Nm.
Mercedes says the new powerplant has as much pulling power and agility (zero to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds) as the V6 but it is a long way ahead in fuel consumption (combined-cycle 6.3l/100km compared to 8.6l/100kms).
Styling is much more dynamic, headlined by the large, upright version of the hallmark Mercedes-Benz front grille, large elongated headlights and athletic side creases running the full length from the front wheels to the rear. The lights are all LED with the ‘Benz ‘Intelligent Lighting System’.
And the all-new Mercedes-Benz V-Class is much more aerodynamic than the Viano – a Cd of just 0.31 represents the best in this league. Combined with improved sound deadening, the V-Class is commendably quite and refined at all speeds.
Inside too sets new standard with beautiful Lugarno leather, 16-speaker Burmester audio, a free-standing central display screen and ambient lighting in three colours.
Driver and front passenger enjoy 4-way lumber support and active ventilation in their seats.
And the Thermotronic automatic climate control system is best in-class with pre-entry climate control via the remote key and a link to the GPS so the air recirculation flap closes automatically when you neter a tunnel.
A touchpad controls the latest generation Comand Online system and there’s even a microphone in the front overhead panel to aid communication between those seated up-front and those in the rear.
Outback the rear window can be opened remotely from the tailgate for easier cargo loading and there are two load levels (so you can load up to 50kgs on the top shelf without opening the tailgate – ideal for tight shopping mall carparks).
Underneath the all-new Mercedes-Benz V-Class rides on – you guessed it – another first for people movers – adjustable dampers. It’s called ‘Agility Control’ suspension. And there’s also an ‘Agility Select’ function in the transmission enabling the driver to select from one of four driving modes – economical, comfortable, sport and manual.
On the safety front, the all-new Mercedes-Benz V-Class features equipment from the radar, camera and ultrasound sensor-based ‘Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive’ repertoire familiar from the S-Class and E-Class sedans. Inclusions are Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, Active Parking Assist and the Driver Assistance package which brings Distronic Plus, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and the Pre-Safe accident anticipation system.
Arriving ‘Downunder’ in July, the all-new Mercedes-Benz V 250 BlueTEC Avantgarde is priced at $85,500 and families and limousine operators can order now from their nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer.
