Mercedes-Benz V Class

Mercedes Benz Viano / V-Class

The SUV may rule the automotive roost at the moment, but the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) hasn’t gone away. Over several generations the Mercedes Benz Viano, now called the V-Class, has been arguably the best people-carrier around. It is a prestige MPV designed to appeal to large families who like a bit of luxury. It’s practical too, versatile enough to carry lots of equipment or luggage as well as people.

The Exterior

Although a large vehicle, the German company have made sure that the looks maintain the family resemblance of their passenger cars. The new V-Class (Viano on older models) has a broad appearance and a striking front end that comes courtesy of a new bumper design with attractive cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille, featuring the famous Star. Various trim levels are offered, for example the AMG-Line version, which has a more aggressive appearance thanks to a sporty body kit.

On new or used Mercedes Benz V-Class models there’s a variety of no less than four light-alloy wheel designs including from 17” to 19” on flagship versions. Physically bigger than mainstream MPV’s from other car makers, the V-Class can take a full complement of up to eight passengers, plus their baggage. The standard V-Class comes with seven seats. Long and extra-long wheelbase models have eight seats which gives options for buyers looking to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere.

The Interior

This big MPV is designed to move a group of people around and it does it in style. The interior of the V-Class follows the trend of modern Mercedes models. New air vents present a more sporty ‘turbine’ look and there’s a new design of dials in the instrument cluster. A ‘floating’ screen sits atop a minimalist, logically-arranged, cascading centre console and, as would be expected, all the latest in infotainment and safety technology is available.

The upholstery, equipment and standard Nappa leather make an elegant statement with trim elements in, variously, piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium. Optionally available luxury seats for the first rear row recline and deliver back massage functions as well as air conditioning; an extra premium touch.

Access to the front seats is easy thanks to large, wide-opening doors. The rear seats are even easier to get to thanks to a vast electric sliding door on each side. There’s a completely flat floor that makes it easy for passengers to move around inside. The seats themselves are variously configurable on sliding rails and for extra boot (trunk) space there are long-wheelbase models. Access to the back is via the large, electrically-operated hatch.

Driving The Mercedes Benz V-Class

Up front. the ‘captain’s’ driving seat, with folding armrest, feels comfortable to sit on and gives a high and wide view of the road. The steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment, so it shouldn’t take long to find a comfortable driving position. The V-Class comes with adaptive suspension as standard for a comfortable ride but it’s sheer size means that this is all about leisurely, stately driving.

The seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission is excellent providing smooth shifts and ideal gear ratios for this type of vehicle. On new, or more recent versions there may be a nine-speed automatic transmission upgrade, but either way, shifts are imperceptible.

A 2.0 litre diesel engine does the work and comes in two power grades. If the car is mostly for urban use the lesser will be fine but for long-distance travel, laden, the more powerful V300d variant might suit, providing reasonably brisk acceleration. For such a large car, fuel economy is good; drivers can expect to see around the middle-thirties routinely.

Is It Reliable?

Early generations of this car had their issues but the latest models seem to be maintaining a good reliability record, as should be expected from Mercedes Benz. This is a niche prestige model; if there’s a need to transport a number of people on a daily basis or for use as a business vehicle then this large MPV is the one to go for. Please get in touch with us here at MHH International to enquire about availability.