New Mercedes V-Class MPV revealed

The new Mercedes V-Class, a large MPV replacing the old Viano, has been revealed as a cross between a van and the Mercedes R-Class.

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The new Mercedes V-Class is the replacement for the Mercedes Viano, and Mercedes hope potential buyers will view it as a luxury MPV with proper Mercedes passenger car appeal but with room for up to eight passengers.

It seems likely Mercedes are also hoping the new V-Class will attract former buyers of the now defunct R-Class, families who’ve outgrown a family car and business users too.

If you can get over looks that still say ‘Van with Windows’ despite a complete makeover from the Viano (although the Viano Vision Diamond offered a very upmarket look and fittings), Mercedes should be in with a fighting chance of hitting the mark with the new V-Class.

There are modern touches to the exterior look of the V-Class which link it firmly with Mercedes passenger car range, but it’s the interior style, fittings. toys and room that will really grab buyers’ attention.

With a dashboard that has more than a few hints of the new S-Class and a steering wheel and Infotainment controller from the new C-Class, the V-Class certainly moves in to proper Mercedes car territory but with seating for six in a standard 2+2+2 layout but up for eight if buyers opt for the 2+3+3 seating.

Not only can the new V-Class seat up to eight, but buyers can also option a sleeper option where the back row of seats turn in to a bed, and there’s a choice of a a long-wheelbase model that is 5140mm long with a 3200mm wheelbase with compact and extra long versions to follow.

Standard equipment includes piano lacquer trim, multi-function steering wheel, flappy paddles (if you opt for the auto ‘box), electric parking brake and luxury front seats with the AVANTGARDE spec adding stuff like leather seats, ambient lighting, LED headlights, wood trim, better sound insulation and AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping.

Two engines will be on offer for the V-Class with a choice of either the 161bhp 2.1 diesel V220 CDI or the V 250 BlueTec with 188bhp which comes as standard with 7G-TRONIC PLUS auto ‘box with flappy paddles (an option on the V220).

As has become the norm for Mercedes, the V-Class will kick-off sales with a V-Class Edition 1 with the 188bhp diesel, 7G-TRONIC auto ‘box, Sports suspension, 19″ alloys, tinted glass, marron nappa leather, leather-look dash with contrast stitching, ebony wood-look trim, active seat ventilation in the front and Climate.

Mercedes hasn’t revealed prices for the new V-Class yet, but it will go on sale in March with a launch in May.