Brian Joss – In 2014, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class premiere saw a completely new approach to design, value appeal, comfort and safety being introduced into the MPV segment.
The concept went on to be a true success: proof of this can be found in the 209,000 or so V-Class units that have been sold since its market launch in 2014, a sales record in 2018 with some 64,000 units, one of the youngest buyer groups at Mercedes-Benz and successful launches in other markets, especially in Asia. At the start of 2019, India was the latest V-Class market to be added to the equation. And the facelift will now make for a refreshing feel to the already successful model. Focal points include a re-styled and striking front-end design, as well as the introduction of the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine generation – with the V 300 d reaching the new top value of 176 kW (239 hp) (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)*1.
Plus, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is available for the first time, while safety and assistance systems, among them Active Brake Assist, have been brought up to the latest technological level. The new V-Class can be ordered in Europe from March 2019. Prices in Germany start from 36,990 euros (including 19 percent VAT). Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing to evolve its eDrive@VANs electrification strategy and will soon be offering a fully-electric MPV.
The V-Class designers in Stuttgart have used a series of targeted measures to give the MPV a new look which follows the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The new V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence thanks to its new front end. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continue to exist, while the AMG Line will become visually more powerful: it features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and thus delivers a sporty note.
New paint colours in graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic expand the spectrum of the well-received black/white tones. Equally new is the optional paint colour steel blue. With the new colour hyacinth red metallic, the new V-Class also optionally makes an especially emotive statement. At the same time, the four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful and avantgarde appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design.
At the upper end of the new wheels portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.
In the interior, too, the designers have been busy, transposing the interior design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car models into the new V-Class. The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. In line with the facelift, the V-Class facelift presents itself with new air vents in a more sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the reduced design, drivers can orientate themselves much more simply. The new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo nappa leather makes a modern and elegant statement. With Lugano leather and nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours is available. Modern and elegant can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and in the side trim elements. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.
As part of the facelift, rear passengers can enjoy an especially comfortable space. The optionally available luxury seats for the first row of seats are a real treat and, just like in the S-Class, they offer a fully reclining function, back massage and climatisation.
In line with the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class will be equipped with the four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine in output variants include the V 250 d with 140 kW (190 hp) and 440 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165 154 g/km)*1 and the V 300 d with 176 kW
(239 hp) and 500 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)*1 The Marco Polo family based on the V-Class will also benefit from the entire scope of the first facelift to the Mercedes-Benz MPV at the same time as the base model. The compact Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon campers and leisure vehicles also feature the new front-end design, the new paint colours and light-alloy wheels, as well as the new air vents and upholsteries. They are joined by the new diesel engine with a new peak of 176 kW (239 hp) (combined fuel consumption 6.8-6.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 180-160 g/km)*1 as well as Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus.
In the MPV segment, Mercedes-Benz Vans will soon be taking the next step and will be the first premium manufacturer to offer a fully-electric model. Thus Mercedes-Benz Vans will consistently expand its comprehensive eDrive@VANs strategy. With the eVito already available and the eSprinter due for market launch in the second half of 2019, the range of fully-electric vehicles will then be extended to include a model series for private use.
“In line with the facelift, the V-Class will receive the Mercedes-Benz OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine. This is an especially efficient and clean unit. By way of example, in the V 250 d output variant, the fuel savings are greater than ten percent in comparison to the predecessor model2. At the same time the new V-Class is even more dynamic with its new top engine, the V 300 d. It’s truly the benchmark in the segment,”*according to Dr Ulf Zillig, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Vans.Mecfe
CAPTION: More attractive: the new look MPV. Picture; Motorpress
