Brian Joss – In 2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class celebrated its debut with a new approach to design, value appeal, comfort and safety in the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment.
What would end up being known as “the Mercedes of MPVs” went on to be a true success. This is confirmed by more than 209 000 units being sold globally, and additionally, the V-Class achieving a sales record in 2018 with approximately 64 000 units sold for the year.
The 2019 facelift makes for a refreshing feel to the already dominant model.
Focal points include a restyled and striking front-end design, a sporty and streamlined cockpit as well as a new range of alloy wheels and interior trim options.
“It will be easy for the V-Class facelift to take over from where its predecessor left off, as it was such a stylish and dynamic offering. In its latest guise, the V-Class continues to convince families, various leisure adventurers and business customers alike, that the V-Class is the perfect fit for any purpose,” said Nadia Trimmel, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.
“We are continuing a success story that builds on the strengths of our versatile, functional and luxurious V-Class in a targeted manner. We know that the V-Class is the envy of all other multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in South Africa, and the facelift will ensure this remains the case,” she added.
The designers used a series of targeted measures to give the MPV a new look which follows the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
The V-Class facelift 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 STANDARD lines and various design packages is retained, while the AMG line becomes visually more striking with the facelift. It features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, and thus delivers a particularly sporty note. With its updated design cues, the V-Class facelift makes an especially emotive statement.
At the same time, new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a striking appearance. The 17 and 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey or black, come with a 5-twin-spoke design and a high sheen finish. At the upper end of the new wheels portfolio are the black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.
The interior of the V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. The V-Class facelift presents itself with new air vents in a sportier turbine and the refreshed upholstery and equipment colours make a modern and elegant statement. “Modern” and “elegant” can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look, which is used on the instrument side paneling.
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 a special comfort feature. Optionally available luxury seats pamper occupants with reclining and back massage functions as well as air conditioning. A journey in the V-Class facelift – for instance if used as a VIP shuttle.
With the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class retains the trusted and proven four-cylinder OM 651 diesel engine in three output variants. The V 200d develops 100 kW of power and a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The V 220d generates 120 kW of power and 380 Nm.
CAPTION: Fun in the sun: the Mercedes-Benz MPV. Picture: Motorpress
