NOT MANY VANS can be called aspirational, but the stylish Mercedes-Benz V-Class definitely qualifies and plenty of over-50 drivers would love to upgrade to one.
The arrival of the new V-Class facelift brings refreshing looks and enhanced safety to the already successful model. New focal features include a re-styled and striking front-end design, and the addition of new safety assistance systems Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus.
Design and comfort
Newly designed bumper and a striking cooling air intake and diamond structure in the radiator grille (note to readers: they’re not real diamonds!), along with the iconic three-pointed star improve the V-Class’s on-road presence.
The optional AMG Line raises things another notch with a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins to create a more sporty appearance (“sporty”? in a van?!)
Three new optional metallic paint colours are graphite grey, selenite grey and hyazinth red. Go on, be bold, order a Benz in a colour that isn’t grey. The V 220 d gets two new standard light-alloy wheel designs in 17-inch, while the V250 d gets 18-inch alloys.
Inside has also been refreshed. The V 220 d features a high gloss black finish while the V 250 d goes the whole way with a double-stripe look, newly designed air vents with Mercedes-Benz’s trademark turbine look and there’s the option of new tartufo Nappa leather.
As in the S-Class, fully reclinable luxury seats including back massage function and climatization can be specified. Passengers also get to choose from three different massage intensities and three climatization stages.
Safety and assistance systems
Always good to see in family-oriented vehicles, a multifaceted range of safety and assistance systems has been upgraded, including active brake assist for the first time standard across the range. In the case of a potential collision with a vehicle in front, stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing the vehicle’s path in urban traffic, this system can reduce the severity of the collision, or even avoid it altogether.
New Highbeam Assist Plus is standard on the V 250 d and optional on the V 220 d. This is technological advance makes it possible to drive on high-beam at all times, with the system automatically dipping to low bean only when necessary.
Engine and transmission line-up
There have been no changes to the previous engine and transmission. It remains the 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine coupled to the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic. Outputs are 120kW and 380Nm in the V 220 d, rising to 140kW and 440Nm in the V 250 d.
“The V-Class is a versatile and multitalented vehicle, which offers something unique to our market. It’s for families with an active lifestyle who need space and comfort, but don’t want to forgo luxury and safety. Plus it has proven to be a popular choice for business operators who need to transport people in a stylish, sophisticated way. The new V-Class brings with it a fresh look, with new safety technology.” said Diane Tarr, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand.
Pricing (plus on road costs)
| Engine | |
| V 220 d | $79,627 |
| V 250 d AVANTGARDE | $93,799 |