By Khulekani Dumisa

The updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class has landed in Mzansi and the fans of the plush ‘bus’ have more luxurious and safety features to look forward to.

Exterior

The update is not revolutionary as the MPV retains most of its design features that have made it a firm favourite amongst families, various leisure adventurers and business customers. The stand out exterior feature is the revamped bumper with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. This makes the vehicle appear wider and sportier. In the AMG Line, buyers get a diamond radiator grille with chrome pins.

Adding to the refreshed appearance of the V-Class is the new light-alloy wheel designs. 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. Buyers looking for an even more prominent appearance can opt for 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.

Interior

Inside, Mercedes-Benz keeps things interesting and fresh by adding new air vents in a sportier turbine design and refreshed upholstery and equipment colours. Keeping with the modern theme, a new trim element in twin-stripe look is used in the instrument and paneling. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.

Perhaps the most notable addition to the interior are optionally available luxury seats with reclining and back massage functions as well as air conditioning. VIPs will find the V-Class most compelling because of the inclusion of these seats.

A missed opportunity is the infotainment as it is starting to show its age a bit. It would have been great for Mercedes-Benz to touch it up a bit and the very least offer a similar infotainment that is available in the C-Class.

Safety

The V-Class now offers a number of active and passive safety features including Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, and newly added Active Brake Assist, and Highbeam Assist Plus.

Powertrains

The facelifted V-Class keeps the current engines and transmissions that are presently on offer in South Africa. This means South Africa will lose out on the V300 that kicks out 176 kW of power. Mercedes-Benz blames this on the quality of our fuel. This will undoubtedly upset some but the present engines are highly competent. This is especially true in the top of the range V250d that is powered by the proven four-cylinder OM 651 turbodiesel engine, with 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque. It moves the V-Class effortlessly. This is evident at take-off and when overtaking. You are never left wanting for power. This engine is also fuel efficient. We have averaged 8,1l/km on previous drives in the V250d.

The updates to the V-Class may be minor but the luxurious MPV from Mercedes-Benz will continue to lead its segment as it remains a highly desirable option with lots to offer.

Pricing

Prices for the updated V-Class are as follows:

• Mercedes-Benz V200d (100kW/330Nm) – R913,951
• Mercedes-Benz V220d (120kW/380Nm) – R955,518
• Mercedes-Benz V250d (140kW/440Nm) – R1,027,686
• Mercedes-Benz V220d Avantgarde (120kW/380 Nm) – R1,247,819
• Mercedes-Benz V250d Avantgarde (140kW/440Nm) – R1,292,474

Prices include a complimentary top-up to a 6-year/100,000 km maintenance plan. This is a limited special launch offer, enhancing the standard 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan.