By Otsile Kadiege

Last week, Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa invited us to the Western Cape for the launch of the much-anticipated V-Class. The V-Class broke its cover back in 2014 as a replacement model of the Viano and interestingly the R-Class too. Since then, the popular W447 received minor exterior and interior updates. The current facelift is the most extensive model update which include a refreshed exterior design, a raft of new interior technologies, new luxury appointments, additional comfort equipment and driver assistance systems as well as more functionality.

Maybach-like looks

Outside, the updated V-Class has a redesigned front-end which comprises a gigantic radiator grille with an illuminated grille surround as standard, a redesigned front bumper and tweaked full-LED Multi-beam headlights. For the very first time, the V-Class gets a ‘three-pointed star’ ornament nested at the edge of the bonnet.

In profile, the V-Class design remains unchanged. However, it does get new sets of wheel designs including the 19-inch Mono-block wheels. Updates at the rear include ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering at the centre of the tailgate, an integrated spoiler painted in contrasting gloss black and LED taillights with darkened contours.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz Vans has done a great job at making the sought-after luxury people mover look modern without changing much of what people liked from the pre-facelift model. That said, the newly added Mono-block wheels are opinion-splitting but we like them as they add a touch of Maybach to the luxo-bus.

New exterior colour options

The new V-Class is available in seven paint colours: Kalahari Gold Metallic (new), Sodalite Blue Metallic (new), High-tech Silver Metallic (the new standard colour), Hyacinth Red Metallic, Rock Crystal White Metallic, Dark Graphite Grey Metallic, and Obsidian Black Metallic. 

Elevated levels of luxury

Hopping aboard, much of the interior changes are seen at the cockpit which ushers in a completely redesigned dashboard with two massive, integrated 12.3-inch displays – one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for multi-media. It gets a new floating centre console with a track pad to operate the MBUX infotainment system. The console also has shortcut buttons and switches to open and close the sliding doors. Other noteworthy new features up front include a wireless charger, two cup holders and two USB-C ports and 64 colour ambient lighting.

The updated V-Class gets a newly designed heated multifunctional steering wheel as well as heated front and second row seats. Moving to the second row seats, customers who want the best seats can opt for the Maybach-like luxury seats which feature cushions on the headrests, a massage feature, they’re heated and cooled, and also recline.

Overall, the cabin is lovely place to be in – as both the driver or a passenger. Highlights and notable downsides include comfortable seats all-round, suede roof-lining, ambient lighting which boosts interior ambience at night, a quiet cabin and a welcomed MBUX infotainment system which is user friendly and has crisp graphics.

The new dashboard looks good and modern however, the sun tends to reflect on the metallic-like dashboard trims which isn’t great news for the driver and front passenger. Thankfully, customers can opt for a wood-like dashboard trim. Sadly, Mercedes-Benz has done away with the handy mini fridge and cooled and heated cup holders.

Safety and assistance systems

The V-Class prioritizes safety, equipped with an extensive suite of safety and assistance systems, including Attention Assist, Headlamp Assist with rain sensor, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The adaptive Multi-beam LED headlights with High-beam Assist Plus adjust to current traffic conditions, enhancing visibility while prioritizing the safety of others. 

The parking package, featuring a 360-degree camera, simplifies parking with 3D visualizations and includes Active Parking Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, it features a trailer maneuvering assistant designed to work seamlessly with a trailer hitch and automatic transmission. 

Powertrain and driving impressions

At the heart of the V300d is a 1950 cc four-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering an impressive output of 174 kW and 500 Nm. It’s paired with a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km. Mercedes-Benz claims its 70 litre fuel tank will avail 1000 km of range when filled to the brim.

Maneuvering the V-Class is as an easy task thanks to its fairly light steering feel, good all-round visibility thanks to large windows and a 360 degree view camera. Hitting the open road, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel carries the hefty luxury bus without a fuss and it has enough grunt for highway overtaking. The 9-speed auto is as smooth as butter and works perfectly with the diesel engine. New to the updated V-Class is the Agility Control suspension system which enhances ride comfort, does an excellent job at adapting to varying road conditions.

We can’t wait to have the updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class on test for a comprehensive review.

What’s next for Mercedes-Benz Vans SA?

We recently spotted the facelifted and fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 at Zwartkops Raceway which suggests Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa is homologating the electric V-Class for Mzansi. The automaker is also considering expanding the V-Class lineup with the Marco Polo derivative which is a luxurious camper van complete with outdoor essentials like a pop-up roof tent, a kitchen, an outdoor shower and rear seats which recline into beds to name a few. This will go head-to-head with the Volkswagen Califorania Coast.

Pricing and warranty

The updated V-Class is priced from R2,254,000 and is accompanied by a comprehensive PremiumDrive Plan. This plan offers various service intervals, including options for 5, 6, and 7 years, covering distances from 100,000 to 140,000 kilometres.