When we think of Mercedes, the most common thing is that luxurious sedans and refined SUVs come to mind, which are the main representatives that the brand of the star has had in recent years. But do not forget that the German manufacturer also gives you a lot of importance to commercial vehicles. From the most mythical, the Mercedes Vito, derives a minivan that could well be the shuttle perfect to carry passengers with guarantees. Is called mercedes class v and we have been testing it in its most usable version.
Although it may not seem like it, it sold more than 210,000 units of the V-Class from its launch in 2014 until its update was presented in 2019. Now we are about to meet the second generation of the model, but it could be an ideal time to get hold of this model. Have a starting price of 62,398 euros in its most basic version, although it can exceed 120,000 euros in the case of opting for the top of the range. A very wide range in its rates, as well as in the configuration that can be carried out and in the uses that can be given to this vehicle.
Abroad
On an aesthetic level, the truth is that we are not going to find too remarkable details. It is a Mercedes model yes, but it is also a van with design limitations that that implies. The most outstanding part is the front because it is resolved with a large grill that follows the line of other models of the brand. It has the star logo in the center, crossed by a horizontal strip and with a chrome frame; in addition to a 3D framework thanks to the level of AMG Line sports equipment.
Because it should be noted that the German firm wanted to give it a certain aesthetic character also to the V-Class, at least aesthetically speaking. Hence, we see in the test unit with specific bumpers and a good number of details in black contrasting with the rest of the body. The moldings that cross the air intakes, the front splitter and even the 19 inch wheels which are the ones that give this model the most character. The lighting is provided by more conventional headlights with optional LED technology.
As we said, the side and rear of the Mercedes V-Class present a flatter and more traditional image, with those square shapes typical of these bodies. In the profile, sliding doors can be perfectly appreciated, which can use electrical technology for a much more comfortable opening and closing. At the rear you can see some vertical LED lights that are right on the sides of the gate. Probably the highlight is the practicable rear window, which is very useful as it can be opened without having to lift the entire gate, which has very considerable dimensions and weight.
It should be noted that this specimen is offered with several body measurements to become truly versatile. It can be chosen in three lengths, starting with the Compact and its 4.90 meters, followed by the Long with 5.14 meters and ending with the Extra Long of 5.37 meters. The first two have a distance between axis 3.20 meters and the last one grows to 3.43 meters. All of them share a width of 1.93 meters and a height of 1.88 meters. That allows you to have a very functional interior.
Inside
The easy criticism of this type of vehicle was always that its inside was behind that of passenger cars. It is true, especially in the case of the brand of the star that has very exquisite models, but it must be recognized that it is no longer so far behind. If we talk about technology, we see the MBUX multimedia system with a 10.25 inch touch screen (it has one of eight as standard), with all the facilities. It stands out for its connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as “Hey Mercedes” voice recognition.
The graphics are very good and its control quite simple. It can be done from the screen itself, but also from the trackpad, that touch panel that remains on the center console in a very natural position. also appear some physical buttons in this Mercedes V-Class, as there are some air conditioning functions that can be performed in this way, as well as other details related to driving.
And if we saw that technology was up to the task, the quality will not be left behind. I would dare to say that it is one of the vans that is best resolved in this section thanks to the good finishes and quite pleasant materials. In a well-configured unit like ours, a leather upholstery with an exquisite touch that extends to the seats and doors, as well as the plastic molding that imitates carbon fiber. It is true that there are less pleasant materials, but they do not clash too much.
The highlight of this V-Class, however, is the outstanding modularity that you get in the cabin. There are several configurations inside, leaving the client to choose the number of passengers, which can be between five and eight. Ours is right in between with its seven squares spread over a 2+2+3 configuration. It is ideal for comfortable trips, since the second row consists of two complete seats that offer unparalleled comfort thanks to the fact that they also have integrated armrests.
The third row It is not far behind, since they are also individual seats, although there is not as much space by width. Yes, there is something for the heads thanks to the rectilinear shapes of its body, while you can play with the space left for the legs by moving the seats. It’s relatively easy adapt the space to the needs and even the seats could be removed completely to load objects. Of course, its weight is high and the complex maneuver to do it only one person.
Trunk
The trunk of this type of model depends on how it is configured inside. We have already talked about the ease of moving seats forward or backward, causing the trunk capacity to vary depending on. It also depends on the bodywork chosen, but in the case of the Larga that we carry, we talk about up to 1,030 liters of trunk using the seven squares. In the Compact it stays at 670 liters, which is not bad at all.
That capacity increases considerably as we remove seats. It is said that with the four squares (or five) would reach 2,820 liters And if we remove them, he is capable of making any move that he resists. Another detail that is liked in this copy is the possibility of accessing the trunk through the lunetteso that it is not necessary to open that gigantic gate to put some objects.
Engine
The mechanical range The Mercedes V-Class introduced very important innovations. The base was laid by the OM 654 diesel engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder block that is available in three power levels. From the 163 CV of the 220d, to the 190 CV of the 250d, up to the 237 CV of the 300d; It is offered as standard with rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive available as an option. The Mercedes EQV was added to the range, electric version of the model with 204 CV and a range of up to 363 kilometers thanks to its 90 kWh battery. Although today we are going to focus on another.
The Class V 300d that we are testing is positioned as a quite performance variant thanks to its power level and also to the benefits it achieves. Are 237 hp and 500 Nm of torque, always linked to the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and with the option of carrying all-wheel drive. This model has plenty of power for whatever is needed, in fact, it boasts quite good features. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and its top speed is 215 km/h.
Behavior
In the behavior of the Class V 300d we have to say that it has a very particular touch marked by diesel mechanics. From the beginning it is clear that its maximum torque is available between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, in the lower zone of the rev counter is where it feels most comfortable. It’s pretty strong and it does not go right in the recoveries in this diesel version with a little more power. We suppose that the access one will be lazier in the case of long trips and with high load.
In any case, it has surprised for good the refinement of the four-cylinder turbodiesel block. The vibrations barely reach the interior and it doesn’t sound too much either, although at high it is somewhat more strident. It speaks well of the insulation of the interior, because even at high speeds there is not too much aerodynamic noise and that always favors driving comfort. And then we have the automatic transmission 9G-Tronic that manages the 237 CV perfectly.
Looking for slightly more favorable consumption, it usually goes in high gear, but what is unquestionable is its speed in making changes. Although it is true that he has some driving modes that they slightly adapt their behavior and that this also affects the transmission. In fact, along with the address, it is the point where it is most noticeable, since the rest remains practically the same. And the truth is the V-Class, at the chassis level, has a very nice set-up.
The first thing we notice is that it is a vehicle easier to drive than it might seem initially. Its square shapes and its 5.37 meters long clearly do not favor in this section. But it offers a turning radius of 12.5 meters that makes maneuvering not complicated at all. We dared to put it in an underground car park and the experience was not bad, we managed to get away with it. The same happens in the city and in more complicated environments a priori.
And then on fast roads like highways and highways is where you really feel like a fish in water. That’s when your tireless traveler character and when he shows us what he is capable of doing. Its running comfort is outstanding due to its suspension setting, very balanced and achieved. In addition, the poise it offers is enviable. If we get into curved roads, its shortcomings, its swaying and its lack of agility due to those 2,220 kg of weight; but we counted on it.
And what we didn’t count on was leaving him with a average consumption of 8.5 liters. The truth is that it is a very good figure for a vehicle of these characteristics, especially for the extra power of the V 300d and for the extra weight of the Long body. It is not too far from the approved and that 70-liter tank means that we do not have to stop to refuel for many kilometers, autonomy being another strong point.
Opinion cars.com
The Mercedes V-Class is a very prominent vehicle. In Spain we have a special affection for it because It is manufactured at the Vitoria plant and, after a week with him, he has shown us that he is deserving of all the praise. There are very few that are so useful for the transport of passengers and none reach his level of distinction Today. It will be necessary to see how are the future electric models that are about to arrive, such as the Lexus LM, which want to establish new standards.
They will be a problem for the next generation of the V-Class, which is still a model that not available to everyone. A unit in the top-of-the-range 300d version and with the AMG Line finish like ours exceeds 100,000 euros thanks to its exquisite and complete configuration. It is the price to pay for such a shuttle, which can also be found at a discount at coches.com, where we have the best offers for both new vehicles and rentals; as well as financing.
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