Mercedes Benz V Class – “MPV” Mercedes Peoples Carrier
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class retains a unique position in the market a large and luxurious MPV with a prestige brand that’s ideal for corporate shuttle and “mobile boardroom” jobs.
The VClass is a more up-market vehicle than the car it replaced, the Mercedes Viano. The bolder gille, bigger headlamps and sculpted side panels create a vehicle with much presence.
The dashboard is the most notable advance, compared to both Mercedes-Benz Viano and the current Vito Tourer. Mercedes has cleverly used parts from other models. The instrument cluster is from the C-Class, as is the flat screen sat-nav and central ‘Comand’ controller. Circular vents are straight out of Mercedes S-Class. You even get a cut down version of S-Class ambient LED lighting.
The comfortable rear compartment is accessible through electric sliding doors. The seating has reversible second-row leather seats. A three passenger third row bench seat is standard, and a three person second-row bench is a no-cost option.
We like the flexible tailgate that allows the rear window to open independently of the tailgate helpful in tight spaces. The rear parcel shelf is load bearing, and can carry hand luggage. Total boot capacity is a cavernous 1,410 litres.
Mercedes MPV V-Class comes in three lengths, though United Kingdom is only taking the standard and extra-long versions. The 3.0-litre V6 has been axed and only Euro 6 2.2-litre diesel fours stay, in two power outputs, 163PS (V220) and 190PS (V250). There are two trim levels—SE and Sport, giving a four model range. Badging has been realigned and simplified; the cars are simply V220d or V250d. V250 has C02 emissions of Ian for automatic and 157g/km with a manual gearbox much better than the If Viano 3.0 V6’s 224g/km.
And a claimed combined fuel economy of 44.8mpg for 1250 auto is a significant improvement. On test, achieved 32.8mpg, averaging 30mph. By comparison, the Viano V6 extra-long tested back in 2011 returned 24.8mpg.
Mercedes Benz Vito 114BlueTEC Tourer Select Long
For many private hire operators, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class’s sumptuous interior is overkill. For airport transfers, or groups of partygoers, something that looks and drives like Mercedes Benz V Class, but with fewer frills, is what’s needed.
Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer replaces the Vito Traveliner and fills this niche. Mechanically similar to V-Class, and with the same basic body shell, Vito people carrier offers a Mercedes Benz 8 seater at a price that’s competitive with a Ford Tourneo Custom.
Merc MPV Vito Tourer comes in two trim levels Pro and Select, which offers more comfortable seats, bigger alloys, body coloured bumpers and carpet replacing the Pro’s wipe-clean rubber flooring.
Both versions are available in three body lengths, and oddly, there are both front and rear-wheel drive versions. The FWD models use a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, while RWD models all use the familiar 2,143cc unit that powers the Mercedes Benz E Class saloon and Mercedes V-C1ass luxury MPV.
Interior is rather basic in comparison to the V Class, with two rows of fabric covered bench seats, configured in forward facing style.
In the taxi, Mercedes Vito MPV Tourer has the more simple, robust dash from the Vito van. Solid, sturdy grey plastic is the order of the day. A flat central panel incorporates most of the controls, including the optional simple, familiar Garmin sat-nav system. Suspension is based on the van, though Tourer versions are tuned to have a softer “comfort” ride. Fuel economy is quoted as 43.5mpg combined. We achieved 37.8mpg at an average 22mph. The engine is Euro 6 compliant, but C02 emissions are not brilliant at 171g/km.
On long-wheelbase model, there was a very decent loadspace of 1,030 litres. Extra-long versions will offer even more though there is a £3,400 price premium.
Mercedes Benz Vito passenger van Tourer is considered a commercial vehicle, so it’s sold through Mercedes truck dealers, which tend to have longer opening hours, including weekend servicing.
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