If you’re familiar with the C-Class then you will feel right home
in this ‘Jack of All trades’ kind of a vehicle.
Yes, it has been labeled all kinds of superlatives ‘a bus, kombi but a taxi’. It’s either used for leisure enthusiasts-like we did during the test drive- or for families or business but it is NOT a commercial vehicle.
That’s what the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) is all about…
Believe it or not, its commonly used by so called ‘Blessers’ or those with deep pockets as they traverse one province to another searching for God knows what…?
The most striking features about the V Class 250d BlueTech are leather interior (maroon) and seating pattern.
Yes, it’s a lap of luxury worth owning!
Whether you are seated in the front or rear, luxury is ever present, I dare you!
Pull on the door handle of one of the side doors and it will slide open automatically.
One of my colleagues’ enjoyed the automatic slide as the doors opened or closes from a press of a button, another recommended feature on the tick box….
Talk of technology, there’s lots of it. Standard features include Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist and Active Parking Assist which takes care maneuvering the V-Class safely into its parking bay.
Buyers can also opt for a host of additional optional features such as a 360° camera, DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with Collision Prevention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, LED Intelligent Light System and Adaptive High Beam Assist.
The infotainment system takes care of audio, telephonic and navigational functions and is accessed via a free-standing 7-inch central display.
Functionality is enhanced using a touchpad, which is a nifty piece of equipment also found in the new C-Class.
Overall, the V-Class now looks significantly less useful, at least partly because this model also comes with Avantgarde trim as
significantly less standard, which includes neat 18-inch Titanium grey alloy wheels and roof rails.
It is flexible and is equipped with four individual seats with armrests at the rear. Additional seating can be had to accommodate either seven or eight passengers and they can be placed in varying positions according to your needs.
The seats are set on a rail system and can be moved or removed completely to increase load space, like we did.
Fitted between the two middle-row seats, but able to slide as well, is a console that can be transformed into a pop-up table, perfect for work (or snacks). Those seated in the rear part of the V-Class have access to their own ventilation controls and outlets.
On higher spec models, the rear windscreen can open separately to the tailgate which provides additional access to the loading bay. Overall the interior is very smart and the leather seating will keep any passenger happy, including these sore losers Bafana-Bafana!
It comes in three equipment lines including V-Class Standard, V-Class BlueTEC and V-Class BlueTEC AVANTGARDE. All variants are powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with three power outputs on offer.
The entry-level V 200 CDI offers 100 kW and 330 Nm of torque whilst the mid-range V 220 CDI offers 120 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The top-of-the-line V 250 BlueTec offers 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque.
The V 250 BlueTEC, we tested is fitted with the 7-speed automatic transmission. Yep, its in a league of its own!
The V-Class, thanks to all its luxury appointments was comfortable to drive with good ride and handling. We found that the automatic transmission wasn’t as responsive as we’d hoped for but the engine/transmission combination managed to perform fairly well despite feeling a bit under powered as we hit the hill towards Klerksdorp.
But it was seamless as we approached Sun City for the Nedbank Golf Challenge media launch. Was it perhaps the road was what we call ‘platteland?’
After all its made for touring…
Other models and prices:
V 200 d R811, 680
V 250 d R913, 368
V 220 d Avantgarde R1, 109, 904
V 250 d Avantgarde R1, 150,146
Pricing includes the Mercedes-Benz Premium Drive 6-year/100 000km maintenance contract.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Diesel 1-10 (9)
NB. Emirates Airline kicked off the 2017 Dubai Air Show with the unveiling of its brand new first class suite. The suite, which will debut in December on its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER jets, offers Emirates passengers a new take on luxury and privacy.
The first class suite is inspired by Mercedes-Benz and its iconic S-Class luxury sedan. So, there you have it!
V -Class is what Emirates Airline is to prestige!
