To my amazement some believe it was just a costly exercise in that it should remain just as it is. ‘No gripe or whatsoever’…they agreed in unison.
The not so chilly but rainy weather of ‘Mother City‘ welcomed throngs of motoring reporters at the Uplift launch, as we took Mercedes-Benz V Class for a ride as we snaked through the grapevines and valley of Stellenbosch (yes, the Mafia ordained region) trying hard to investigate what’s the hullabaloo from this luxurious brand, that has just landed on our shores.
The rather subtle or updated facelift of a V Class it must be pointed out is for the well-heeled, and for families, as was punted by the big boss Nadine Trimmel- Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa, during presentation.
The German made line-up again comprises five seven-seater variants, each powered by a 2,1-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (offered in three states of tune).
Its an old oil-burner, offering 100 kW/330 N.m form in the case of the V200d, 120 kW/380 N.m guise for the V220d and 140 kW/440 N.m for the flagship V250d. All models employ a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
The V220d and V250d derivatives are also available in Avantgarde trim, which includes items such as ‘Nappa’ leather, heated (and ventilated) front seats (complete with electric adjustment), a Burmester surround sound system, electrical operation of the sliding doors, 19-inch alloys, sportier exterior styling and more.
Globally it was confirmed that over 64 000 units were sold since the launch of V Class in 2015, and SA has also surpassed the target without divulging the stats- as usual…
So, basically there isn’t much different from the one you currently own, safe to say the mentioned minor additions.
On the issue of electrical car readiness in the country, Trimmel indicated discussions are taking place and all depends on infrastructure development.
She also noted that the sister to V Class- Vito will also get a facelift later in future.
AMG Line package (R55 413) and a panoramic sliding roof (R32 084) – are offered again, depending on your deep pockets and the make.
Pricing:
Mercedes-Benz V200d: R913 951
Mercedes-Benz V220d: R955 518
Mercedes-Benz V250d: R1 027 686
Mercedes-Benz V220d Avantgarde: R1 247 819
Mercedes-Benz V250d Avantgarde: R1 292 474
At the launch MB-Vans announced the new marketing and product manager Phiwi Khonjelwayo. Congrats are in order!
Image (The uplifted V-Class at the unveiling ceremony held at the wet Cape Town this week).
