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Mercedes-Benz says it has redefined the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market with its new and largest car – the V-Class – with “benchmark design and innovations”.
It can seat eight and that, Mercedes says, makes the V-Class “perfect for everybody who appreciates boundless space but does not want to sacrifice style and comfort”.
The automaker also says the V-Class, which replaces the previous Viano, provides great flexibility with the “luxurious interior”, whether travelling with the whole family, heading out for a biking holiday or driving guests to a red-carpet event.
MERCEDES 'INTELLIGENT' DRIVE
The V-Class is available in three equipment grades (standard, BlueTEC, Avantgarde) but an exterior sport pack and interior design kit are available for each line - as well as a long menu of options.
The standard Mercedes-Benz 'intelligent' drive has safety systems, among them electronic help with steering in a crosswind, staying awake and parking.
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
There's also a 360° camera for tight-spot manoeuvring, "following" cruise control with auto braking, lane-keeping and blind-sport monitors, LED headlights that shade approaching traffic, and self-adjusting high high beam.
'Pre-safe', Mercedes' road-monitoring that predicts and can mitigate a collision, is standard with V250 BlueTEC and BlueTEC Avantgarde derivatives.
TURBODIESEL UNITS
The V-Class is powered by a four-cylinder 2.2, turbodiesel in three power outputs; the V200 CDI is capable of 100kW/330Nm, V220 CDI 120kW/380Nm and 250 BlueTEC 140kW/440Nm.
The standard V200 and V220 have a six-speed manual gearbox, the V250 BlueTec, V220 CDI Avantgarde and V250 BlueTec Avantgarde a 7G-tronic Plus (though the auto box can be specified on any unit).
LUXURY INTERIOR
Standard kit includes Audio 20 USB with free-standing 17cm facia-top display, black trim, three-spoked multifunction steering-wheel (with shift paddles when equipped to auto), luxury front seats with side bags, power parking brake, self-braking sliding side door and a new touchpad which can be operated with gestures.
Its 'agility select' offers four driving modes: economy, comfortable, sporty and manual.
Comand online integrates audio, cellphone and satnav. It also offers internet connectivity, the Linguatronic voice-control system and traffic data. Burmester surround-sound (option) has 16 speakers.
A microphone in the overhead control panel allows the driver and front passenger to communicate with those in the rear.
VERSATILE VAN
According to the automaker: “The Mercedes-Benz MPV is the only vehicle in the segment to offer optional four-way lumbar support and seat ventilation with reversing fans to ensure a consistent relative humidity at the contact area with the leather seat for driver and front passenger.”
The new MPV can be fitted with Thermotronic auto aircon (front and rear), pre-entry aircon (via remote control) and a steamy-windows sensor. Shed some passengers, and the MPV can be equipped with four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows. Other configurations include six, seven or eight-seat layouts.
A folding table is available.
The V-Class uses a separate rear windscreen that can be opened and closed independently of the tailgate, allowing for second loading level (for tight parking spaces).
According to the automaker: “The corresponding load-compartment organiser is easy to install and remove. It can bear up to 50kg and has two recesses, each containing a collapsible shopping basket.”
The window in the tail door on the Avantgarde can be opened separately and the tail door has power assistance.
The new model can be fitted with optional easy-pack tailgate, with power open/close that can be stopped in any position.
The V-Class is sold with Mercedes-Benz Premium Drive six-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.
PRICES
V200 CDI Standard - R695 981
V220 CDI Standard - R726 875
V250 BlueTEC - R782 416
V220 CDI Avantgarde - R949 175
MERC'S VERSATILE VAN: The new V-Class has four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows and can be folded forward. Image: Quickpic
