Via updated exterior styling, improved luxury and a reconsidered standard specifications list, the updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class aims to build on the remarkable success of its predecessors.
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Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive Fast Facts
- Price: R2 254 000
- Powertrain: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Power: 174 kW @ 4 200 r/min
- Torque: 550 N.m @ 1 600 r/min
- Top speed*: 220 km/h
- Fuel consumption*: 7.8 L/100 km
- Emissions*: 205 g/km
- Rivals: Volkswagen Caravelle; Volvo EM90
*Claimed figures
Upgraded in 2021 to introduce revised exterior styling and the brand’s venerable 174 kW/500 N.m, 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, the flagship Mercedes-Benz V300d has proven so popular among affluent South African families that at its latest refresh, it is now the only model offered locally. Mercedes-Benz Vans is however looking into the viability of introducing a new Vito Select model to be priced closer to the likes of the more attainable Volkswagen Caravelle.
Less prevalent with VIP shuttle services than you might anticipate, the updated V-Class introduces revised bumpers, front and rear, a modern grille that showcases the brand’s famous star in its “more premium” mounted position, and a new-look tailgate. Three new available exterior colours include Kalahari Gold, while a guaranteed talking point is the standard fitment of 19-inch Monoblock alloy wheels on the now lone derivate.
This premium people mover’s interior execution is elevated via the brand’s latest MBUX technology (including smartphone mirroring and navigation), operated via a 12.3-inch split-screen infotainment system and configurable digital instrumentation. The standard Exclusive spec includes Nappa leather upholstery with electrically adjustable heated front seats, a new 64-colour ambient lighting package, a Burmester audio system, wireless mobile phone charging, a panoramic sunroof and electrically operated sliding doors and tailgate. In the interest of safety, only the left-hand passenger door can be opened remotely via the key fob.
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The V300d can be ordered with fully reclinable second-row armchairs with extendable footrests, removable cushions and heating and ventilation functions. Priced at R95 805 each, they aim to replicate a business class flying experience, but while they are incredibly comfy, they do impact practicality by requiring the removal of one seat from the cabin (making it a 7-seater), while their bulk and floor rail-limited movement make access to the rear bench a clumsy affair.
The updated V-Class gains the brand’s Agility Control suspension that introduces adaptive damping. This is a game-changer in terms of managing this vehicle’s 2.5-tonne mass. Complemented by a quieter and generally more refined cabin than the outgoing model, the V300d offers impressive isolation from the outside world and a notably compliant open-road ride quality. Active driver assistance systems include lane-keeping, driver fatigue monitoring, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking.
Although it stands at more than six meters long, around-town manoeuvrability is aided by an impressively tight (11.8 m) turning circle, a full bouquet of parking sensors and a reverse camera system that factors in the distance required to still be able to open the tailgate. Mercedes-Benz has also introduced a camera-based rear-view camera setup for unrestricted rearward visibility.
The intuitive workings of the brand’s modern touchscreen infotainment display – and the availability of a physical volume control for the audio system – thankfully means less reliance on the fussy haptic steering wheel controls or this setup’s central touchpad.
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A strong, if not altogether hushed performer I averaged an impressive 8.7 L/100 km on an extended drive in the turbodiesel V300d, its otherwise slick 9-speed automatic transmission accessed via steering wheel-mounted paddles when required, including anticipating an overtake. Via a 70-litre fuel tank, a range of more than 800 km should easily be attainable.
While Mercedes-Benz will look to counter the forthcoming arrival of Volvo’s premium all-electric EM90 with its own EQV, at its asking price (without an optional maintenance plan) the V-Class has no real competition in our market. Certainly, products like the Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria, Ford Tourneo and Volkswagen Caravelle offer similar levels of versatility for up to eight occupants, but Mercedes will argue none can match the sense of occasion and premium feel of the modern V-Class. Based on average monthly sales of around 55 units, it seems there’s an impressively large section of the South African market that agrees.
School-run presence aside, the updated V300d distinguishes itself via an impressively well-put-together interior (though we have known higher mileage examples of the outgoing range to rattle), a notably premium standard specification list, and a proven drivetrain offering a compelling combination of performance and efficiency.
Find the full feature in the February issue of CAR Magazine.
