Now that Toyota South Africa Motors has added a posh new nine-seater VX flagship variant to its Quantum range, we thought we’d take a look at the five most expensive large luxury vans available on local soil…
5. Kia Grand Sedona 2,2 CRDi SXL: R825 995
Kia’s Grand Sedona makes the list in flagship SXL guise, offering seating for seven. Power comes from the Korean firm’s familiar 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine, delivering 147 kW and 440 N.m to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Interesting standard features include a dual sunroof, dual electric sliding doors and rear-seat warmers.
4. Toyota Quantum 2,8 LWB bus 9-seater VX: R843 600
Boasting a lengthy wheelbase and nine seats, the range-topping VX version of Toyota’s latest (now imported) Quantum features a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row, two individual seats in the third row and a bench for three in the final row. Powered by the Japanese company’s 2,8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine – offering 115 kW and 420 N.m to the rear axle via a six-speed automatic transmission – the VX is visually set apart from standard Quantum by a handful of model-specific exterior styling elements.
3. Mercedes-Benz Vito 119 CDI Tourer Select auto: R940 587
While Mercedes-Benz’s Vito range undercuts the Stuttgart-based firm’s refreshed V-Class line-up, the flagship Vito is pricey enough to make this list. Yes, the eight-seater Vito 119 CDI Tourer Select (or optionally with nine pews) costs more than the base V200d, despite featuring a far more basic facia in the cabin. Power for this derivative comes from a 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 140 kW and 440 N.m to the rear axle via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
2. Volkswagen California Coast 2.0BiTDI 4Motion: R1 069 200
The most expensive Caravelle in Volkswagen SA’s range interestingly does without the “Caravelle” badge. Yes, we’re talking about the California Coast, a camper van offering seating for just four … but also items such as a pop-up tent (with roof bed) and built-in cupboards. This flagship draws its urge from a 2,0-litre twin-turbodiesel unit, sending 150 kW and 450 N.m to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic cog-swapper. There is also, of course, the Caravelle 2,0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion (for R1 027 700) for those requiring seven seats.
1. Mercedes-Benz V250d Avantgarde: R1 292 474
Mercedes-Benz’s range-topping V250d Avantgarde (part of the recently facelifted V-Class line-up) is the most expensive luxury van in the country, priced just short of R1,3-million. This seven-seater variant features Nappa leather, heated (and ventilated) front seats and a Burmester surround sound system as standard. Its 2,1-litre turbodiesel unit offers 140 kW and 440 N.m to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. Sadly, the firm’s new 2,0-litre (OM654) engine and nine-speed automatic transmission – as we experienced during a drive of the V300d in Spain – are currently not available in South Africa.
