Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new V-Class MPV people carrier to the Irish marketplace with a choice of three trims and three seat configurations, writes Trish Whelan. It is mostly aimed at the corporate sector, international embassies, chauffeur services and hotels.
V-Class is only offered with an extra-long wheelbase. Three grades are Avantgarde (from €132,460), Avantgarde with the AMG Line spec (from €139,015), and the top Exclusive pack (from €156,475).
Customers will be able to choose from 6-, 7-, or 8-seat configurations to suit their needs.
This comprehensive facelift to the model includes new bumpers, a complete overhaul of the interior with a new steering wheel and dashboard, and new seats. Each grade has its own front design. Interior features include two 12.3-inch screens including a central touchscreen display which can also be operated via the touchpad on the central console flat or with controls on the steering wheel. Air conditioning controls are single touch buttons for added convenience. A button in the centre can sync the air conditioning in the rear, or alternatively this can be done by an overhead control panel to allow passengers to adjust their own air conditioning.
The entry level Avantgarde spec includes lumbar support for front seats, manual front seat adjustments, Lugano leather upholstery and trims, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, folding/heated/power wing mirrors, sliding left and right doors, tinted rear windows, wireless charging pad, MBUX multimedia system with navigation, smartphone integration package, parking package with 360deg camera, Blind Spot Assist and other top safety features.
The AMG Line pack includes 19-inch light alloy wheels, brake calibers, AMG Line body styling, AMG front bumper with ventilation grilles, a radiator grille with star pattern in chrome, sports suspension, chrome side skirts and aluminium brushed stainless steel sports pedals.
Exclusive spec adds metallic paint, the vertical Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet, power sliding doors, electric tailgate, and an aerodynamics package. The interior gets an exclusive design pack and a winter pack with heated front seats/steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats, armrests for rear seats, a table on seat backrest, and Nappa leather upholstery with brushed aluminium trims.
The numerous high-end safety systems include Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, the Blind Spot Assist which will also warn an occupant to remain in the car if it detects someone walking up beside the vehicle as they open a door to exit.
Engines are the V250 which is the 2.0 diesel with 190bhp and the V300 which is the 2.0 diesel with 237bhp.
I enjoyed a short spin in the 250d matched to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission which proved really smooth and comfortable both in heavy traffic and out on the dual carriageway from Mercedes-Benz Mutec, Naas Road, Dublin and look forward to spending more time with the car.
