The new V-Class: The Mercedes among MPVs

Stuttgart. With the V-Class Mercedes-Benz redefines the MPV. As the youngest and largest member of the passenger car family from Stuttgart, it sets new benchmarks in its segment with its design and a host of innovations. The new V-Class combines room for up to eight people and exemplary functionality with the high-class appeal, comfort, efficient driving pleasure and safety that distinguish the automobiles bearing the three-pointed star. This makes the Mercedes among MPVs the perfect vehicle for everyone who appreciates great spaciousness but does not want to sacrifice style and comfort.

Whether off on a shopping spree or travelling with the whole family, heading out for a mountain bike holiday with friends in the Alps or driving prominent guests to a red carpet event - the new V-Class provides optimum flexibility when it comes to use of the interior and always cuts an elegant figure at the same time. With the two equipment lines V-Class and V-Class AVANTGARDE, an Exterior Sports package and an Interior Design package for each line, two wheelbases, three body lengths from 4895 to 5370 millimetres, three engines and also many optional extras, the new MPV can be individualised to suit any taste and requirement. As a result it meets a wide variety of customer needs and is just as attractive for families as it is for people who need a variable and spacious interior for their leisure and sports activities. In addition, it is ideally suited as a luxurious VIP or hotel shuttle.

"With the new V-Class we are expanding the Mercedes-Benz premium passenger car range with a saloon for up to eight people", says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division. "Functionality is a must for an MPV. Comfort and style are the icing on the cake. The new V-Class combines both in a way no other vehicle in this segment can offer."

Emotional, dynamic appearance – size in a new guise
Even at first glance the V-Class is unmistakably a member of the Mercedes-Benz cars family and sets an emotional highlight in its segment. At the centre of the powerful front is the upright radiator grille with three-dimensional central star and the progressively designed headlamps, which for the first time in this segment offer all lighting functions in LED technology as an optional extra. The sculptured V-shaped bonnet merges elegantly into the chrome frame of the radiator grille and the headlamps. The lower air intakes and the radiator grille feature narrow louvres. In conjunction with the headlamps, which extend far into the wings, they emphasise the width of the vehicle and underscore the self-confident appearance of the new V-Class.

The clearly contoured side wall is structured by two elongated, taut lines. The interplay of concave and convex surfaces conveys a sculptural – and as such highly sensuous – character. Both lines smoothly continue the distinctive contour lines of the front bumper and rise slightly as they continue on towards the rear. The side view thus appears elongated and signals dynamism.

"The new V-Class demonstrates that an elegant and dynamic appearance is also possible in size XXL", says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "The V-Class is a versatile, multitalented vehicle which offers value, efficiency and safety at the highest level. As a result we are addressing a completely new customer group – among them those who are in need of a generous amount of space but never wanted to drive an MPV because style, a sense of well-being and also ride comfort have so far been lacking in this segment."

Modern style and high-class appeal
The interior redefines the meaning of spaciousness in an MPV. High-quality materials with a pleasant touch and feel and a harmonious colour concept, intricate details as well as a progressive and sensuous design idiom convey outstanding high-class appeal in the segment – and that hallmark "welcome home" feeling provided by Mercedes-Benz cars. Fine nappa leather is also available for the seats, steering wheel and shift lever. This inviting atmosphere is rounded off by subtle ambience lighting in three colours.

A particular eye catcher is the dynamically styled two-part instrument panel. The upper and lower sections are separated by a large, three-dimensional trim element that creates an impression of width and underscores the high-class appeal. The lower section is sculptural in design. This emphasises the generous sense of space while also making lightness tangible. For the first time in this class, a leather-look cockpit upper section with lavishly finished topstitching is optionally available.
Other highlights include the free-standing central display, the multifunction steering wheel with 12 function keys and DIRECT SELECT selector lever (plus steering-wheel shift paddles with automatic transmission) as well as the innovative touchpad, which allows all telematics functions by means of with gestures or by entering letters and characters like on a smartphone. The touchpad is available in conjunction with Audio 20 CD or COMAND Online. The latest generation of COMAND Online combines all audio, telephone and navigation functions and additionally offers an internet browser, the LINGUATRONIC voice control system and transmission of traffic data in real time. The optional Burmester® surround sound system with 16 loudspeakers and a bass reflex speaker delivers the perfect listening experience.

A new dimension of comfort
The V-Class also sets new standards in comfort and variability with a host of innovations. The Mercedes-Benz MPV is the only vehicle in the segment to offer optional 4-way lumbar support and active seat ventilation with reversing fans to ensure a consistent relative humidity at the contact area with the leather seat for driver and front passenger.

Also unique in this class of vehicles is the enhanced THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system, which is available as an optional extra to replace the standard-fit TEMPMATIC system. It has various ventilation modes to offer individual climate control. The FOCUS, MEDIUM and DIFFUSE climate modes have distinct settings for air volume and distribution. In addition, the THERMOTRONIC system features automatic pre-entry climate control at the touch of a button on the vehicle key, an integral demisting sensor and distribution of cooled air to the driver and front passenger sides, the intensity of which is automatically controlled by the position of the sun.
Numerous seating and loading configurations

The seating in the rear allows numerous configurations to meet any requirements. As standard, the MPV is equipped with four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows. Thanks to improved technology and operating logic, they can be folded forward intuitively to afford fast and easy access to the rear. An optional folding table can be installed between the individual seats in the first row.
As an alternative to the individual seats, a two-passenger bench seat with two-piece, individually folding backrest, or a three-passenger bench seat with two-piece seat cushion and three-piece backrest is available for both rear rows. The outer right-hand seat of the three-seater bench can be folded forward or taken out separately. The entire bench can be folded up to create space for large items of luggage, such as sports equipment or newly purchased furniture for the children's room. For overnight accommodation in the V-Class, the rearmost row also can be equipped with a three-passenger bench seat as a comfort berth. Drawers are located underneath the berth, which can also be used as a second loading level. Cargo also can be stowed under all other bench seats. Moreover, all bench seats and the individual seats are fitted with integrated three-point safety belts.

Very little effort is required to move the individual seats and benches fore and aft or to position them as vis-à-vis seats in the further optimised seat rails with quick-release system. They can all be removed as well to create a loading area tailored to specific needs at any time.

Separately opening rear windscreen and second loading level
For easy loading and unloading, the V-Class features another first in this segment in the shape of the separately opening rear windscreen attached to the upper tailgate frame. It can be opened and closed independently of the tailgate. This makes loading and unloading easier in two respects: on the one hand, it allows a second loading level; on the other – particularly in tight parking spaces – there is no need to open the large tailgate. The corresponding load-compartment organiser is easy to install and remove. It can bear up to 50 kilograms and has two recesses, each of which holds a removable and collapsible shopping basket. In the V-Class AVANTGARDE, the separately opening rear windscreen is a standard feature.

Another USP for the new V-Class: The tailgate is optionally available as an EASY-PACK tailgate which can be conveniently opened, closed and stopped in any position electrically. Even smaller people then have no difficulty closing the tailgate.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive – exemplary safety
A total of eleven innovative driver assistance systems ensure a high level of driving comfort and an exemplary level of safety. They are based on modern radar, camera and ultrasound sensors, which were introduced in the new E-Class and S-Class under the name "Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive". The standard equipment includes Crosswind Assist, which stabilizes the V-Class in strong gusts of crosswind, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn of inattention and fatigue. Optionally available is Active Park Assist. It makes parking the new MPV as easy and convenient as parking a compact car.
Also optionally available are the 360-degree camera, DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control in conjunction with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, the LED Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. Most of these assistance systems are available in this segment for the first time.

The PRE-SAFE® system familiar from the passenger car models is available as an optional extra to further enhance safety. When an accident threatens it initiates protective measures to ensure that the belts and airbags offer optimum protection during a collision.

Top efficiency: six-cylinder performance with four-cylinder fuel consumption
At market launch the new V-Class comes to the starting line with the state-of-the-art 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with two-stage turbocharging, which has already proven highly successful in many passenger car model series from the A-Class to the S-Class, and which has now been further enhanced specifically for the MPV. It is available in three power output levels: the V 200 generates 100 kW (136 hp) and a maximum torque of 330 Newton metres. The V 220 CDI mobilises 120 kW (163 hp) and 380 Newton metres. This is an increase of 20 Newton metres in each case over the predecessor – but with fuel consumption down by around two litres per 100 km. With fuel consumption of just 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometre, the V 220 CDI occupies an absolute leading position in the segment.

The top-of-the-line V 250 BlueTEC engine has a power output of 140 kW (190 hp) and powerful peak torque of 440 Newton metres, plus as much pulling power and agility as the previous 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine. At the same time, the new top-of-the-range mode offers very smooth running characteristics, and interior noise has been reduced significantly - thanks among other things to comprehensive insulation - compared with the preceding six-cylinder model. Fuel consumption is also considerably lower: at 6.0 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres the four-cylinder turbodiesel runs on 28 percent less fuel than the six-cylinder while offering identical performance. Thanks to BlueTEC the top-of-the-range model is also the first vehicle in the segment to comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. The V 250 BlueTEC is equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. The convenient automatic transmission is available as an optional extra for the V 200 CDI and V 220 CDI models.

New standard of agility and driving pleasure
To enhance personal driving pleasure, the V-Class is the only vehicle in its segment to offer the AGILITY SELECT function in conjunction with the automatic transmission. At the push of a button the driver can select from four driving modes: economical, comfortable, sporty and manual. Engine, accelerator and transmission response are then adapted accordingly. If the driver activates the modes "Sport", "Comfort" or "Manual", an additional output of 10 kW and 40 Newton metres becomes available in acceleration phases ("over-torque"). As a result the V 250 BlueTEC for example develops 150 kW and maximum torque of a full 480 Newton metres.

Ground-breaking and unrivalled features in this category of vehicles are also the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective adjustment of the damping system to the road conditions, and the latest generation of ADAPTIVE ESP®, featuring many assistance functions for optimum driving safety. The light and precise electromechanical power steering likewise contributes greatly to the well-balanced driving comfort in the new V-Class.

Standard equipment: extensive and with stylish details
The new Mercedes-Benz MPV occupies the leading position in its segment thanks to its sporty character and comfortable appointments. The standard equipment even of the basic V-Class version is very substantial. It includes Audio 20 USB with free-standing 7-inch central display, piano-lacquer-look trim, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with 12 function keys and sporty DIRECT SELECT selector lever with steering-wheel gearshift paddles in the case of automatic transmission, a steering column adjustable for height and tilt, luxury front seats with thorax/pelvis sidebags, electric parking brake and active arrest for the rear sliding door.

The V-Class AVANTGARDE design and equipment line features additional highlights as standard, such as leather seats, leather steering wheel, ambience lighting, wood-look trim (also in the rear), LED High Performance headlamps with Intelligent Light System, separately opening rear windscreen with second loading level, an additional sliding door on the left, laminated glass windows for additional noise reduction, and the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system for even better agility and ride comfort.

At market launch in late May 2014, the new V-Class will be available as a long-wheelbase model with a length of 5140 millimetres, a wheelbase of 3200 millimetres and lengthened overhang. It will be available to order from 6 March 2014. The compact and extra-long variants will follow in due course.

Exclusive model at launch: V-Class Edition 1
Like every new Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series, the V-Class will also start out with a limited Edition 1. The distinguishing features of the 140 kW (190 hp) special model with 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission include a sports suspension or optionally AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damper control, 19-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, tinted glass in the rear compartment, marron nappa leather seats, leather-look dashboard with contrasting topstitching, and dark anthracite ebony wood-look trim. Ensuring utmost comfort are active seat ventilation for driver and front passenger, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control plus separate semi-automatic TEMPMATIC system in the rear, COMAND Online, Burmester® surround sound system, electric sliding doors on the right and left, electric EASY PACK tailgate with separately opening rear windscreen, and the Parking package with 360-degree camera. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist plus the PRE-SAFE® system offer exemplary safety.

The Mercedes V250 is a luxurious, comfortable, refined and well-equipped seven-seat MPV, but it commands a hefty price tag

What is it like?

Like the Ford Transit and Tourneo, there’s little shame in sharing roots with the latest crop of commercial vehicles, and you’ll do well to spot those CV underpinnings here. The cabin is plush with soft-touch materials all around the cabin.

The V-class sports a range of new-to-the-class technology, including an advanced Comand system that incorporates a rather unintuitive track pad in addition to the familiar dial, and a self parking system that, when specified with an automatic gearbox, takes care of the throttle and brakes as well as steering.

The interior is an undeniable improvement in materials used, fit and finish than the Viano. Seven seats are standard, but two rows of three seats and a four-seat arrangement allowing occupants to face each other will feature on the options list. Tactile materials that are soft to the touch are used on pretty much every exposed panel, but bizarrely the Comand system surround feels rather low-rent.

Other useful additions include a split opening tailgate, storage crates in the rear parcel shelf and a range of cameras that can provide 180-degree views front or rear and a 360-degree bird's-eye view

The V250 model tested here replaces the V6 turbodiesel offered in the Viano, which is a significant improvement on that model’s torque output but at the same time matches its 0-62mph time. The engine is refined and smooth, and while we’ve been critical of the 2.1-litre engine in a similar tune in the new C-class, the refinement offered here is still class leading.

Agility Select, an option on automatic models, allows the driver to select from three throttle and gearshift maps, the sportiest of which offers 13bhp and 30lb ft of overboost.

While the steering is vague, the ride is comfortable, however our first drive was on the generally smooth roads of Germany. We'll reserve full judgement until the UK models arrive, which will feature standard-fit adaptive damping rather than the steel springs on our German-spec test car. What did impress us, though, is the precision of the 7G-Tronic transmission and the firm and progressive brake pedal.

Should I buy one?

If you’re in the market for a big MPV with a premium badge, you’re not exactly spoilt for choice. It’s a V-class or a Volkswagen Caravelle.

Or, if you’re happy to forgo the badge, there are alternatives such as the Ford Tourneo and Hyundai i800.

It is certainly the most accomplished of those four for driver and passenger appeal, and the V-class’s core buyers, the lucrative hotel and VIP transport market, will surely be preparing their orders now.

But for private customers, the V-class’s price will likely count against it, however accomplished it is to drive or be driven in.

Spacious new Mercedes V-Class replaces the Viano, and is able to carry eight people at once

Verdict

We a while to wait for the new Mercedes V-Class to arrive in the UK, but when it does it’ll set new benchmarks for big MPVs. It’s quicker, more efficient and better equipped than any rival, but also comfier and more refined too. Even so, it’s not the cheapest eight-seater, and this engine and gearbox are starting to show their age.

The new Marco Polo from Mercedes-Benz: The new style in independence
Stuttgart, Jul 08, 2014

- The Marco Polo sets new standards in perceived quality, stylish living and comfortable practicality
- Outstanding seating and sleeping comfort
- Exemplary safety and dynamic driving comfort at passenger car level
- Eminently suitable for long journeys, and also for day-to-day and urban motoring

With the new Marco Polo, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a compact camper van at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf which combines maximum practicality with design appeal and stylishness. The interior impresses with its unrivalled feel-good ambience, outstanding comfort and high quality of appointments reminiscent of an exclusive lounge. At the same time the Marco Polo developed in cooperation with longstanding Mercedes-Benz partner Westfalia convinces with its extraordinarily practical features – from the stowage facilities and seating/sleeping arrangements to the camping equipment for outdoors. The standard specification already sets new standards in the compact camper van segment with respect to perceived quality, homeliness and comfortable practicality.

The new Marco Polo takes its body design from the V-Class, and offers in the interior high-quality materials finished to perfection, a harmonious colour scheme and a modern, timeless furniture design. As a result the new camper van from Mercedes-Benz gives an impression of unexpectedly generous space. Thanks to powerful and efficient engines, a comfortable and dynamic passenger car suspension, exemplary safety, compact exterior dimensions and excellent manoeuvrability, the new Marco Polo is emphatically suitable for long journeys and at the same time for day-to-day and urban motoring. With these advantages it is the ideal vehicle for discerning individualists who wish to combine independence with maximum comfort and day-to-day utility.

The compact camper van is ready any time – for vacation, spontaneous weekend trips out in the nature instead of staying in a hotel, for extended shopping trips with the entire family or even for driving to work. Therefore the Marco Polo offers a maximum of opportunities to be independent, free and spontaneous.

Unrivalled feel-good atmosphere with outstanding practicality

The new Marco Polo combines impressive practicality with exclusive style. The headlining and side panels are in the colour porcelain, whose light tone emphasises the impression of spaciousness. The seats are upholstered in a choice of satin beige Santiago fabric, black Santiago fabric or satin beige Lugano leather. As standard, the floor covering is in a robust, easily cleaned yacht decking look which can be light or dark in colour to contrast with the chosen upholstery colour.

The furniture is in a modern porcelain colour. An area of trim in a black piano-lacquer look contrasts with the light-coloured surface to create a homely ambience. It extends from the kitchenette behind the driver's seat across the entire width of the cupboards and to the rear end, while in the front it continues into the dashboard. The living area and cockpit are thus blended into a harmonious unit. This inviting stylishness can be rounded off with optional LED ambience lighting along the lower edge of the kitchenette. Only LED lighting is used throughout the interior. Two large main lights, four reading lamps in the living area and two gooseneck lamps beneath the roof allow best illumination and lightness inside the camper van.

The kitchen cupboard module consists of a large, self-closing drawer with extending worktop, two smaller, self-closing drawers which can also be opened when the bed is folded out, and a large stowage compartment with a sliding door. The two gasburners, sink and refrigerator have covers of easily cleaned, impact-resistant glass. Thus the transparency of the glass allows light through the window when the covers are folded upwards. The rear section of the passenger compartment has a large wardrobe with sliding doors, a clothes rail and an illuminated swing-out mirror.

The folding table with a scratch-resistant surface is space-savingly attached to the kitchenette, and can be moved in and out on a sliding rail. It can therefore be perfectly positioned for up to four persons – two on the bench seat and one each on the driver and front passenger seats, which can be rotated by 180 degrees. When folded, the table is in a vertical position next to the bench seat.

The kitchenette is fully equipped with two gasburners, a sink and a compressor refrigerator with a capacity of 40 l and a cooling output of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius. The fresh water tank has a capacity of 38 l, the waste water tank 40 l. Both are in the vehicle interior, where they are protected against frost.

Outstanding seating and sleeping comfort

The two-seater bench in the rear can be repositioned on rails, and provides excellent lateral support thanks to electropneumatically inflatable side bolsters. The backrest is divided into two, and can be individually electrically adjusted on each side. At the touch of a button it can be converted into a single bed within seconds, or into a double bed measuring 2.03 m by 1.13 m. The electropneumatic system automatically recognises whether a seating or sleeping position is required, reconciling the conflicting aims of seating and sleeping comfort. The side bolsters are automatically deflated in the reclining position. When folded out to form a sleeping surface, the bench seat rises to conceal seat belt buckles that would otherwise disturb sleep. The bed extension can also be pivoted upwards to form a comfortable headrest.

There is another bed with unrivalled sleeping comfort under the pop-up roof. This luxury roof bed measuring 2.05 m by 1.13 m consists of a high-quality foam mattress and a slatted frame of special elasticated spring elements offering outstandingly ergonomic sleeping comfort right to the edges. A pro*tective net can be attached to the front edge to safeguard children.

On request the pop-up roof of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) with a concertina of opaque, waterproof woven fabric can be equipped with a newly developed, particularly quiet electric drive. Thanks to an innovative scissor-action system, the pop-up height in the rear area is considerably greater than in the previous model, and provides particularly generous legroom. When the bed is not in use the slatted frame can be folded upwards when the roof is up, providing pleasant standing room in the interior.

Other highlights included as standard are an electric vent window on the rear right, black-tinted glass in the rear for protection from prying eyes and heat build-up from solar radiation, and roller blinds in the rear. To darken the interior completely, the Marco Polo also has a curtain for the windscreen and front side windows.

Two camping chairs and a table for use outside offer additional independance. When they are not in use, they are stowed in a bag within the luggage compartment under the bed extension.

For loading and unloading convenience, the new camper van is optionally available with a separately opening rear window in the tailgate. The electric EASY-PACK tailgate is also available as an option.

Exemplary safety and dynamic driving comfort at passenger car level

Numerous active and passive safety systems ensure exemplary safety and a high level of travelling comfort. Standard safety features include windowbags and thorax-pelvis sidebags for the driver and front passenger, as well as Crosswind-Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn against inattention and drowsiness. The optionally available Active Parking Assist makes parking the new camper van as easy and convenient as a compact car. Other features available on request are the reversing camera, 360-degree camera, Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and the LED Intelligent Light System. Most of these assistance systems are available for the first time in this segment.

The new Marco Polo combines stylish living with the ride comfort and dynamics of a passenger car. Ultra-modern four-cylinder turbodiesel engines in three output variants (100 kW, 120 kW and 140 kW) make for efficient driving pleasure. The Marco Polo 200 CDI develops 100 kW (136 hp) and a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The Marco Polo 220 CDI generates 120 kW (163 hp) and 380 Nm. With fuel consumption of just 6.0 l per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 158 grams per kilometre, the Marco Polo 220 CDI occupies an absolute leading position in the segment.

The top engine variant with 140 kW (190 hp) and a powerful maximum torque of 440 Nm consumes just 6.1 l per 100 km. In the acceleration phases, an additional 10 kW and 40 Nm are available ("over-torque"). As a result, the flagship model briefly develops 150 kW and maximum torque of a full 480 Nm.

The electromechanical power steering included as standard is speed-sensitive, and has a variable steering ratio. This ensures extremely easy slow manoeuvring, great agility in urban traffic and reassuring stability at higher speeds. With a turning circle of 11.8 m, the 5.14 m long camper van is more manoeuvrable than many luxury-class saloon cars. The comfort suspension included as standard also helps to ensure that the Marco Polo drives as comfortably and precisely as a passenger car. And with a height of 1.98 m it is able to enter all normal garages, multi-level car parks, underground garages and carwashes. Which means that the nearest towns can also be conveniently explored while on holiday.

The new Marco Polo can be ordered in Germany from 29 July 2014.

Based on the V250 BlueTec

Mercedes-Benz will be offering the new V-Class upon launch in an "Edition 1" version, as seen in many of their recent models.

The special edition is based on the V250 BlueTEC equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.1-liter diesel engine delivering 190 HP (140 kW) and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) transferred to the 19-inch alloy wheels through a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. It comes equipped as standard with a sports suspension but at an additional cost it can be configured with an AGILITY CONTROL suspension featuring a selective damping system.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Edition 1 is offered with velour floor mats, tinted rear windows, marron nappa leather upholstery and a dark anthracite wood-like ebony trim. It can also be distinguished by its "Edition 1" badges on the interior trim and wings, while the dashboard is wrapped around in a leather-like material with topstitching.

The driver and front passenger will benefit from ventilated seats and there's also a THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system at the front and TEMPMATIC semi-automatic climate control for the rear seats. The V-Class Edition 1 also comes equipped with a Burmester surround sound system, COMAND Online, left & right electric sliding doors along with various safety systems and packages such as easy-pack tailgate and parking.

Pricing details have not been disclosed but we do know the base V-Class kicks off at 42,900 EUR so the Edition 1 will be a tad more expensive than that taking into account the generous equipment it offers.

Mercedes-Benz believes it's time we redefined our views on passenger and commercial vans with its new generation V-Class that replaces the Viano model. On Thursday, the German brand with the star blew the covers off the people-carrier version of the series that will also include a new Vito commercial van.

Benz believes that, besides being suited as a luxurious VIP or hotel shuttle, the V-Class MPV can also actually appeal to some owners of the R-Class - that says a lot about the new model, and before you dismiss this as an idea, keep in mind it’s the inside that matters.

You see, while the V-Class has a typical modern-day van look on the outside, in the cabin, Mercedes has applied the same quality, luxury and styling treatments as it has done on its newest passenger vehicles. If you come to own the new C-Class or GLA, for example, you'll feel right at home in the driver's seat of the V-Class. The difference is that, the rear passengers - up to…eight of them, will have more room in their disposal than what they would in an S-Class.

"With the new V-Class we are expanding the Mercedes-Benz premium passenger car range with a saloon for up to eight people", said dead of Mercedes-Benz, Dieter Zetsche. "Functionality is a must for an MPV. Comfort and style are the icing on the cake. The new V-Class combines both in a way no other vehicle in this segment can offer."

Another highlight is the ability to choose from a variety of models, as there will be two available equipment lines, dubbed, V-Class and V-Class Avantgarde, an Exterior Sports package and an Interior Design package for each line, two wheelbases, three body lengths from 4,895 to 5,370mm (192.7 to 211.4-inches), three engines and in typical Benz fashion, a host of optional extras.

The versatile MPV will offer several seating options, including the base version with four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows. As an alternative to the individual seats, a two-passenger bench seat with two-piece, individually folding backrest, or a three-passenger bench seat with two-piece seat cushion and three-piece backrest is available for both rear rows. All seats can be removed as well to create a huge loading area.

Among other features listed are the latest generation of Merc's COMAND Online infotainment system that combines all audio, telephone and navigation functions and additionally offers an internet browser, the LINGUATRONIC voice control system and transmission of traffic data in real time, plus the THERMOTRONIC automatic and individual climate control system.

To help with loading and unloading, Mercedes fitted the V-Class with a separately opening rear windscreen attached to the upper tailgate frame, while the optional Easy Pack adds an electrically operated tailgate.

Under the hood, the V-Class will offer a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in three output levels: the V200 CDI with 136PS (134hp) and 330Nm; the V220 CDI with 163PS (161hp) and 380Nm; and the V250 BlueTEC with 190PS (187hp) and 440Nm. The last two versions return an average fuel economy of 5.7l/100km (41.3mpg US / 49.6mpg UK) and 6.0l/100km (39.2mpg US / 47.1mpg UK) respectively.

The V 250 BlueTEC is fitted as standard with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with shift paddles, while an automatic transmission is available as an optional extra for the V 200 CDI and V 220 CDI models that sport manual gearboxes in standard trim.

Naturally, the V-Class comes with a series of driver assistance and safety systems, including the standard Crosswind Assist, which stabilizes the V-Class in strong gusts of crosswind, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which warns of inattention and fatigue.

On the options list you'll find the 360-degree camera, DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control in conjunction with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, the LED Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

European sales will begin in March this year, while Mercedes officials have expressed their interest to bring the V-Class to the States as well, though, a final decision has not yet been made.