Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Like the exterior, the cabin layout of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class also feels like last-generation from the brand’s standards, with the van having a premium cabin that misses out on several comfort and convenience features that people take for granted in a vehicle of its price. Nevertheless, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is high on luxury with excellent fit and finish levels and nicely appointed materials.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and the dual-pod instrument console with a TFT MID in the middle look slightly old in this day and age when all the other offerings from the brand have adapted to crisp-looking full-TFT display units. The central part of the dashboard has a free-standing infotainment system at the top, which can be operated via a touchpad placed in the lower centre console below the dashboard-mounted transmission lever.

Along with the touchpad, the lower centre console also has a slew of buttons over a small platform that is finished in satin silver. Despite lacking a few crucial features for its price, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is decently equipped with other mention-worthy features like four-zone automatic climate control, a Burmester audio system, ambient lighting and more.

With the boxy design of a traditional van, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class looks very purposeful as an MPV and people mover. However, one should take note of the fact that it is not as pretty, aerodynamic and new-age in its appearance as other luxury cars and SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. The design language of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is based on the previous-generation vehicles, which is the reason why it misses out on the latest design trends from the German marquee.

The front profile of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class looks very similar to the previous-generation sedans and SUVs from the brand, with the van having a large and wide grille with rounded edges, start-studded chrome inserts and a sleek strip of chrome running in the middle. The sleek and sweptback headlamps have all-LED projectors with swerving daytime running LEDs over them. The front bumper of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class has curved air dams on the sides and a large horizontal air dam in the middle.

The van-like appearance of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class becomes more prominent when it is viewed from the side, as this van has a boxy appeal while moving towards the rear. The large and angular window panels further amplify its van-like proportions even more. There is a sharp crease which emerges from the front fender and flows through the side door handles, giving the V-Class a sense of continuity.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class features slightly flared wheel arches with large multi-spoke machined alloy wheels beneath them. The rear profile of the V-Class is where the boxy appearance is at its best, with the van having a huge rectangular and vertical windscreen with vertically aligned tail lamps on the lower sides of the electric tailgate.

Emphasising strongly on the rear seat comfort, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is bestowed with the brand’s AIRMATIC air suspension. Here, the driver has the control to adjust the suspension settings and comfort levels as per his preference and the driving terrain and conditions. Also on offer are the Dynamic Select drive modes for enhanced comfort levels for all.

The engine option offered as standard in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class for the Philippines car market is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which here is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 211 bhp of maximum power and 350 Nm of maximum torque. With this engine, the V-Class luxury van claims a top speed of 210 kmph and a 0-100 kmph sprint timing of 9.4 seconds.

The safety features which come standard in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class are front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, park assist package, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera. The lack of new-age ADAS features can be a concern for many buyers of vehicles of this price range.

For chauffeur-driven people, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a steal as it prioritises comfort and luxury over anything else. While there is a lack of many modern features, the V-Class's single-minded approach to offering world-class luxury and comfort to the rear occupants is hard to match.