Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Step into the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and you will surely feel that it is not as true-blue functional vehicle as it appears on the outside. The interior cabin follows the traditional Mercedes-Benz virtues of having top-notch quality levels and lengthy features list.

The three-spoke steering wheel is very different from what we see in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz cars. However, it, along with the very yet informative pod-like instrument console, make up for a decent driver’s cockpit.

The whole upper portion of the dashboard is dripped in leather and wood, and comes with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, with round AC vents on either sides and buttons for climate control below it. The lower portion of the centre console merges with the lower dashboard and it has a short panel for touch operated controller for gear.

Apart from the usual black and beige upholstery with wood inserts, the V-Class is also offered with three other upholstery options – black Lugano leather, black Nappa leather, and Maroon Nappa leather.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class comes equipped with the usually long and very impressive features setlist. What is not so common in the V-Class is its seating configurations, which along with the three forwards facing rows (in both captain and three-seater row versions), also has a very exclusive seating arrangement for the second row, which faces the third-row seats giving a lounge-like experience.

While Mercedes Benz has tried its best to hide the MPV-ish trait of the V-Class, it still looks like a traditional people carrier, especially from the sides and rear. However, in the process, Mercedes Benz has not compromised with the quality levels and the V-Class is one traditional German offering in that direction.

The front fascia of the Mercedes Benz V-Class is the only area on the outside where it manages to have some sleekness. The sloping bonnet characterised by large slanted front chrome grille and sweptback LED headlamps make it look angular and wide.

However, the sleekness of the Mercedes Benz V-Class gets over as soon as you move sideways, with the vehicle getting a boxy design post the A-pillar. The sliding doors and large and almost rectangular windows are very van-like, however, there is a nice character curve flowing all the way from the front door to the rear.

At the rear, the Mercedes Benz V-Class has a ubiquitously large rear windscreen, which along with slim vertical tail lamps again gives it a van like aura.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a great car to be chauffeured in, for both the second and third rows get immense amount of space and supremely comfortable seats, this complementing the supple suspension setup giving it a very nice-in-feel ride quality. However, thanks to the boxy design, comparatively smaller wheels and high stance, it is not as enjoyable to drive as one would expect from a Mercedes Benz offering.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class gets only one powertrain option in the form of a 2.2-litre four cylinder diesel engine. Coupled to a 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, this engine is capable of belting out 165 PS of maximum power output and 380 Nm of peak torque output.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class matches the safety levels of its other stablemates, despite being a people mover by heart. The list of safety features includes front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, active parking assist with front and rear parking sensors and 360 degree camera, attention assist system and active retainer for sliding doors.

With its hugely impressive interior comfort levels and features, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is purely for those who prefer how their vehicle feels on the inside, rather than how it looks from the outside. It might not look impressive from the outside, but then, it’s real charm can be felt as soon as you step in its cabin.