Launch
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class was first introduced to the local automotive market in 2014. Following the success of its initial model, the German brand recently gave the vehicle a facelift which is now offered in two variants: the V 220 CDI Sports Extra Long priced at Php 4,690,000 and the V 220 CDI Sports Avantgarde Long available at Php 4,390,000.
Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class adopts the same design language of other passenger vehicles and SUVs in the brand’s line-up. It follows a minimalist yet sophisticated styling with fluid curves and chrome trims. Among the refreshed elements of the vehicle from its last facelift are the front and rear bumpers, the grille and headlamps, the taillights, and the wheels.
Up front is a prominent grille accentuated with chrome and flanked with sleek LED headlamps. At the rear is a powered tailgate for added convenience in loading cargo. The V-Class rides on 18-inch light-alloy wheels to complete its elegant look.
Interior
Its spacious cabin boasts of fine soft-touch materials and luxury features such as the ambient lighting system that Mercedes-Benz is known for. All seats are upholstered in premium leather and are equipped with power adjustability. The individually configurated seats can also be swiveled inside the cabin for added comfort. An additional feature of the V-Class is that the passenger seats on the second and third rows can be customized based on how they are reconfigured. The six-seater can become a seven-seater, depending on the adjustments made.
The dashboard also received a facelift as it is now decked with carbon-looking accents and a sportier look for the air vents. It also features a fully digital and customizable instrument cluster. On the rear, the parcel shelf has been retained as well as the folding table that still comes as standard finishes.
Technology & Safety Features
The infotainment system of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class received an overhaul from its previous generation, with a new COMAND touchpad on the center console. Vertically parallel to it is a floating 7-inch display that serves as its infotainment system. It now comes with the new MBUX system that is capable of connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio comes out of a 16-speaker sound system.
Among its slew of safety and convenience features is a three-zone air conditioning system that automatically regulates the temperature in the cabin and the moisture in the air, a 360-degree parking camera, Agility Control System, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, and crash sensors.
Platform & Chassis
The V-Class comes with two seat configurations, which are the 6-seater and the 8-seater for the V-Class Avantgarde Long and the V-Class Avantgarde Extra Long variants, respectively. The suspension comes in the form of independent MacPherson Strut in front and independent semi-trailing arms at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC diesel engine that can produce up to 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed 7G Tronic Plus automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. As a people carrier, its engine specifications handle well in city driving and long haul drives.
