Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift

The 2019 facelift makes for a refreshing feel to the already dominant model.
Jo-Mare Duddy Booysen
In South Africa, 2015 was the year the Mercedes-Benz V-Class celebrated its debut with a completely new approach to design, value appeal, comfort and safety in the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment.

What would end up being known as “the Mercedes of MPVs” went on to be a true success. This is confirmed by more than 209 000 units being sold globally, and additionally, the V-Class achieving a sales record in 2018 with approximately 64 000 units sold for the year.

The 2019 facelift makes for a refreshing feel to the already dominant model. Focal points include a restyled and striking front-end design, a sporty and streamlined cockpit as well as a new range of alloy wheels and interior trim options.

"It will be easy for the V-Class facelift to take over from where its predecessor left off, as it was such a stylish and dynamic offering. In its latest guise, the V-Class continues to convince families, various leisure adventurers and business customers alike, that the V-Class is the perfect fit for any purpose,” said Nadia Trimmel, vice-president of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.

“We are continuing a success story that builds on the strengths of our versatile, functional and luxurious V-Class in a targeted manner. We know that the V-Class is the envy of all other multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in South Africa, and the facelift will ensure this remains the case,” she added.

Greater comfort

The style and value appeal of the V-Class facelift is poised to be the segment leader, once again. The designers used a series of targeted measures to give the MPV a new look which follows the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

The V-Class facelift has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence thanks to its new front-end. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille.

The eye-catching Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and STANDARD lines and various design packages is retained, while the AMG line becomes visually more striking with the facelift. It features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, and thus delivers a particularly sporty note. With its updated design cues, the V-Class facelift makes an especially emotive statement.

At the same time, new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a striking appearance. The 17 and 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey or black, come with a 5-twin-spoke design and a high sheen finish. At the upper end of the new wheels portfolio are the black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.

The interior of the V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity.

The V-Class facelift presents itself with new air vents in a sportier turbine and the refreshed upholstery and equipment colours make a modern and elegant statement. “Modern” and “elegant” can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look, which is used on the instrument side paneling. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.

As part of the facelift, rear passengers can enjoy a special comfort feature. Optionally available luxury seats pamper occupants with reclining and back massage functions as well as air conditioning. A journey in the V-Class facelift – for instance if used as a VIP shuttle - thus turns into a spa like treatment.

Trusted engine variants

With the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class retains the trusted and proven four-cylinder OM 651 diesel engine in three output variants. The V 200d develops 100 kW of power and a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The V 220d generates 120 kW of power and 380 Nm.

With an impressive output of 140 kW and powerful peak torque of 440 Nm, the top-of-the-line V 250d is as powerful as it is agile. The V 250d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an unmatched 9.1 seconds. At the same time, the top model provides an extremely smooth ride.

All engine variants of the V-Class facelift are rear-wheel driven, enabling the class-leading MPV to negotiate a wide range of surfaces with ease. The vehicle height remains under the two-metre mark ensuring the V-Class loses none of its day-to-day usability and can still fit in regular garages as well as multi-storey and underground car parks without any challenges.

Safer drive

With Crosswind Assist, which helps the driver to keep the vehicle on track even in the case of gusting crosswinds, and the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the V-Class redefined the safety standards in its segment when in it was launched internationally in 2014. The facelift continues to build on this position.

Active Brake Assist, which is available for the first time, can detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, and initially initiates a visual and acoustic warning. If the driver responds, it builds up brake pressure appropriate to the situation. If there is no response, the system actively assists with evasive and braking manoeuvres. In urban traffic, Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or crossing pedestrians.

Highbeam Assist Plus is another new safety feature. When in high beam mode, it supports the driver with a consistently optimised illumination of the road. In the event of vehicles in front or oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated, creating a U-shaped cut-out in the cone of light. The remaining areas of the roadway continue to be illuminated with the main-beam headlamps (partial main beam).

“We are thoroughly convinced that families who place value on an active family life, leisure time and a good work-life balance and leisure activity enthusiasts who have the need for a vehicle to transport the most varied types of sports and outdoor equipment, will continue making the V-Class their vehicle of choice.

Other customer segments who stand to benefit include providers of luxurious VIP and hotel shuttle services and business owners who need their vehicle both for private use and for work purposes. The V-Class is proof that you can have it all,” concluded Trimmel. - MotorPress

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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