Facelift revealed for Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Mercedes-Benz has announced details of its facelifted V-Class people mover range, with the update ushering in a new engine platform and transmission plus refreshed front-end styling, a new-look interior, additional safety tech and, eventually, an all-electric version.

While the specifics of the Australian V-Class line-up are still be confirmed, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia says the new models are expected to go on sale here in the third quarter of this year (2019).

The V-Class serves as a luxury people mover. The Vito-based van range offers a classy form of transport for up to eight people.

The new V-Class features a new bumper with air intakes and diamond-structure radiator grille, while the interior now sports new trim elements and new air vents, plus optional luxury seating with back massage and adjustable heating/cooling functions, as found in Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship models.

Four new paint schemes are on offer, while inside the V-Class benefits from a new Tartufo leather colour. An updated 'AMG Line' variant adds a unique radiator grille.

Behind that new look front-end, the rear-drive V-Class has for the first time welcomed the Mercedes-Benz OM 654 four-cylinder turbo-diesel which, in flagship V 300 d form, raises the performance bar to 176kW and a hefty 500Nm while achieving claimed fuel economy of 6.3-5.9L/100km (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 165-154g/km.

Furthermore, the V 300 d can deliver an additional 30Nm of torque for a brief period during acceleration, in a feature dubbed by Mercedes-Benz as 'overtorque'.

By way of comparison, the existing V-Class flagship – the V 250 d – claims maximum outputs of 140kW and 440Nm from its OM 651 four-cylinder turbo-diesel, plus combined-cycle fuel economy of 6.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 166g/km.

Mercedes-Benz says the V 300 d sets a new benchmark in the multi-purpose van (MPV) segment in terms of performance and economy, claiming the vehicle offers fuel savings of up to 10 per cent over its predecessor.

Also new to the range is the introduction of Mercedes-Benz's 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which first appeared in 2013. The current V-Class range comes equipped with the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC auto.

While the existing V-Class range isn't exactly left wanting in terms of safety technology, the new V-Class ups the ante with the addition of Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus.

The former is Mercedes’ own term for autonomous emergency braking (AEB), while Highbeam Assist Plus automatically dip The V-Class’ high-beam headlamps on sensing an oncoming vehicle.

Following on from the local introduction of the eVito and the looming introduction of the eSprinter, due to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2019, Mercedes-Benz Vans says it will also release an all-electric V-Class variant, with more details to be announced closer to the model's arrival.

The electric model presents yet another step in the German manufacturer's eDrive@VAN's strategy, which is focussing its efforts on bringing electrification and a host of other technological advances to the brand's van family.

Introduced in 2014 as a successor to the Viano, Mercedes-Benz says the V-Class has met with considerable success in many markets around the globe. Since that introduction the nameplate has accounted for 209,000 sales, the line also achieving a sales record of 64,000 units just last year.

Locally, Mercedes-Benz is the only player in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries People Mover over $60,000 segment, where V-Class accounted for 569 new registrations in 2018. Across all People Movers, Kia's Carnival dominated last year's results, achieving 6610 units.

According to Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia Managing Director, Diane Tarr, the facelifted V-Class will raise the bar for Australian families or businesses looking to move up to eight people in luxury and in style.

"The V-Class is a versatile and multitalented vehicle, which offers something unique to our market," she said.

"It's for families with an active lifestyle who need space and comfort, but don't want to forego luxury and safety.

"Plus it has proven to be a popular choice for business operators who need to transport people in a stylish, sophisticated way.

"The new V-Class brings with it a fresh look, with added safety technology, and provides a vision for the future in the form of a fully electric MPV."

The current V-Class range comprises the V 220 d and V 250 d in Australia, which are priced at $76,300 (plus on-roads) and $88,800 (plus on-roads) respectively. Local pricing and full specifications for the new V-Class range will be released closer to the platform's Australian arrival.