Mercedes-Benz Valente 2015 Review

Mercedes-Benz Valente
Road Test

Introduced to Australia in 2012 and updated for 2015, the Mercedes-Benz Vito van-based Valente is a solid package for those looking to cart up to nine, adult-sized people and a good amount of luggage in decent style, safety and comfort. While the interior is best described as ‘upmarket light commercial’, the driving experience is pleasant enough and there are enough standard features to satisfy most family buyers, albeit at a relatively steep starting price.

Despite their obvious appeal, people movers are shunned by most new family car buyers in Australia. Those with bigger broods much prefer a ‘sexier’ seven-seat SUV, even if it’s nowhere near as spacious or practical as a ‘proper’ people mover.

Not helping their undesirability is the fact some people movers are based on ‘boxy’ work vans, even if light commercial vehicles have taken a big leap forward in recent years in terms of refinement, safety and comfort.

As a result the so-called people mover market in Australia comprises almost 20 models but accounts for only a fraction of new car sales, with the most popular and more affordable Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMAX and Honda Odyssey accounting for around two-thirds sold.

The eight or nine-seat Valente arrived here in 2012 to fill a gap in Mercedes-Benz Australia’s people mover line-up and, three years and a relatively paltry 955 sales later, it’s come in for a minor refresh.

Unlike the multi-variant, medium wheelbase Vito van on which it is based, the rear-drive Valente is only available in the solitary 116BlueTEC variant, priced from $56,380 (plus ORCs).

Now Euro 6-compliant and offering better fuel economy, the 2.1-litre common-rail diesel four-cylinder engine under the bonnet continues to pump out 120kW but with 20Nm more torque (380Nm). It’s also matched to a seven-speed rather than five-speed auto.

The standard feature list extends to climate control, automatic headlights with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, an AM/FM audio system with 5.8-inch colour display, AUX/USB sockets and Bluetooth connectivity, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Valente also scores on the safety front with eight airbags, an upgraded stability control program, Crosswind Assist and ISOFIX child-seat system fitted as standard. But you’ll pay extra for optional safety tech like collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, active parking and lane-keeping assistance, and ‘intelligent’ LED headlights.

The driving position is excellent, aided by an elevated seating position, good forward vision, and a multi-adjustable seat that includes side and lumbar support. The grippy, leather-clad steering wheel also adjusts for reach and height. Our only gripe was lack of under-thigh support and the seat base’s firmness.

Also slightly disappointing, once you get over the un-Benz like plasticky, utilitarian feel of the cabin, broken up by the odd chrome highlight, is the lack of a large and more modern infotainment display.

While there’s still a hint of lag, the 2.1-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine ensures decent acceleration from standstill, assisted by a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox and all 380Nm of torque available just below 1500rpm to 2400rpm.

Fitted with idle-stop, the twin-turbo diesel powerplant has an ‘official’ fuel economy figure of 6.3L/100km. Unfortunately we didn’t get close, with an average just under 10.0L/100km but that was probably due to mostly short, suburban trips and not much highway or freeway time during a week of driving.

The Valente’s independent suspension including MacPherson struts up front and semi-trailing arms at the rear, does a decent job of smoothing out the bumps. It also rides larger speed bumps with aplomb, although we didn’t test it off the bitumen.

However, there’s no hiding its top-heavy stature and 2260kg kerb weight in the corners, or the lack of precision from the overly light and vague steering. You also need to stomp hard on the brakes to get the big van to stop in a hurry.

With its 2-3-3 seat configuration the Valente will comfortably carry eight adults (or nine with the optional front bench seat) as well as a fair bit of luggage and miscellaneous items.

The two rear bench seats can be rearranged via a slide rail system, or removed altogether, turning the Valente into a carpet-lined cargo van.

Rear passengers are also looked after with climate control vents in all three rows, and handy fold-down arm-rests on most seats.

While there’s plenty of interior headroom, the Valente at 189cm tall can still squeeze into height-restricted underground carparks. The 5.14m long people mover is also a breeze to park despite a 11.8m turning circle.

Even with all eight seats in play, there’s plenty of room for luggage in the rear cargo area or even behind the front seats with the second row pushed back.

But while it allows good access to the rear (and an excellent rain cover), the top-hinged tailgate does need plenty of space behind to open.

With its van origins, there are also plenty of storage compartments including a big bin on top of the dash and storage nets on the back of seats. ISOFIX child seat points are also fitted.

The Valente also shapes up as decent ‘workhorse’, with a 3050kg GVM (maximum loaded weight) allowing for up to 790kg payload and a 2000kg maximum braked towing capacity.

While lacking most of the luxury appointments of Mercedes-Benz’ more expensive V-Class people mover, the Valente still impresses with its interior space, versatility and no-fuss driving manner.

Fitted with optional satellite navigation, reverse camera and electric sliding doors on both sides, our ‘Flint Grey Metallic’ test car was priced at $62,160 (excluding on-road costs).

While not excessive for a vehicle from the three-pointed star stable, it’s no surprise many buyers are seeking a more car-like experience and better value offered by some of its bigger selling rivals.

2015 Mercedes-Benz Valente pricing and specifications:
Price: $56,380 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 120kW/380Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 166g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

What we liked:
>> Clever seating system
>> Space for eight adults and luggage
>> Relatively easy to park

Not so much:
>> Van-like handling
>> Basic interior
>> Pricey

Also consider:
>> Kia Carnival (from $41,490 plus ORCs)
>> Hyundai iMAX (from $38,290 plus ORCs)
>> Honda Odyssey (from $37,610 plus ORCs)