High-end luxury MPV will be aimed at fleet operators and other business enterprises.
Mercedes-Benz has started the new year with the launch of the V-Class MPV. The luxury MPV is priced from Rs. 68.40 lakhs (ex-showroom, India) and is the company’s third attempt at the people mover market. The previous two were MB100 and MB140 vans in 1999 and the R-Class in 2011, both were discontinued due to poor demand.
The underpinnings for the V-Class are derived from the Vito panel van. The V-Class looks quite imposing with design-elements similar to more mainstream Mercedes cars. The front, for instance, looks a lot like the previous-generation GLE with swept-back taillights and two-slatted grille with a large three-pointed Mercedes logo. The side profile lives up to the van standards with its space-efficient and slab-sided profile. The bold line and sliding-door mechanism look distinct.
The MPV is available with 2+2+2 and 2+2+3 seating options. The six-seater version gets the swivel seats and the centre table. The interiors of the V-Class are properly upmarket with Mercedes offering all the equipment one expects from a luxury car. High-quality materials, the latest Mercedes Command infotainment system, Nappa leather are all the part of the package. In terms of safety, the V-Class gets multiple airbags, stability control, fatigue detection, crosswind assist amongst other equipment. It is also worth noting that the V-Class gets a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The V-Class is powered by a single engine option. It is a 2.1-litre OM651 motor. This engine produces 161 BHP and 380 Nm of torque. It is not the new OM654 engine but the carmaker has made some changes and it meets the stringent BS6 efficiency norms and is mated to a 7-speed auto gearbox.
The V-Class comes as a CBU unit from Spain. Mercedes chose Spain because of the comparatively lower production cost than Germany, its home market which eventually resulted in lower sticker price in India. The MPV will be imported in small numbers initially but the company is open to local assembly should the demand suffice.
The V-Class has absolutely no real rivals. For private buyers, there are many SUVs and sedans in the price range but with humungous cabin, flexible seating options and signature Mercedes luxury, the company believes that the V-Class will find some self-owned buyers in India.
2019 Mercedes V-Class Price
* V-Class Expression – Rs. 68.40 Lakhs
* V-Class Exclusive – Rs. 81.90 Lakhs
* all prices, ex-showroom
