In 2014, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class premiere saw a completely new approach to design, value appeal, comfort and safety being introduced into the MPV segment. The concept went on to be a true success: proof of this can be found in the 209,000 or so V-Class units that have been sold since its market launch in 2014, a sales record in 2018 with some 64,000 units, one of the youngest buyer groups at Mercedes-Benz and successful launches in other markets, especially in Asia. At the start of 2019, India was the latest V-Class market to be added to the equation.
And the facelift will now make for a refreshing feel to the already successful model. Focal points include a re-styled and striking front-end design, as well as the introduction of the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine generation - with the V 300 d reaching the new top value of 176 kW (239 hp) (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km). Plus, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is available for the first time, while safety and assistance systems, among them Active Brake Assist, have been brought up to the latest technological level. The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class can be ordered in Europe from March 2019. Prices in Germany start from 36,990 euros (including 19 percent VAT). Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing to evolve its eDrive@VANs electrification strategy and will soon be offering a fully-electric MPV.
New design and even greater comfort
The style and value appeal of the V-Class lead the way in the MPV segment. The V-Class designers in Stuttgart have used a series of targeted measures to give the MPV a new look which follows the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class 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 Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continue to exist, while the AMG Line will become visually more powerful: it features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and thus delivers a sporty note.
New paint colours in graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic expand the spectrum of the well-received black/white tones. Equally new is the optional paint colour steel blue. With the new colour hyacinth red metallic, the new V-Class also optionally makes an especially emotive statement. At the same time, the four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful and avantgarde appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design. At the upper end of the new wheels portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.
In the interior, too, the designers have been busy, transposing the interior design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car models into the new V-Class. The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. In line with the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift presents itself with new air vents in a more sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the reduced design, drivers can orientate themselves much more simply. The new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo nappa leather makes a modern and elegant statement. With Lugano leather and nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours is available. Modern and elegant can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and in the side trim elements. 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 an especially comfortable space. The optionally available luxury seats for the first row of seats are a real treat and, just like in the S-Class, they offer a fully reclining function, back massage and climatisation. A journey in the new V-Class as a VIP shuttle thus feels more like a spa treatment after a stressful flight or business meeting.
New engine, new transmission - powerful and efficient
In line with the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class will be equipped with the four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine in output variants including the following:
- The V 250 d with 140 kW (190 hp) and 440 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)
- And - with new best values in its segment - the V 300 d with 176 kW (239 hp) and 500 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)
In the acceleration phase, the V 300 d can briefly deliver an additional 30 Nm of torque ("overtorque") in addition to its 500 Nm of torque. The V 300 d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 220 km/h.
The new engine generation is even more efficient and clean and offers further improved noise and vibration characteristics. It is pleasantly quiet inside the vehicle and annoying vibrations have been reduced.
Among the innovative characteristics of the new engine generation are the combination of an aluminium housing and steel pistons, the stepped recess combustion process and NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall coating for reducing friction within the engine. How efficient these measures are can be seen on the basis of the fuel savings of around 13 percent which the new V 250 d can boast in comparison with its predecessor model.
The majority of components relevant to reducing emission are directly installed on the engine. The integrated technological approach comprising a new stepped recess combustion process, dynamic multiway exhaust gas recirculation and close-coupled exhaust gas aftertreatment facilitates low consumption with low emissions. Thanks to the near-engine, insulated position of the components, the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system enjoys low heat loss and advantageous working conditions. The measures include:
High and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation including cooling- A diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) reduces the carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC)
- A particle filter with SCR catalytic converter functionality (sDPF)
- An SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for reducing nitrous oxides. Plus, ammonia is mixed into the exhaust gas upstream of the sDPF in the form of AdBlue®
- An additional Selective Catalytic Reduction catalytic converter (SCR) with ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) in the exhaust gas duct
The facelift will also see the V-Class optionally equipped with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission for the first time. The particularly comfortable and efficient converter automatic transmission replaces the 7G-TRONIC and is available as standard for the V 300 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km) and V 250 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km). The driver can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select the drive programs "Comfort" and "Sport" and thus influence the shifting behaviour. Alternatively, "M" mode allows the driver to shift manually using the DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles.
All engine variants of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class are equipped as standard with rear-wheel drive, but 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option. In this way, the new V-Class can still move agilely on various types of terrain. The vehicle height remains under the two-metre mark even when equipped with all-wheel drive. Thus the new V-Class doesn't lose any of its daily usability and can still fit in regular garages as well as multi-storey and underground car parks problem-free.
New V-Class, even safer
With the standard feature Crosswind Assist, the driver receives support in keeping the Mercedes-Benz V-Class on track even in the case of heavy crosswinds. Meanwhile, ATTENTION ASSIST which was introduced in the V-Class five years ago put the V-Class in a league of its own for safety standards in its segment. And the facelift model continues to build on this position.
In this respect, the new Active Brake Assist can now detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving in front and initially initiates a visual and acoustic warning. If the driver reacts, Active Brake Assist increases the brake pressure to suit the requirements of the situation. If the driver fails to react, the system initiates autonomous braking. In urban traffic the Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing. In this way, accidents can be avoided or, at the very least, the consequences thereof reduced.
Another new safety feature is the optional Highbeam Assist Plus which is available for the first time in the V-Class. In main-beam mode, Highbeam Assist Plus allows the driver to enjoy a permanent, broad illumination of the roadway without dazzling other road users. In the event of vehicles in front or oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated and thus create 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).
Facelift also for Mercedes-Benz campers and leisure vehicles
Be it in terms of style or value appeal, performance and efficiency or safety, the Marco Polo family based on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class will also benefit from the entire scope of the first facelift to the Mercedes-Benz MPV at the same time as the base model. The compact Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON campers and leisure vehicles also feature the new front-end design, the new paint colours and light-alloy wheels, as well as the new air vents and upholsteries. They are joined by the new diesel engine with a new peak of 176 kW (239 hp) (combined fuel consumption 6.8-6.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 180-160 g/km) as well as Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus.
The new V-Class: new design and even greater comfort
Style and value appeal of the Mercedes-Benz MPV are ground-breaking in the segment - and a major contributing factor to its success to date. By means of a series of targeted adjustments, the designers in Stuttgart have now given the V-Class a new look as part of its facelift. The model finds design inspiration from the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series - for example with: an even more present front design as well as new colours and materials. A further highlight of the new V-Class comes in the form of the luxury seats in the rear which offer a special spa-like experience.
New front design with high recognition value
Thanks to its new front end, the new V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. In this way, the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class presents itself as a member of the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car family. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continue to exist, while the AMG Line will become visually more powerful: besides the familiar bumper with AMG bodystyling, it now features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins. The AMG Line thus instantaneously demonstrates its sportiness and dynamism.
On the sides, the design of the new V-Class remains unchanged compared with the predecessor. It is made up of two drawn and taut lines. Concave and convex surfaces interplay with one another, forming a sculpted and sensual character. Both lines continue the prominent contours of the new front bumper, and rise gently towards the rear. Accordingly, the side view appears stretched and continues the dynamism of the new front design. An optional chrome trim strip on the window line further emphasises this impression. A harmonious conclusion is formed by the proven, attractively styled rear lamps featuring LED technology. Upon request, the rear end design can be further highlighted by means of a chrome trim element on the lower edge of the rear window.
New paint colours and light-alloy wheels
The new V-Class now has four new paint colours to show off. While graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic expand the palette of black and white tones, the hyacinth red metallic so popular in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range makes for a highly emotive highlight. Equally new is the optional paint colour steel blue.
The light-alloy wheels available for the MPV have also been given a restyling as part of the facelift. The following are available with the new V-Class: a black-painted and high-sheen finish 19-inch light-alloy wheel with 10-spoke design as well as two 18-inch light-alloy wheels with either a 5-twin-spoke design in tremolite grey and with a high-sheen finish or a 5-spoke design in black with a high-sheen finish. Plus, a 17-inch black-painted and high-sheen finish light-alloy wheel in 5-twin-spoke design is also newly available. The design of this light-alloy wheel is not just striking and avantgarde, it is also especially aerodynamic and thus serves to reduce the cd value of the V-Class even further.
Interior in new colours and materials
The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity. In line with the facelift, the V-Class facelift presents itself with new air vents in a more sporty turbine look familiar from the A-Class as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the reduced design, drivers can orientate themselves much more simply. The new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo nappa leather, as familiar from the E-Class and G-Class models, now also makes a modern and elegant statement in the new V-Class. With Lugano leather and nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours is available. Modern and elegant can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and in the side trim elements. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.
Luxury seats are a new, comfortable highlight
Comfort oblige in the MPV segment. To date, the V-Class has impressed passengers with such comforts as the biggest panoramic sliding roof in the segment, a broad centre console with integrated coolbox and LED-illuminated temperature-controlled cup holders or discreet ambient lighting with three colours and five dimming levels available. And with the new V-Class, passengers in the first rear row of seats can now also enjoy a further optional highlight. As in the S-Class, optionally available luxury seats with fully reclining function, back massage and climatisation now also pamper vehicle occupants. Passengers can choose from three different massage intensities and three climatisation stages. A journey in the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class as a VIP shuttle thus feels more like a spa treatment after a stressful flight or business meeting.
Variable and simple loading and unloading of the new V-Class is made possible by means of the familiar optionally-available separately opening rear window, load space divider and the electric EASY-PACK tailgate - a true gain in comfort, be it for use as a shuttle, for a trip to the supermarket with the family or when transporting bulky sports equipment.
Almost unlimited seating configurations and flexible luggage space
The seating in the rear of the new V-Class continues to allow a multitude of configuration options for the most varied of requirements. As standard, the MPV comes with four individual comfort seats in two seat rows. Upon request, between the individual seats, a folding table can also be installed. Alternatively to the individual seat for the first rear row of seats, a two-seater bench seat with two-piece folding backrest is available, not to mention a three-seater bench seat with two-piece seat cushion and three-piece backrest. The outer right-hand seat of the three-seater bench seat can be folded forwards or
separately removed and the whole bench seat can be folded in order to make space for large luggage. This bench seat is also optionally available for the second row of seats. Anyone who wishes to have the possibility of sleeping in the V-Class can also order the rear seat row with a comfort berth three-seater bench seat.
The new V-Class: new engine, new transmission
With the four-cylinder OM 654 engine and the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission now being available for the first time, the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class does not just feature visual modifications. The new V-Class delivers even more dynamic driving than the previous model and, in the V 300 d model with the top engine output variant of 176 kW (239 hp), it stands at the top of the podium in the MPV segment (combined fuel consumption 3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km). What's more, thanks to the new engine generation, it is also more efficient and clean than before, offering an improved level of noise and vibration comfort.
Even more driving dynamism thanks to new diesel engine generation
As part of the facelift, the new V-Class can be equipped with the four-cylinder engine from the OM 654 family, which offers two-litre displacement in output stages including the following:
- The V 250 d with 140 kW (190 hp) and 440 Nm torque (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)
- The V 300 d with 176 kW (239 hp) and 500 Nm torque; this represents a new top value in the segment (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km)
In the acceleration phase, the V 300 d can briefly deliver an additional 30 Nm of torque ("overtorque") in addition to its 500 Nm of torque. The V 300 d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 220 km/h.
All output stages of the V-Class come as standard with rear-wheel drive but can optionally be equipped with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Thus, the V-Class can move around with ease on the most varied types of terrain - be it in inner-city traffic or when heading out into nature. The vehicle height also remains under the two-metre mark even when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Thus the V-Class does not lose any of its day-to-day usability and can still fit in regular garages as well as multi-storey and underground car parks problem-free.
OM 654: less consumption and further-developed noise and vibration comfort
In line with the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class will receive the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine. This is the first time that the stepped recess combustion process will be used in the Mercedes-Benz MPV. Its name refers to the shape of the combustion pocket in the piston. The weight of the new four-cylinder diesel engine was able to be reduced by 17 percent in comparison with the predecessor. The displacement is now just two litres instead of the previous 2.15 litres and the cylinder spacing is now shorter at 90 millimetres compared to 94 millimetres previously.
In comparison to the previous model, the new engine consumes less fuel - for example, in the V 250 d output stage, this saving is around 13 percent. This comes thanks to the airflow guidance at the intake and exhaust sides as well as the implementation of fourth-generation common-rail injection with pressures of up to 2500 bar. Above all, the internal friction was able to be reduced by 25 percent. This was achieved by means of:
- Flat steel pistons with innovative stepped recesses and a long connecting rod
- NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder walls
- Offset of the crank assembly
- Reduction of the displacement
- A comprehensive range of measures, e.g. in camshaft operation
Additionally, the new engine delivers further improved noise and vibration comfort. It is pleasantly quiet inside the vehicle and annoying vibrations have been reduced.
Exhaust emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP norm
The OM 654 has been manufactured such that it fulfils the future emissions regulations (RDE - Real Driving Emissions) and the Euro 6d-TEMP norm. The majority of components relevant to effectively reducing emissions are directly installed on the engine. The integrated technological approach comprising a new stepped recess combustion process, dynamic multiway exhaust gas recirculation and close-coupled exhaust gas aftertreatment facilitates low consumption with low emissions. Thanks to the near-engine, insulated position of the components, the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system enjoys low heat loss and advantageous working conditions. The measures include:
- High and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation including cooling
- A diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) reduces the carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC)
- A particle filter with SCR catalytic converter functionality (sDPF)
- An SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for reducing nitrous oxides. Plus, ammonia is mixed into the exhaust gas upstream of the sDPF in the form of AdBlue®
- An additional Selective Catalytic Reduction catalytic converter (SCR) with ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) in the exhaust gas duct
The new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission - comfortable and efficient
Suited to the new engine generation, the new V-Class will, for the first time, feature the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The particularly comfortable and efficient converter automatic transmission replaces the 7G-TRONIC and is available as standard in the V 300 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km) and in the V 250 d (combined fuel consumption 6.3-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 165-154 g/km). The driver can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select the drive programs "Comfort" and "Sport" and thus influence the shifting behaviour. Alternatively, "M" mode allows the driver to shift manually using the DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles.
Above all, the 9G-TRONIC stands out thanks to its lower weight and the reduced amount of installation space which it requires. It features a patented gear set concept with four planetary gear sets and six shift elements. Nine gears make possible an especially broad ratio spread which starts at 9.15. The torque converter's high operating efficiency of 92 percent is in part due to the needs-based supply of oil by means of a highly efficient vane pump and electrical auxiliary pump. Exemplary drive comfort is ensured by the twin-turbine torsional damper with centrifugal pendulum and the torque converter lock-up clutch with return spring. An innovative component comes in the form of the transmission's main shaft featuring three deep-drilled holes.
Three chassis variants for the most varied of requirements
The new V-Class continues to be available in three different chassis versions. Their characteristics range from relaxed comfort to sporty dynamism:
- The comfort suspension ensures pleasant driving behaviour with low noise levels despite good driving dynamics
- The AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system combines agility with very high levels of driving comfort
- The sports suspension impresses drivers with high driving dynamics and agility
The new V-Class: even safer
Journeys are best enjoyed when they come accompanied with a calming sense of feeling safe. With Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST among the standard equipment, five years ago the V-Class redefined safety standards in this segment. And the facelift takes this position a step further with the new Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus systems.
New V-Class now brakes to a standstill if a collision threatens
For the first time ever, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class can be ordered with Active Brake Assist. Active Brake Assist detects when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle travelling in front and initially emits a visual and acoustic warning. If the driver reacts, Active Brake Assist increases the brake pressure to suit the requirements of the situation. If there is no reaction, the system initiates an autonomous application of the brakes. In urban traffic the Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing. It thus makes a definitive contribution towards avoiding accidents or, at the very least, reducing their severity. Active Brake Assist is available both as an individual item of optional equipment and as part of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC or the Driving Assistance Package.
Equally new in the V-Class: Highbeam Assist Plus. In main-beam mode, Highbeam Assist Plus allows the driver to enjoy a permanent, broad illumination of the roadway without dazzling other road users. In the event of vehicles in front or oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated and thus create 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).