FAMILY VALUES
The Mercedes-Benz company launched its new minivan segment in 1996. The model called Vito was of great interest because it was the fi rst minivan of the premium brand. It’s worth noting that none of the competitors has yet been able to off er an analogue, so that buyers of Vito automatically become the owners of an exclusive model. In the second generation, the passenger modifi cation received the name of Viano, and commercial kept the name of Vito. For more than 20 years, the V-Class has proven itself as a family and on the other side – service car.
The presentation of the third-generation of Mercedes-Benz V-Class had the eff ect of an exploding bomb in 2014. The novelty destroyed all the stereotypes associated with the very concept of a minivan. This car, which previously stood apart, opened a new page in the history of the brand. If the Mercedes-Maybach carries the role of fl agship among the cars, then V-Class can safely be called «Maybach» among the minivans.
ELEGANCE ITSELF
The novelty diff ers literally in everything. The exterior of the car was so stylish and dynamic that almost immediately V-Class won the prestigious premium Red Dot Design Award in the design fi eld. The fi rst thing you pay attention to when looking at the new V-Class is the modern design of the main light headlights. But in addition to the spectacular design, they carry a serious functional load.
AdaptiveLED lights are equipped with the Intelligent Light system, which independently changes the power and distribution of light flux depending on the road conditions, preventing glare of opposing drivers. The headlights are harmoniously integrated into the front panel of the body, which, depending on the performance, may diff er in design. The most spectacular version is the version prepared by the AMG subdivision, which is distinguished by more distinctive aerodynamic obverse. Equally impressive, the car looks from behind with LED lanterns that allow you to unmistakably recognize the V-Class during a dark period of time.
THE ROYAL SUITE
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class presents a real pleasure to the driver and passengers. The interior of the model looks very stylish and expensive, in no way inferior to the passenger models of the brand.
Torpedo is covered with artifi cial leather, which in quality is practically no diff erent from the black nappa leather, which is used to handle the armchairs. Decorative panels repeat the texture of the tree. In the dark, the cozy atmosphere is created by one of the three options for a soft background light. The instrument panel is divided into two functional zones – the upper and the lower one. There is a direct shield of devices at the top, as well as a large colour display of the Command Online multimedia system. The system provides access to the Internet, navigation, phone and audio system, 80GB hard drive and DVD drive. And the Mercedes-Benz Touch application allows using many functions through a smartphone or tablet.
The bottom part of the dashboard is dedicated to the innovative Direct Select control with a touch pad and convenient cylindrical controller. A comfortable steering wheel, where the control over 12 auxiliary functions is placed, deserves particular attention. Optionally available Burmester’s audio system with surround sound and 16 dynamics can satisfy the tastes of the most demanding music lovers. Comfortable front seats with a number of electric adjustments make it possible for a man of any physique to conveniently sit at the wheel. There is a space for a bulky pocket next to the driver’s seat.
And door sills are decorated with illuminated Mercedes-Benz labels. Front seats are equipped with a heating and ventilation system, and these functions can be ordered for seats of all three rows. In the initial confi guration, Mercedes-Benz V-Class has 6 matching sites, and all three rows consist of a pair of separate seats. And the one who needs a sleeping place can order an integral sofa. In this case, the soft rear shelf serves as a continuation of the sofa. In any of the options, the third row seats can be moved along the car’s interior, and the middle ones can be rotated through 180 deg.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class is brilliantly suitable as a family car. Depending on wishes of the client, the confi guration of the seats can be selected. Passengers of the second row can sit face and back forward. At 7-seater confi guration of the car and the placement of seats tete-a-tete, inhabitants of the passenger compartment can use the folding table. There are small compartments, cupholders, sockets and USB sockets in diff erent places of the cabin. And the unique microclimate will provide an autonomous heating and ventilation system.
Depending on the settings, you can remotely lift and close the lift gate or just unlock the rear window with the button on the key. This is especially convenient in a tight parking lot. Optional rack is rigid and can withstand up to 80 kg of weight. In essence, it is a separate luggage compartment that contains two convenient foldout boxes. With fully dismantled seats, depending on the length of the body, the cargo compartment volume is from 4200 to 5010 liters.
WITH GREEN FOCUS
There are several modern economic and environment friendly power units in the arsenal of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. The three modifi – cations with a 4-cylinder diesel engine impress with their dynamics, low fuel consumption and maximum comfort while driving.
The most powerful of the versions off ered in Ukraine, the V 250 BlueTEC, is equipped with a 2.1-liter engine with a capacity of 190 hp. 7G-Tronic Plus 7-step automatic transmission works along with it. Thanks to the innovative technology of neutralizing the exhaust gases BlueTEC this engine meets the Euro-6 standards. In addition to this motor, two more 2.1-liter turbodiesel «four» with a capacity of 136 and 163 hp. are available to buyers.
EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL
Despite its respectable size, driving a Mercedes-Benz V-Class is not more diffi cult than a regular car. In addition, the minivan is equipped with a complete set of electronic systems that will timely assist the driver. For example, if the distance to the car that is moving in front, becomes critically small, the Collision Prevention Assist system applies emergency braking.
And the Distronic Plus distance control function allows the car to slow down automatically and gain speed maintaining a safe distance. The Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive complex, which combines innovative auxiliary systems that increase the level of comfort and safety of the driver and provide assistance to the driver, is available for the V-Class. The ESP’s motion stabilization system with the function of cross wind resistance helps tocope with its strong gusts. And in the dark, the Intelligent Light System’s adaptive LED lights illuminate the turnings and automatically switch to the high beam.
An active assistance system for parking will suggest finding a place and independently bring Mercedes- Benz V-Class there. A command driving position and level vertical sides allow you to control the size of a 5-meter machine well. The roundabout view system provides perfect visibility around the car. Moreover, pictures from the necessary cameras can be chosen independently. And, that’s especially convenient; it is possible to deduce not only close ups of the front, but also of the rear wheels.
The one can talk about this car almost infi nitely. It is not surprising that more and more Ukrainian buyers are opting for this luxurious family minivan. To evaluate the benefi ts of a reputable and respectable representative of the Mercedes-Benz family you can turn to the salons of offi cial dealers of AutoCapital company, the general representation of Daimer AG in Ukraine.
