Buyer’s Guide: 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a people carrier that comfortably seats up to eight people, is the German automaker's attempt at giving large families a taste of its renowned elegance and luxury. With its premium styling and sophisticated tech inside out, the V-Class is just as exciting as any car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

Specification

Manufactured in Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class originally just had only one sole trim--the V250 BlueTec Avantgarde, which was a rear-wheel drive powered by a 2.1-liter turbodiesel engine partnered to a seven-speed automatic transmission. This was the case from its release in 2015 until 2017, when a second trim was introduced—a lower output V220 BlueTec model. Locally, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class comes in two trims—the V220 CDI Sports Avantgarde Long (5140 mm) and V220 CDI Sports Avantgarde Extra Long (5370 mm). Both are powered by a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve diesel engine mated to a seven-speed 7G Tronic Plus automatic gearbox. As for performance numbers, the V-Class delivers 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque, along with a top speed of 195 kph.

Exterior

The beefy front façade characterized by the tapered hood and massive modern LED headlight assemblies that feature adaptive hi-beam assist and LED indicators and daytime running lights make an expressive introduction to the large, tranquil spaces contained within.  The front and rear sides are connected by rising lines that give off a sturdy yet aesthetically pleasing design. Standard exterior features include 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, backup camera, heated mirrors with folding function, and anodized roof rails.

Interior

The plush interior is what ultimately differentiates the V-Class from all other would-be competitors out there. Open the doors and you'll be welcomed by lavish Lugano leather upholstery, a 640-watt Burmester sound system that comprises 15 speakers and bass reflex box, Thermotronic automatic climate control, and semi-automatic rear air conditioning. The driver gets to enjoy all these while sitting on a power adjustable and heated front seat and caressing a Nappa leather steering wheel linked to a power-adjustable steering column. As for the extras, there's plenty to behold, including ambient interior lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, velour floor mats, auto-dimming interior and door mirrors, three 12-volt power sockets, and the COMAND Online media system housed in an 8.4-inch diagonal display and containing satellite navigation with 3D maps, Linguatronic voice control, Bluetooth/USB connectivity, an integrated WLAN hotspot, CD/DVD player, SDHC memory card slot, and 10 GB Media Register for storing your favorite music.

Space

The high quality applications and refinement of the interior provide the V-Class with a stylish ambiance, while the flexible seating arrangement allows the cabin to transform into a truly personalized space that can cater to any transport need. Mercedes-Benz gives you a choice between four individual seats or one to two rows of three-seater benches to make the vehicle accommodate seven passengers in total. If space is needed for cargo, the rear compartment seats are easy to remove via the quick-release fasteners on the rail system. Both front seats can be rotated toward the doors for easy ingress and egress and even be rotated 180-degrees to face rear passengers.

Safety

The V-Class features basic Mercedes ME Connect services that include maintenance management, accident management, breakdown management, telediagnostics, and vehicle remote diagnostics to ensure greater safety while also providing tailored services that ensure problem-free drives. In addition to these special safety additions, standard safety equipment for the V-Class include ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, and the following safety technologies:

• Mercedes-Benz-PreSafe – prepares the vehicle for a collision.
• Distronic Plus – automatically applies the brakes in stop-start traffic.
• Active Parking Assist – provides automated steering for parking maneuvers.
• Crosswind Assist – detects strong gusts of wind and prevents vehicle from drifting out of its lane.
• Lane Keeping Assist – detects if the vehicle is drifting outside its lane via a camera behind the windscreen.
• Blind Spot Assist – warns the driver if a vehicle is in the blind spot.

Verdict

For large families looking for the ultimate in safety and comfort, the Mercedes Benz V-Class literally has it all. With a price range that starts at PHP 4.39 million for the V220 CDI Sports Avantgarde Long and PHP 4.69 million for the V220 CDI Sports Avantgarde Extra Long, the V-Class gives you every reason to choose it over other luxury people movers in the market.