Mercedes-Benz V-series - space-car driving

Mercedes-Benz today offers a very wide range of cars, from traditional Mersas to modern SUVs.

One model that has perhaps taken a back seat is the V-series, which looks like a Vito from the outside, but is a model all its own, a so-called minivan.

Launched in 2014, the V-series has delivered more than 200 000 units to customers. Last year, the V-series also set its own sales record with 64 000 cars.

The car is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The 250 d, a medium-length four-wheel drive model, was test-driven.

The revised V-series uses the Mercedes-Benz OM 654 diesel engine in three different power versions

The V 220 d has 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque
V 250 d with 190 hp and 440 Nm of torque
V 300 d model with 239 hp and 500 Nm of torque

The aluminium-constructed engines feature technical solutions to improve economy, such as steel pistons, staggered combustion chamber recesses in the piston heads and an aluminium cylinder group. Cylinder surfaces are coated with the Nanoslide process used in Formula 1 engines.

According to Mercedes, the new 250d is around 13% more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

In addition to the new combustion process, the engine uses dynamic, multi-channel exhaust gas recirculation and aftertreatment to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

For the first time, a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission is available for the V-series. Eco, Comfort and Sport driving modes are available to the driver. It is also possible to change gear manually using the steering wheel wings.

The V-series is available with all kinds of goodies, and the best-equipped model has a wide range of options.

In addition to the basic version, the equipment levels include Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG Line.

There are a total of six upholstery options, with a new addition of tartufo button leather upholstery. The V-series is available with the optional air-conditioned and massage comfort seats with fully reclining backrests familiar from the S-series.

The safety equipment of the V-series has been significantly enhanced. Standard equipment includes Crosswind Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Brake Assist.

In the event of a collision with a vehicle in front, the brake assist warns the driver visually and acoustically. If the driver reacts, the assistant increases the brake pressure as required by the situation. If the driver does not react, the system initiates automatic braking.

In an urban environment, the assistant also detects stationary obstacles and pedestrians crossing the street.

Another new safety feature is the optional Highbeam Assist. It allows the driver to drive with the high beams on at all times. In emergency situations, the headlamps are shaded so that the beam is in the shape of a U and does not dazzle oncoming traffic.

The karvalak model and slightly better equipped

Autotoday test drove two versions of the V-series. First, we tried the very basic model, which didn’t set the tone in any way. Then we got to drive the better-equipped – and more expensive – model.

Aside from active brake assist, a reversing camera and high beam assist, there weren’t too many extras on offer on the hair-splitter model.

Both versions had 7 seats. The cars were also available with eight seats.

The Karvalakim model had cloth seats and the better model had leather seats

Although the V-series has now been updated, the cabin feels dated.

For example, the car lacks the new MBUX multimedia system. Nor does the car come with navigation as standard.

The cabin is actually quite barren, with two seats. There is no podium between the seats, but the cup holders in the centre console are at floor level.

The driving position can be adjusted to suit the tall driver, as there is no partition behind the front seats, as in vans.

The driving experience is clearly more passenger car-like than in a van. The suspension works well even with a light load.

The seats in the passenger compartment can be removed and repositioned in different directions. However, lifting the seats requires strength. A table can also be fitted between the seats if required

The seats can also be moved forwards or backwards along rails.

The cars had three separate seats and one two-seater set.

The weight of the two-seater seat is such that one person could not easily lift it out of the car.

In the Karvalakki model, the side door was only on the right side, but the car was also available with a sliding door on the left side. This was the case on the other test car.

The sliding doors on the better-equipped model are also electrically operated.

Both models had rear ventilation windows that opened from the rear. They are opened and closed electrically. However, care should be taken not to open them accidentally.

Drivability on target

The car has the pluses of both a passenger car and a van. The car has a very passenger-car-like ride, with the only notable exception being a slightly more upright driving position. With the smallest engine, the car is not great at accelerating, but with a light load it keeps up with the rhythm of traffic.

The Bearclaw model had a 163-horsepower engine, while the better-equipped model had 190 horsepower.

The good things about the V-series van are the height of the car and the visibility from the cab. It can see over the cars in front of it, which means it can be driven very proactively.

The controls are within easy reach. In the centre of the centre console is the traditional Mercedes touchswitch and a wheel to control the display, such as the radio.

The car has three modes, eco, normal and sport. There are no significant differences between the modes and, for example, when driving on the road I drove almost all of the time in eco mode.

The seats in the car were also very travel-friendly in the back. Each individual seat has elbow rests, as do those in front.

The better equipped model had additional air conditioning in the rear compartment, the temperature of which is individually adjustable from the passenger benches.

Perhaps the best extra feature on the more expensive V model was intelligent cruise control. It allowed you to drive long distances on the highway without touching the accelerator or brake pedal.

Perhaps the only downside was the car’s slow acceleration with the automatic.