The all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class van has been announced for Australia, bringing perhaps the sportiest and most prestige design and features the MPV vehicle segment has ever seen in this country.
Starting with the exterior design, the new model takes on the company’s latest styling language. There’s an upright front grille, a three dimensional badge in the centre, angular LED-infused headlights, and slender body lines. Gorden Wagener, head of design at Daimler AG, spoke about the new look, saying,
“Functionality is a must for an MPV. Comfort and style are the icing on the cake. The new V-Class combines both in a way no other vehicle in this segment can offer. Sensuous, dynamic contours, intelligently showcased high tech and exquisite high-class appeal make the V-Class an automotive icon that blends elegance and functionality to perfection.”
In the engine compartment of the singular V 250 BlueTec variant line is a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder. It produces as much pulling power as the previous 3.0-litre diesel V6, according to Mercedes, producing 140kW and 440Nm.
Performance-wise, the engine can deliver up to 150kW and 480Nm during heavy acceleration thanks to an ‘over torque’ function. Out on the road 0-100km/h comes up in 9.1 seconds, while the combined cycle fuel consumption in just 6.3L/100km. It comes with a 7G-Tronic seven-speed transmission.
Being a Mercedes-Benz the new van comes packed with advanced technologies and dynamic luxuries. There’s an Agility Select system offering four driving modes – eco, comfort, sport, and manual – as well as Agility Control adaptive suspension.
There’s also a comprehensive Attention Assist system using radar, camera, and ultrasound sensors. It offers Active Parking, Crosswind Assist, Distronic Plus radar cruise control, Pre-Safe crash avoidance technology, and blind-spot detection.
Inside, there’s seating for eight passengers, with four-way lumbar support and active seat ventilation for the front chairs, an advanced automatic climate control system which activates air recirculation in tunnels automatically using the GPS signal, and a unique rear windscreen that can be opened separately from the tailgate. The dash of course features a full LCD multimedia interface with sat-nav and Mercedes’s latest controller system.
The Mercedes-Benz V 250 BlueTec is now available to order in Australia, with deliveries set to commence in July. Prices start at $85,500 (excluding on-road costs).
