India just got its first luxury MPV when Mercedes-Benz pulled off the covers on the all new V-Class. No doubt, the company is stepping into a new segment with this product, however they are confident that they will get the desired numbers as there is demand for such vehicles in India. I am not going to argue that fact, for I would love to own such a vehicle, especially since I enjoy traveling by road with my family and the V-Class fits the bill of being my ultimate dream ride!
What Mercedes-Benz has to say about the V-Class
Speaking on his first launch in India, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “We are excited to kick-start 2019 by introducing an exciting product from our global portfolio, the V-Class. The launch of the V-Class in India firmly underscores our pioneering spirit as we introduce the ‘Luxury Multi-Purpose Vehicle’ segment for our discerning Indian customers. The V-Class combines exemplary functionality with luxury appeal, unsurpassed comfort, efficient driving dynamics and uncompromised safety, all of which characterize a Mercedes-Benz. The versatile V-Class is targeted at a wide array of potential customers comprising large families, sports enthusiasts and businesses.”
Martin Schwenk further added, “In 2019, Mercedes-Benz completes 25 years in India and this milestone will be marked with a wide range of product offensive, starting with the V-Class. The V-Class is the first-of-its kind product in India and with its distinctive qualities, it is going to create a new benchmark for luxury travel in the country. We have some of the most awaited products planned for the Indian market in 2019 that will keep the customers and enthusiasts fascinated.”
Mercedes-Benz V-Class – What you need to know
Stepping into a new segment with the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz is looking at addressing the potential demand for those who enjoy traveling, yet would like it to be as luxurious as their high-end sedan. The V-Class delivers on that front and will be available in two variants, namely the long-wheelbase Exclusive edition and the extra-long-wheelbase Expression edition.
Made in Spain, the V-Class is sold in over 90 countries and boasts of a fine attention to detail, innovation and stands as a benchmark amongst luxury MPVs globally. While the design is simplistic, it still manages to carry that air of affluence and the fit and finish is exactly what you would expect from a product that carries the three-point star on its grille. It is a massive vehicle that clearly has only one intention and that is to allow the occupants to travel in a spacious and luxurious cabin.
Key features of the V-Class include a table package, various seat configuration options, nappa leather seats, a multi-function steering wheel finished in nappa leather, ambient lighting, reverse parking camera and park assist, electric sliding doors for easy ingress and egress and you also get a great on board infotainment system and multiple ports to charge devices. The seats in the rear are mounted on rails thus allowing you to change their orientation to have a conference-style seating, while the last row seats can be moved forward or removed with ease to allow for more loading space.
Powering the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a 2143cc diesel engine that is capable of delivering 163 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque. Despite its sheer size, the V-Class can go from 0-100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds! The tried and tested diesel engine is also known for its frugal nature and you can expect the V-Class to prove its mettle on that front while out on a nice long drive.
Like all Mercedes-Benz products, the V-Class also comes packed with numerous active and passive safety features. You get six airbags as standard along with Attention Assist, Park Assist and Pre-Safe and it goes without saying that the V-Class has been crafted to offer a rigid body shell that also plays a vital role in occupant safety.
The V-Class Expression has been priced at INR 68.40 lakh and the Exclusive trim is offered at INR 81.90 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India). You can also avail the Star Ease maintenance package for the V220 d which starts at INR 1,48,700 for 2 year/30,000 km.