Mercedes-Benz believes it’s time we redefined our views on passenger and commercial vans with its new generation V-Class that replaces the Viano model. On Thursday, the German brand with the star blew the covers off the people-carrier version of the series that will also include a new Vito commercial van.

Benz believes that, besides being suited as a luxurious VIP or hotel shuttle, the V-Class MPV can also actually appeal to some owners of the R-Class – that says a lot about the new model, and before you dismiss this as an idea, keep in mind it’s the inside that matters.

You see, while the V-Class has a typical modern-day van look on the outside, in the cabin, Mercedes has applied the same quality, luxury and styling treatments as it has done on its newest passenger vehicles. If you come to own the new C-Class or GLA, for example, you’ll feel right at home in the driver’s seat of the V-Class. The difference is that, the rear passengers – up to…eight of them, will have more room in their disposal than what they would in an S-Class.

“With the new V-Class we are expanding the Mercedes-Benz premium passenger car range with a saloon for up to eight people”, said dead of Mercedes-Benz, Dieter Zetsche. “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.”

Another highlight is the ability to choose from a variety of models, as there will be two available equipment lines, dubbed, V-Class and V-Class Avantgarde, an Exterior Sports package and an Interior Design package for each line, two wheelbases, three body lengths from 4,895 to 5,370mm (192.7 to 211.4-inches), three engines and in typical Benz fashion, a host of optional extras.

The versatile MPV will offer several seating options, including the base version with four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows. As an alternative to the individual seats, a two-passenger bench seat with two-piece, individually folding backrest, or a three-passenger bench seat with two-piece seat cushion and three-piece backrest is available for both rear rows. All seats can be removed as well to create a huge loading area.

Among other features listed are the latest generation of Merc’s COMAND Online infotainment system that combines all audio, telephone and navigation functions and additionally offers an internet browser, the LINGUATRONIC voice control system and transmission of traffic data in real time, plus the THERMOTRONIC automatic and individual climate control system.

To help with loading and unloading, Mercedes fitted the V-Class with a separately opening rear windscreen attached to the upper tailgate frame, while the optional Easy Pack adds an electrically operated tailgate.

Under the hood, the V-Class will offer a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in three output levels: the V200 CDI with 136PS (134hp) and 330Nm; the V220 CDI with 163PS (161hp) and 380Nm; and the V250 BlueTEC with 190PS (187hp) and 440Nm. The last two versions return an average fuel economy of 5.7l/100km (41.3mpg US / 49.6mpg UK) and 6.0l/100km (39.2mpg US / 47.1mpg UK) respectively.

The V 250 BlueTEC is fitted as standard with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with shift paddles, while an automatic transmission is available as an optional extra for the V 200 CDI and V 220 CDI models that sport manual gearboxes in standard trim.

Naturally, the V-Class comes with a series of driver assistance and safety systems, including the standard Crosswind Assist, which stabilizes the V-Class in strong gusts of crosswind, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which warns of inattention and fatigue.

On the options list you’ll find the 360-degree camera, DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control in conjunction with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, the LED Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

European sales will begin in March this year, while Mercedes officials have expressed their interest to bring the V-Class to the States as well, though, a final decision has not yet been made.

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