Mercedes Viano 3.0 V6 CDI 204 CV X-Clusive, road test (Part III)

Equipment

As part of our review of the equipment, we start, as always, with the safety equipment of the Viano. As safety features it has dual front and side airbags, stability, traction and ABS control, as well as electronic brake force distribution. For the segment it is a fairly complete equipment list, and in the tests carried out by Euro NCAP it achieved 4 stars (although the chassis remained stable during the tests, there was damage to the dummies’ feet).

As for the base equipment of a Viano, available from 37,686 euros , we find air conditioning, electric and heated mirrors, rain and light sensors, rear-seat air temperature control, fog lights, and a CD-MP3 radio, among other elements.

And I have to stop at the radio, since our unit was fitted with the COMAND APS navigation system, which is very easy to use in terms of navigation functions and works very well, but as an audio system it is clear it has been on the market for some time.

It is an expensive extra (2,181 euros) and at this stage not playing MP3 is a considerable flaw, as an alternative there is the 6-CD changer (another extra) which does include an MP3 reader, or the option of an AUX input in the glovebox (also optional). Another drawback of the system was its phone functionality, which does not support Bluetooth, since it uses a phone pre-installation and nowadays that is a rather outdated solution.

Setting aside the MP3 shortcoming, the sound of the navigation and radio system was good and maintained a good level throughout the cabin, but given the price, the standard sound system is recommended. Nor can I forget the air suspension at the rear, which adjusts automatically according to weight and occupants and which we can adjust to suit our needs, for example when loading objects.

Optional Equipment

Now we come to the section on the extras fitted to our Viano. One of the most recommendable was the rear air conditioning (880 euros). It may seem trivial, but if we travel with children or more people in the Viano, the good operation of the system is appreciated, and above all that it keeps the whole cabin at the desired temperature, allowing the intensity of the airflow and its temperature to be adjusted for the rear seats.

The left-hand door is an extra that adds a lot of practicality, and the electric doors may be dispensable, but they are very convenient (752 and 706 euros for both electric doors). Another extra I also recommended in the previous part of the test is the tinted windows, which do not cost much and help maintain privacy and protect us from the sun inside (476 euros).

Another extra that is almost obligatory is the Parktronic system, that is, the parking sensors (878 euros), because when maneuvering a vehicle of this kind the sensors become a real ally. Finally, there are two extras for the more discerning, but which are appreciated: two electric sunroofs (1,453 and 1,172 euros), which bring a lot of light into the interior.

The operation of all this equipment is very simple; both the climate controls and the navigation system are easy to use. You may take a little longer to get used to the on-board computer, which shows the information and settings of the Viano on the instrument panel and requires some getting used to when switching between menus.

Overall Assessment

Adding up all the equipment above, plus the powerful 204 CV V6 diesel engine, we arrive at a price of 72,175 euros for our fully loaded Viano. The price is quite high and some extras are easily dispensable, but for those who want a vehicle that is different from the rest for their family or business use, it is an excellent vehicle.

Not surprisingly, many Vianos are used for hotel services or executive transfers, and a Viano equipped with this engine and the equipment we have just described would be a perfect complement for business use: inside you travel comfortably, you can calmly review the day’s schedule or the press, with nothing disturbing your interior comfort, and with enough space to stretch your legs or carry a laptop, something no saloon can offer.

The interior materials are of very good quality, in keeping with the brand, and although some areas use hard plastics, they are pleasant to the touch and there are no materials that clash with the overall finish of the Viano.

On the other hand, for those families who can afford it and need a 7-seater (and do not want to give up boot space), it is a good option. Perhaps the 150 CV 2.2 CDI engine may seem the most sensible choice, but no engine moves the Viano with as much ease as the 204 CV V6 CDI. In addition, you will have a large boot where you can carry whatever you need, expandable by folding down the seats.

Overall, the only drawbacks that can be pointed out are its price, or rather the price of some extras that add up and make the whole more expensive, and the equipment gaps I have already mentioned. But in terms of performance, space and quality, the Viano responds very well. And if we want more versatility, we cannot forget its 4×4 version.

Prices

These are the prices for the short-wheelbase version. The long Viano adds approximately 750 euros to the price. There is a single 3.5 V6 petrol engine producing 258 CV, the most powerful option in the range, and three diesel engines. There are also rear-wheel-drive versions or versions with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

• Viano 2.0 CDI 116 CV 37,686 euros
• Viano 2.2 CDI 150 CV 40,621 euros
• Viano 3.0 V6 CDI 204 CV 46,695 euros
• Viano 3.5 V6 258 CV 50,349 euros
• Viano 2.0 CDI 4Matic 109 CV 45,268 euros
• Viano 2.2 CDI 4Matic 150 CV 48,204 euros

Thanks to Mercedes Spain for the information provided on technical specifications, price range, equipment and other technical information supplied to us.

Photos | David Taboada