Presentation and first contact with the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class and new Marco Polo

The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class and its Marco Polo variant offer two very different concepts of travel, with luxury as the common banner

The new Mercedes-V-Class stands out for offering maximum comfort to its occupants.

This sentence could sum up the philosophy of the updated MPV in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class range, but this renewal goes beyond revising its styling and enhancing its interior space because, above all, the improvement comes from the new OM 654 diesel engine, which is more powerful and efficient thanks to lower fuel consumption and reduced polluting emissions.

First contact with the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class joins the aesthetic and technological renewal that the Star brand is currently carrying out.

Its sharper front end is more than a cosmetic touch-up, as it improves aerodynamics in a vehicle where air or wind, from any direction, is one of the greatest constraints. That is also why it introduces, as a novelty, the Crosswind Assist, within a package of up to twelve other driving assistance systems.

Its dimensions come in three different lengths: 4.90 metres for the Compact version, 5.14 m for the Long and 5.37 m for the Extra-Long variant.

A new heart for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class

It is the mechanical part that stands out as the real selling point for the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class range which, with up to eight configurations, its 1,950 cc four-cylinder diesel engine can deliver power ranging from 163 CV in the Mercedes-Benz V 220 d version, up to 239 in the V 300 d or V 300 d 4Matic, rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive, and torque from 380 Nm at 1,200 rpm in the V 220 d and V 220 d 4Matic, through 440 in the V 250 d and V 250 d 4Matic, up to 500 in the V 300 d and V 300 d 4Matic versions.

This powertrain is paired with a new-generation 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox which, as its name suggests, goes from seven to nine ratios across all versions, although only the V 220 d variant can be fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, which will not be available until the end of the year. An automatic gearbox that is a good ally when all you want is not to worry about anything other than continuing to eat up kilometres on the way to your destination.

Behind the wheel, there is a big difference between the models with 4Matic all-wheel drive and those with rear-wheel drive. In fact, the driving experience becomes much more comfortable and effective when all four wheels receive the engine’s work, and the drive feels more noble and settled.

For its part, the versions of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class with rear-wheel drive are noticeably more dynamic, and their handling conveys, in these large vehicles, a sense of greater lightness when the road becomes more winding.

An MPV with different ambitions

It is worth mentioning that the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class has three differentiated chassis setups depending on the driving approach, more geared towards occupant comfort or a sportier drive.

In addition, the three driving modes, Comfort, Sport and M (for Manual), allow the driver to adjust the response of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class to their liking.

Either way, the torque produced by the V 300 d engines, in two- or four-wheel drive, with an extra 30 Nm of boost for a short period of time, allows driving on urban roads, secondary roads and motorways alike, with a correct response both from a standstill and from acceleration lanes, as well as when already in motion, where only in situations such as an uphill exit does 4Matic traction prove more useful than rear-wheel drive.

The steering is very precise, and the dynamism of the synchronisation between engine and gearbox, always seeking optimisation, together with the adjustment of the “steering wheel-pedal” feel to the driving situation, makes it very pleasant to drive.

Regarding the homologated consumption in the WLTP and correlated NEDC certification cycles, the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class ranges from 5.9–6.1 for the V 250 d and V 300 d engines up to 6.9–6.7 for the V 220 d 4Matic, with carbon dioxide emissions of 161–155 g of CO2 per km travelled for the first two, and up to 184–176 for the V 220 d 4Matic. These figures, according to the route we drove, were below the instantaneous reading that the on-board computer showed at all times.

The interior space of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class

It should be noted that, beyond the numbers, what matters is that the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class is enjoyed as much behind the wheel as in the seats of the other passengers.

It is true that the sensations of maximum comfort this Premium MPV offers are perhaps felt most deeply thanks to the careful and meticulous interior space designed for each of its seats. Especially in versions fitted with the luxury seats, an extra well worth enjoying, not only for their fully reclining configuration but also for the back massage and individual climate control menus.

Available in three trims, Avantgarde, Exclusive and the AMG line, the price of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class starts at €50,202 and goes up to €102,422 for a vehicle that relies on luxury and comfort in any of its up to eight seats to justify its cost.

Bookings for the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class are now open. Built again at the Vitoria plant that the German brand has in Spain, the cars will reach dealerships from next May.

New Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo

Regarding our first contact with the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, which derives directly from the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class and receives Westfalia’s “camperising” treatment, it left us wanting to enjoy a motorhome like this where it is best enjoyed: camping.

The unit we drove had the 300 d engine. It is comfortable to drive, but it feels different from its parent V-Class because of the layout of the spaces and the interior equipment of this elegant camper for up to four occupants.

Inside, the living space is expressed through luxury and comfort. Seated on the rear bench, this vehicle, designed for enjoying one’s stays away from home, is an ideal place for those who want to hit the road and reach their destination, enjoying both the journey and the vehicle once it has stopped.

Inside, the spaces and accessories appear and disappear according to needs and the activities carried out within. From the table for meals or a board game, to the electric roof lift that reveals the bed for the occupants of the upper level, to the seats that extend and convert into a double bed, everything happens quickly and easily.

The details and finishes are worthy of a luxury hotel. Undoubtedly, it is a very strong option for those who want to enjoy camping without giving up comfort and luxury at any cost, since, with prices from €61,701 for the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Horizon V 220 d up to €71,179 for the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo V 300 d, they are camping vehicles of considerable cost.

Bookings for the first units of the Mercedes-Benz Marco-Polo are now possible. Although they are built on the same line and at the same Vitoria plant as the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class, their adaptation by the specialist Westfalia means delivery takes an extra month, so the first deliveries will arrive from June of this year.