2025 Mercedes-Benz V-Class evaluate | CarExpert

The arrival of the up to date Mercedes-Benz V-Class caps off an enormous 12 months or so for folks movers in Australia.

In 2023, we welcomed the electrical LDV MIFA 9 and opulent Lexus LM. Whereas hybrid variations of the Kia Carnival launched final yr. Extra lately, China’s challenger Zeekr opened orders for its powerhouse 009, and the Ford Transit Customized-based Tourneo went on sale domestically.

And if that wasn’t sufficient, the brand new T7 Volkswagen Multivan will be a part of the group within the second quarter of this yr, offering a less expensive European various to the hauler on check right here.

The brand new era of individuals movers is a mixture of recent and acquainted. On one hand, few can have skilled a silent electrical MPV able to sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. On the opposite, the upcoming VW Multivan builds on an current system, retaining turbo-diesel energy and a timeless exterior design.

So, the place does this facelifted V-Class sit? It’s on the facet of evolution, quite than revolution.

Beneath the bonnet, you’ll discover a carryover turbo-diesel powertrain, and inside there are treasured few futuristic gizmos. Adjustments embrace refreshed exterior styling and a major inside replace, bringing the V-Class updated with the remainder of the Mercedes-Benz mannequin vary.

Is that sufficient for it to stay aggressive in 2025? Let’s discover out.

Right here we’re specializing in the 2 V300 variants, the AMG and Unique.

How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class price?

Pricing begins at $114,449 earlier than on-roads for the V250 Avantgarde, and extends to $143,809 earlier than on-roads for the V300 Unique.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s the Mercedes-Benz V-Class like on the within?

Sitting up entrance in a folks mover is commonly thought-about a booby prize, however the driver’s seat of the brand new V-Class is nonetheless a nice place to spend your time.

Whether or not you go for the AMG or Unique trim grade, V300 fashions are brimming with soft-touch cabin supplies from supple leather-based on the steering wheel and armrests to textured plastics on the door playing cards and sprint.

The AMG model is synonymous with subtle efficiency, and there are hints of that all through our tester – carbon-look sprint trim, for one, whereas the air vents current like scale fashions of a jet engine.

Customisable ambient lighting elevates the cabin additional, distracting occupants from more durable, scratchier plastics that coat the decrease panels.

The seating association is as you’d count on in an enormous, premium van. Each entrance seats are trimmed in pretty black leather-based, with electrical adjustment, three-stage heating, and lumbar assist.

Flagship Unique examples achieve Nappa leather-based, though the usual ‘Lugano’ kind is certain to impress most.

This all sounds nice on paper, however the actuality is rather less clear lower. Whereas the seats are well-equipped, there’s not a lot facet bolstering which is necessary in vans that tend to roll by way of corners.

As well as, the sculpting of the backrest creates an annoying hole on the base of the seat, which left my decrease again unsupported. It’s a problem that may’t be remedied by lumbar adjustment, and the V-Class was uncomfortable over longer journeys because of this.

The dearth of a lifeless pedal for the driving force doesn’t assist the scenario. As a substitute, you’re anticipated to relaxation your left foot someplace on the open part of ground subsequent to the pedals.

On a constructive observe, each the driving force and passenger and supplied with a smooth leather-based armrest, and the driving force’s headrest is power-adjustable.

All thought-about, it’s powerful to say that the brand new V-Class is extra comfy than its predecessor. Nonetheless, it does deviate considerably within the expertise division.

Vital updates have introduced the expertise suite updated with the remainder of the Mercedes-Benz mannequin vary.

A pair of 12.3-inch digital shows now protrude from the sprint, each integrated right into a single sweeping housing.

The centre infotainment show makes a wonderful first impression, with crisp graphics and a user-friendly app grid structure annotated by an aesthetic mixture of textual content and picture labels.

Contact inputs are met with fast processing instances, and the display screen will also be operated through a separate touchpad or haptic steering wheel controls.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the default selection of interface for a lot of new automotive patrons, and Mercedes-Benz provides seamless wi-fi smartphone mirroring, however the native infotainment system makes for a wonderful various.

The native navigation providing is slick and detailed, whereas the array of Mercedes-Benz apps consists of an web browser. Even when utilizing CarPlay, the house shortcut icon stays on the high proper of the display screen, enabling fast transitions between the 2 applied sciences.

Twin USB-C shops are situated under the centre stack, in addition to a 12V socket and wi-fi charging pad.

Audio high quality from the Burmeister {surround} sound system is phenomenal, with ample capability for customisation. Just a few tweaks to the sound dynamics can rework the environment within the V-Class, whether or not you’re chasing the bass of a heaving nightclub or the readability of a quiet auditorium.

Leaving the recent tech to at least one facet, cupboard space up entrance is restricted. Whereas not a precedence in a automobile with such supreme all-round practicality, I used to be left wanting by the dearth of cubbies to retailer life’s odds and ends. For instance, there’s no actual centre console, and the glovebox is simply common.

Giant drink bottles match completely within the large door bins, and sun shades may be saved overhead.

Regardless of the lengthy checklist of apparatus discovered up entrance, the second row is the place you need to be. That’s true for the AMG variant, however much more so for the bougie Unique with the luxurious seats package deal.

For the measly worth of $17,895, patrons can decide to take away the common second-row seats and substitute them with heated, cooled, massaging and fully-reclinable second-row captain’s chairs. That’s to not point out the inclusion of a folding desk, cupholders, USB-C ports and a devoted smartphone tray – excellent for a travelling CEO.

Many individuals movers promise comfy transport, however few can match the luxurious of a V-Class on this specification.

Nonetheless, most of our time was spent with the AMG, which sits a bit of decrease on the wow issue scale.

Ingress is simple no matter variant, as all have electrical sliding rear doorways with a number of strategies of opening. Egress is equally easy, with contact buttons for exit situated on the within of every B-pillar.

The trio of adjoined leather-based seats within the second row of our tester all supply a good quantity of legroom, they usually slide ahead and again on manually-operated rails.

Just like the entrance seats, the second row is trimmed in supple, textured leather-based that provides glorious consolation. Every outboard seat pairs with a fold-down armrest for added consolation. 

All three chairs are reclinable, making certain that headroom isn’t a problem, although there’s lots when seated upright. It’s an open and ethereal place to sit down, too – the home windows don’t open, however an expansive panoramic roof bathes the cabin in mild.

If I had one grievance concerning the second row seating association, it’s a scarcity of toe room that makes it tough to correctly unfold out.

And facilities are arduous to return by. USB shops are nowhere to be seen, nor are there any central cupholders. A

It’s a spartan area, a lot in order that the luxurious seat package deal is a should for patrons who intend to ferry round VIP passengers.

In spite of everything, rockstars and sporting legends are unlikely to be impressed by a few studying lights and a single local weather management panel.

The second row of the V-Class doesn’t supply a lot from a storage perspective, both, with skinny door bins and a pair of cargo nets.

Such is the state of the second row within the AMG that you simply’re nearly higher off skipping it in favour of the ‘back-back’.

Third row passengers are handled to removeable cupholders, 12V energy shops and facet storage bins, whereas there’s additionally extra toe room right here than within the second row.

Once more, the leather-based seats are smooth and alluring, though you don’t have entry to armrests or any recline performance.

Even with all eight seats occupied, boot area stays spectacular. The facility tailgate opens good and excessive, so excessive actually that you must watch out in carparks with a low ceiling.

When you’ve crossed that hurdle, you’re greeted by a deep, flat, and sq. area. That makes it straightforward to play Tetris with baggage, as I came upon when loading my colossal cricket bag into the cargo space.

Mercedes-Benz quotes 1030 litres of capability with all three rows of seating in place – considerably greater than rivals together with the Kia Carnival (627L), Zeekr 009 (574L), and Lexus LM (110L).

In its default state, the boot is cut up into two horizontal tiers which maximise the area. The highest shelf may be configured to supply both a flat bench or two carved out storage trays, hidden beneath a lid. Rear practicality is bolstered by the inclusion of a 12V energy supply.

As beforehand talked about, every row is ready as much as each fold and slide, relying on whether or not you prioritise baggage area or seating capability.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

All V-Class fashions are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, mated to a nine-speed computerized transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The engine is obtainable in two totally different states of tune – base V250 examples produce 140kW of energy and 440Nm of torque, whereas the V300 is boosted as much as 174kW and 500Nm.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software

How does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class drive?

The V-Class is about as refined as a diesel folks mover can get, however electrification has moved the sport on past the capabilities of old-school oil burners.

A well-known mechanical clatter is current on startup, and it by no means actually leaves regardless of the efforts of Mercedes-Benz to insulate the cabin from undesirable noise.

The up to date V-Class is much from loud on the town, however new electrical folks movers supply full silence and the hybrid Kia Carnival isn’t far off.

This automobile will doubtless be purchased by non-public drivers tasked with ferrying round VIP passengers, and what these passengers need is peace and quiet. If this have been a less expensive, mass market MPV, I’d place much less emphasis on this level.

Whereas passengers could also be higher served spending time in a rival folks mover, the V-Class has lots to supply the driving force.

The steerer sits excessive and upright with a commanding view of the street.  It’s rather less car-like than the outgoing VW Multivan, however visibility is nice each out the entrance of the automobile and both facet courtesy of chunky facet mirrors. V300 variants function a digital rear-view mirror, offering an unimpeded view no matter who’s within the again.

In V300 guise, the two.0-litre turbo-diesel punches above its weight, offering loads of hauling energy proper by way of the rev vary. You’re by no means left wanting when taking off from a standstill, and throttle inputs are met with rapid response from the engine.

It’s paired with a razor sharp nine-speed computerized transmission that hunts for the very best gear potential, which each retains you within the torque band and limits engine noise as a lot as potential.

The steering is mild and modifications in path are snappy, though there’s not a lot really feel by way of the wheel. Folks movers are tough to pilot at the most effective of instances, in order that feeling of disconnection may be fairly disconcerting.

And the 5.1m size of the V-Class is clear in city conditions – uninitiated drivers will discover it straightforward to lose monitor of the rear of the van, which may end up in clipped curbs and lower corners.

Internal metropolis driving is especially difficult, requiring equal measures of care and focus. The identical is true of all folks movers, although.

Difficulties in driving the V-Class are compounded by its questionable stopping energy. The 300mm entrance and rear disc brakes really feel undercooked, with no pedal really feel and longer than anticipated stopping distances.

Not solely is that a problem in cease/begin visitors, nevertheless it detracts from the in any other case competent semi-autonomous driving system on the freeway.

Mercedes-Benz has carried out a greater job with the suspension setup, which is actually plush even within the ‘sporty’ AMG mannequin.

Bumps within the street are smoothed out with out fuss, permitting rear passengers to learn a ebook or atone for sleep in consolation.

Considerably surprisingly, the lengthy sq. physique of the V-Class is comparatively straightforward to handle in parking conditions. Reversing angles are simply calculated and the chunky mirrors aid you to line issues up. All variations of the V-Class include a surround-view digital camera, and a rear-view digital camera with tailgate opening parameters marked on the infotainment display screen.

On the freeway the V300 stays a comparatively refined factor, albeit with a few weaknesses. It’s bought greater than sufficient grunt to maintain tempo with surrounding visitors, and by no means feels confused at triple determine speeds.

Tech upgrades for the facelift prolong to the suite of security methods, which incorporates adaptive cruise management with lively steering help.

The cruise features are operated through haptic buttons and sliders on the steering wheel – normally not my favorite management kind, however they work effectively on this software.

Adaptive cruise could also be straightforward to make use of, however the system struggles to cope with cease/begin visitors. The V-Class is gradual to react to modifications within the visitors circulation, and it’ll usually wrestle to drag up behind a number one automotive with out driver intervention.

For those who’re caught putting an excessive amount of belief within the tech the ahead collision warning will activate, violently tightening the seatbelts.

The blind-spot warning operate additionally will get a bit carried away, sensing hazard when there isn’t any.

Apart from ADAS gripes, we have been additionally a bit of dissatisfied by the amount of out of doors noise that seeps into the cabin, even within the absence of tyre roar.

Mercedes-Benz claims that the V300 will sip a decent 6.9L/100km, however we noticed 11.9L/100km over every week of largely metropolis driving. You received’t have to replenish fairly often – we coated 389km and didn’t even half empty the 70L gas tank.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software

What do you get?

Three variants of the Mercedes-Benz V- Class can be found Down Beneath, plus a further possibility pack for the top-spec Unique.

2025 Mercedes-Benz V250 Avantgarde gear highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Agility Management suspension
• Multibeam LED headlights
• Mercedes-Benz emblem puddle lights
• Anodised roof rails
• Keyless begin
• Eight seats
• Heated entrance seats with energy adjustment, heating
• Lugano leather-based upholstery
• Darkish gray open-pore olive wood-look dashboard
• Heated steering wheel
• Contact-sensitive steering wheel controls
• Sports activities pedals
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-fi smartphone charger
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Burmester {surround} sound system

V300 AMG provides:

• Black 19-inch AMG wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• AMG Night time exterior styling package deal
• Sports activities suspension
• AMG rear bumper and spoiler lip
• Black roof rails
• Digital rearview mirror
• Carbon-fibre look dashboard
• Black headliner
• AMG ground mats

V300 Unique provides:

• Seven seats (second row now has solely two seats)
• Rear tray tables with illuminated trim
• 5-louvre chrome grille
• LED mild band
• Mercedes-Benz bonnet emblem
• Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats

Solely the V300 Unique may be ordered with the $17,895 Luxurious Seats Bundle, which brings comfier second-row captain chairs seats with:

• Reclining
• Again therapeutic massage
• Air-conditioning
• Footsteps
• Folding desk
• Cup holders
• USB-C ports
• Built-in smartphone tray

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software

Is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class protected?

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is unrated by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Customary security gear consists of:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Accident preparation system
• Lively steering help
• Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
• computerized high-beams
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Brake help
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Lane hold help
• Parking help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing digital camera
• Pace limiter
• Encompass-view digital camera
• Visitors signal recognition
• Tyre stress monitoring

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software

How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class price to run?

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is roofed by a five-year, 250,000km guarantee.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz V-Class stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The brand new Mercedes-Benz V300 AMG occupies a clumsy place on the earth of individuals movers, given current developments within the phase.

There’s no denying that it’s a much better automobile than earlier than – the recent inside expertise is slick and user-friendly, whereas revised exterior styling offers this luxurious van much more street presence.

Costs have remained regular too, regardless of enhancements to the package deal.

And even within the face of rising competitors, the V-Class stays the category chief for practicality, with an enormous boot that places different folks movers to disgrace.

Nonetheless, the sport actually has moved on, and new rivals have higher positioned their merchandise. Personal drivers for the wealthy and well-known are arguably higher served by the Zeekr 009, with its silent electrical powertrain, opulent inside, and fewer crowded seating configuration.

The Lexus LM instructions a better price ticket, nevertheless it’s additionally extra particular inside, even in base specification.

Now, the V300 ticks the luxurious field in Unique specification with the optionally available seat package deal. And for that cause, it’s the choose of the vary. Having mentioned that, it’s much more costly than the Zeekr, and on par with the Lexus.

At that worth level, you can even get behind the wheel of an electrical Mercedes-Benz EQV, which provides a quieter, extra refined expertise on the street.

So, the V300 AMG isn’t the choose of the luxurious crop, however how does it fare in opposition to extra utilitarian choices?

Effectively, whichever means you chop it, the Kia Carnival is a greater worth proposition. A completely loaded Carnival GT-Line Hybrid will run you simply over $83,000 drive-away, and it nonetheless options heated and cooled seats, a 12-speaker sound system, and an environment friendly hybrid powertrain.

Consumers set on a German diesel folks mover have the upcoming Volkswagen T7 Multivan to stay up for. It’ll be priced just like the Kia, and guarantees to deliver marked enhancements to refinement, experience and dealing with over the earlier mannequin.

The place does that go away the V-Class? It’s arduous to say. The brand new Mercedes-Benz hauler doesn’t actually make monetary sense as a household faculty bus, nevertheless it isn’t a luxurious chief on the high finish, both.

For these causes, I don’t count on the V300 to take the folks mover market by storm.

Concerned about shopping for a Mercedes-Benz V-Class? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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