The Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d has made a significant impact in the South African market over the past decade, offering a more luxurious version of the Vito. With its stern presence, especially in black, and prominent grille, the V-Class exudes a sense of prestige. The vehicle's reputation ranges from being used in state cavalcades to being a preferred choice among well-heeled private owners with active social lives.
The V-Class V300d features an interior outfitted with the same lengthy, rectangular screens found in Mercedes-Benz sport-utility vehicles, along with a familiar steering wheel design and central tracking-pad. The driving experience, while nicely resolved for a minivan, still hints at its Vito origins. However, the V-Class tries harder to offer an experience on par with Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, making it a comfortable ride.
The V-Class V300d is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged-diesel unit, producing 174kW and 500Nm of torque. This powertrain has received top marks, offering a hearty, torque-rich thrust required for hauling heavier loads, along with a lengthy range and frugality. The unit is paired with a proven nine-speed automatic transmission, and drive is to the rear wheels.
The V-Class offers a spacious interior, with high-up seating and large side windows, making it feel akin to piloting a truck. The vehicle features leather upholstery, ventilated seats, electric sliding doors, and a panoramic roof. The rear seats can be swiveled to create a conference-type environment or removed to use the V-Class as a cargo hauler, offering a luggage capacity of 542 liters.
The V-Class V300d comes equipped with a full suite of driver aids, including a surround-view camera, blind-spot assist, and adaptive cruise control. The rearview mirror features a camera-in-mirror configuration, and the vehicle has seven airbags. Mercedes-Benz positions the V-Class as an exclusive offering, with the range now consisting of one fully equipped model, the V300d Exclusive.
The V-Class V300d Exclusive comes with a price tag of R2,301,578, including a five-year/100,000km warranty. However, maintenance and service plans are sold as optional. The vehicle competes with other high-grade people-movers, such as the Hyundai Staria 2.2D Luxury, Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0 SiT Titanium X, and Volkswagen Caravelle 1.5 TSI eHybrid Style 4Motion.
The buyer of the V-Class V300d is likely looking for the cachet of the Mercedes-Benz brand, without consideration for affordability. With its luxurious features and powerful diesel engine, the V-Class V300d offers a unique experience for those willing to invest in a premium minivan. The vehicle's popularity is evident, with many examples seen on South African roads.
Key points
- The Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d offers a luxurious experience with a powerful diesel engine and high-end features.
- The vehicle competes with other high-grade people-movers, such as the Hyundai Staria and Ford Tourneo Custom.
- The V-Class V300d comes with a price tag of R2,301,578, including a five-year/100,000km warranty.
