Photo: Catalin Garmacea
Pirelli has recently offered us the 2015 edition of The Cal, which breaks many barriers, including featuring plus-size model Candice Huffine. Keeping with the trend, we got our own generous-size model, namely a Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
Why are we talking about a van as if it were a fashion model? For starters, this is not a van. While its predecessor, the Viano, was marketed as a “large-capacity vehicle”, Mercedes sees the V-Class as the “largest member of the passenger car family”. Here are a few things you didn’t know about it.
While it might seems like Mercedes-Benz has literally added some... class to the Viano by changing its designation into the V-Class, the moniker is not new. This belongs to the model from two generations ago. Unfortunately, neither this, nor the Viano that sits in between it and the 2015 V-Class managed to reach the popularity of the Volkswagen Transporter. Mercedes-Benz is determined to change all that, while the automaker is completely reorganizing itself, two very good reasons for which the V-Class is a people-moving revolution.
It all starts with the styling and the really interesting information here is that at 0.31, the V-Class has the same drag coefficient as an Audi A5 and, why not, a Lexus LFA. This isn’t just owed to that pretty S-Class face, as, for instance, the panel gaps are kept to a minimum and if if you opt for the BlueEFFICIENCY pack, the V gets a flat belly.
Step inside and, at least up front, you’ll feel just like in a C-Class. Heck, the steering wheel even comes from the C-Class. When you’re in a V-Class, the second-row individual seats are the top position, simply because they offer more comfort than the third-row seats and even compared to the front ones.
Despite its rich bouquet of assets, the cabin of the V-Class is not perfect. For instance, if you use it as a family car, the interior shows certain drawbacks. First of all, the business atmosphere doesn’t suit happy family times. The interior lighting could be stronger - toys dropped on the floor won’t be easily found at night, for instance. Moreover, in its quest to impress people in suits, the V-Class shies away from offering too many stowage compartments.
In terms of driving, the V-Class doesn’t feel like a van at all. Forget this notion. From behind the wheel, you’ll be convinced you’re in an SUV. Stay away from the 136 hp entry-level engine though. And while some might think the 190 hp range-topper is too much, this is far from the truth.
Check out our 2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class review to see why this vehicle has an issue in common with the SLK and why its lavish ways show Mercedes being Mercedes.
While it might seems like Mercedes-Benz has literally added some... class to the Viano by changing its designation into the V-Class, the moniker is not new. This belongs to the model from two generations ago. Unfortunately, neither this, nor the Viano that sits in between it and the 2015 V-Class managed to reach the popularity of the Volkswagen Transporter. Mercedes-Benz is determined to change all that, while the automaker is completely reorganizing itself, two very good reasons for which the V-Class is a people-moving revolution.
It all starts with the styling and the really interesting information here is that at 0.31, the V-Class has the same drag coefficient as an Audi A5 and, why not, a Lexus LFA. This isn’t just owed to that pretty S-Class face, as, for instance, the panel gaps are kept to a minimum and if if you opt for the BlueEFFICIENCY pack, the V gets a flat belly.
Step inside and, at least up front, you’ll feel just like in a C-Class. Heck, the steering wheel even comes from the C-Class. When you’re in a V-Class, the second-row individual seats are the top position, simply because they offer more comfort than the third-row seats and even compared to the front ones.
Despite its rich bouquet of assets, the cabin of the V-Class is not perfect. For instance, if you use it as a family car, the interior shows certain drawbacks. First of all, the business atmosphere doesn’t suit happy family times. The interior lighting could be stronger - toys dropped on the floor won’t be easily found at night, for instance. Moreover, in its quest to impress people in suits, the V-Class shies away from offering too many stowage compartments.
In terms of driving, the V-Class doesn’t feel like a van at all. Forget this notion. From behind the wheel, you’ll be convinced you’re in an SUV. Stay away from the 136 hp entry-level engine though. And while some might think the 190 hp range-topper is too much, this is far from the truth.
Check out our 2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class review to see why this vehicle has an issue in common with the SLK and why its lavish ways show Mercedes being Mercedes.
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