autoevolution
 

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Gets into Its Tracksuit with Help from Hartmann

There's something odd that makes people want to see typically slowish, utilitarian vehicles such as vans go fast and look mean. Even though we acknowledge its oddness, we too adhere to this strange philosophy wholeheartedly.
Hartmann Mercedes-Benz V-Class 15 photos
Photo: Hartmann
Hartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-ClassHartmann tuned Mercedes-Benz V-Class
I guess it's the same as seeing a WWII bomber turned into a diner, or an old salt mine acting as an amusement park - it's the repurposing that makes it interesting. And it's the same with those big, white, commercial vehicles used for carrying goods or people around.

I did say "white", but that's not a color you'll see the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class use very often - at least, not outside the Middle-East. Usually, this is the sort of luxury shuttle that will come in black, with black interior and pretty much black everything.

And that's perhaps the exact reason why Hartmann chose this color as the basis for their transformation of the V-Class: it instantly sets it apart from the V-Class image we're used to. The fact it also comes with lime green accents only adds to the overall impression of a car ready for a sprint.

If you're reading "Hartmann" and you're getting ready to write us telling it's "Hamann," don't bother, it's not a typo. The (also) German tuner is a van-only specialist working on Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Volkswagen, Renault and Nissan products.

But as important as that ABS body kit is for the outside appearance, it's the engine modifications that give the V-Class some muscle to match the looks. The aerodynamic package comes with front and rear bumpers, new sideskirts, a lowered suspension and 19-inch VEST-1 glossy black rims with countless spokes and a green flange. We're not so sure about the white paint job as it makes the car look a little cheap, but we will give Hartmann this: there's a nice contrast going on there with the tinted windows and the dark wheels.

As for the go-faster bits, the V-Class gets a Power-V25-chiptuning-box that bumps the power output of the 2.2-liter diesel engine from 190 hp and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) to a perfectly respectable 224 hp and 372 lb-ft (505 Nm). This isn't nearly enough to justify the green lower stripe, but it is still better than the stock version, so we'll allow it.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Mitrache
Vlad Mitrache profile photo

"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories