MERCEDES-BENZ

MERCEDES-BENZ V CLASS DIESEL ESTATE V220 d AMG Line 5dr 9G-Tronic [Extra Long]

Fuel

FuelDiesel

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph11.2s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2206 g/km

One thing Mercedes' big V-Class isn't short of is space. As a People Carrier in the truest sense, it's only real competition comes from other large, van-based MPVs - or public transport. This is the usefully revised version of the brand's 'W447'-series model and it gets a fresh 2.0-litre diesel engine that features in 163hp form in this volume V220d variant. If you want to take up to eight people and their luggage in a vehicle that makes a very high quality statement, then this Mercedes is a difficult option to ignore.

V-MAX

The V-Class offers Mercedes quality to the super-MPV segment. Jonathan Crouch drives the revised V220d variant.

Ten Second Review

One thing Mercedes' big V-Class isn't short of is space. As a People Carrier in the truest sense, it's only real competition comes from other large, van-based MPVs - or public transport. This is the usefully revised version of the brand's 'W447'-series model and it gets a fresh 2.0-litre diesel engine that features in 163hp form in this volume V220d variant. If you want to take up to eight people and their luggage in a vehicle that makes a very high quality statement, then this Mercedes is a difficult option to ignore.

Background

There aren't many alternatives open to you if a really sizeable People Carrier is needed that can take seven or eight people plus all their luggage. And if that MPV must make a really sizeable statement of quality, the options reduce to just one: this Mercedes V-Class. Here, we've got a revised version of the successful 'W447'-series model. This modern generation V-Class gets big engineering changes. These include the all-new 'OM 654'-series 2.0-litre diesel engine that both the mainstream variants use and a fresh 9G-TRONIC PLUS 9-speed auto gearbox, plus 'Active brake assist' autonomous braking is now standard. But is it all enough to allow the V-Class to at last fully justify its premium pricing? Time to find out.

Driving Experience

Of all the super-large MPVs on the market, this is the one that disguises its van-based underpinnings the best. Especially in this revised form, thanks to its diesel engine and transmission transplant. That's seen the introduction of the brand's more refined and efficient 'OM 654'-series 2.0-litre diesel engine, available in two states of tune for V-Class buyers. Here, we're trying the 163hp V220d variant that most will probably choose, but there's also an alternative 239hp V300d derivative that might appeal if you'll regularly be carrying heavy loads. Both powerplants now use a smooth 9G-TRONIC PLUS 9-speed auto gearbox. Mercedes has tried hard to optimise the ride and handling package that its biggest People Carrier can offer. Hence the standard 'Agility Select' system that allows you to tweak throttle response, gearchange timings and feedback from the 'Direct Steer' speed-sensitive steering to suit the way you want your V-Class to respond. Plus there's 'Agility Control' adaptive suspension, a set-up able to tweak the damping to suit road conditions. Ultimately, all these efforts aren't really enough to make the dynamic experience on offer here in any way rewarding, but the overall compromise is decently impressive by the moderate standards of the super-sized MPV class.

Design and Build

This, apparently, is the 'the Mercedes amongst MPVs'. It certainly looks quite a bit grander than anything else on offer in this segment. As with other Mercedes cars, the front end treatment now differs according to whether you've paid the extra for plusher 'AMG Line' trim or not, but all variants get a subtle re-design for the grille, the bumper and the lower air intakes. Space, Mercedes tells V-Class customers, is the true definition of luxury and on that basis, this MPV must be very luxurious indeed, given its enormous square dimensions. Up front, you're treated to an agreeably high and commanding driving position. Look around and you'll be pleased to note that there's nothing particularly LCV-like about the opulently finished cabin, enhanced on this revised model by small changes to the design of the air vents and the instrument cluster dials. A pity though, that mainstream diesel versions have to continue with the brand's old-generation media tech. Standard electric sliding doors aid entry to the rear. The way that the back of this car is specified depends of course on the seating configuration you've chosen and how you choose to position the provided chairs within it using the provided floor rails. With a 7-seat model configuration, you get two middle seats separated by a fold-out table, along with three individual seats at the very back. We tested a 8-seat cabin that gives you two rows of three-abreast rear seating.

Market and Model

There's no doubt that this is the premium choice when it comes to the market's largest segment of People Carrying MPV, with V-Class pricing sitting in the £52,000 to £60,000 bracket - which is a quite a bit more than Mercedes was asking when we tested the original version of this 'W447'-series model back in 2015. Think in terms of an increase of around £10,000, which seems to be a bit more than inflationary. Most buyers will be selecting between 'Sport' or 'AMG Line' trim packages spread across the three body shapes available. There's 'Standard length', which is 4,895mm in length and seats seven; then there's the 'Long' model we have here, which is 5,140mm in length and seats eight; and finally there's the 'Extra Long' version that's 5,370mm long and also seats eight. Given that a 'Standard length' model doesn't really give you much more room than you'd get in a more conventional Galaxy or Sharan-class large MPV, we think you ideally want to stretch at least as far as the 'Long' version, which cost £3,245 more than 'Standard'. You'd expect the biggest 'Extra Long' version to cost more still, but actually, because of a different spec package, the premium over the 'Standard' version for one of those falls a little to £1,935.

Cost of Ownership

For a vehicle of this V-Class's considerable size and weight, the fuel and CO2 returns on offer from the new-era 'OM654'-series 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine aren't at all bad, representing a 13% improvement on the readings delivered by the previous 'OM651'-series 2.1-litre powerplant. In this base V220d, expect a WLTP-rated combined cycle fuel return of 47mpg (meaning a decent range from the 70-litre fuel tank), together with 155g/km of NEDC-rated CO2, regardless of your choice of body length. For the alternative V300d variant, the respective figures are virtually the same - 47.8mpg and 155g/km. To give you some perspective, that's an improvement of around 30% over the figures you'd get from a rival Volkswagen Caravelle. And, as you'd expect, this Euro 6d-TEMP 'OM654'-series unit meets the stringent 'RDE' '('Real Driving Emissions') standard. A lot of work's been put into the new engine to achieve these kinds of returns. For a start, it's 17% lighter than the outgoing unit, plus the cylinder spacing's shorter and internal friction has been reduced by 25%. Technophobes may also want to know that there's a new stepped recessed combustion process, dynamic multi-way exhaust gas recirculation and a close-coupled exhaust gas after-treatment system.

Summary

This V-Class may occupy something of a forgotten backwater in the Mercedes product range but it's still a model that makes a lot of sense, especially in this V220d guise. In fact, assuming that you can't face budget-brand transport and don't want something that's very obviously a minibus, we'd argue that there aren't too many options to V-Class motoring if you need to transport up to eight people in the kind of style to which they'd doubtless quickly like to become accustomed. What it all boils down to is that if you want a car, buy a car. If though, you need a People Carrier, buy one that can really do the business. The V-Class is part of a small but very select breed of models answering that calling.

  • Privacy glass
  • Black tinted rear windows
  • Heated windscreen washers
  • Electric front windows, one touch / obstruction sensor
  • Rain sensing windscreen wipers
  • Electric ventilation windows in passenger compartment

  • Electric parking brake
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Active brake assist
  • Adaptive Brake System with HOLD function and brake drying in the wet
  • Perforated front brake discs and brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering
  • Hill start assist
  • Electronic Stability Programme

  • Carpet floor covering in passenger compartment

  • Agility control comfort suspension

  • Side wind assist system
  • Speed sensitive steering
  • Attention assist
  • Active parking assist
  • DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)

  • ECO start/stop function
  • Easy-pack tailgate - Powered opening/closing automatically

  • Outside temperature display
  • Service indicator (Active Service System)
  • Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster
  • Mercedes me connect including emergency call system, accident recovery, breakdown management and maintenance
  • Brake wear warning display
  • Instrument cluster with 5.5 inch colour display trip computer
  • MBUX multimedia nav with 10.25" touchscreen, Hey Mercedes intelligent voice control, 2 USB-C ports and mobile connectivity for up to 15 devices
  • MBUX personalised vehicle profiles

  • Electric folding door mirrors + auto dimming rear view + drivers exterior door mirror
  • Body colour door mirrors

  • Carbon trim
  • Chrome air vent surrounds

  • Diesel particulate filter
  • 25 litres large AdBlue tank
  • 70 litre fuel tank

  • Integrated radio aerial
  • Two USB ports and one SD Card slot in centre console
  • DAB Digital radio
  • iPod/iPhone + Bluetooth interface with handsfree function

  • Chrome trim to front bumper
  • Metallic paint
  • Body colour bumpers
  • Illuminated front door sill panels with Mercedes-Benz lettering
  • Electric sliding door in both side
  • AMG bodystyling side skirts
  • AMG bodystyling front apron and rear spoiler
  • AMG bodystyling rear apron and chrome load sill
  • Split tailgate in opening rear window with chrome handle
  • Chrome pins diamond radiator grille with integrated stars
  • Anodised roof rails

  • LED intelligent light system including integral LED daytime running lamps
  • LED tail lamps/brake lamps and indicators
  • Adaptive brake lights
  • Automated headlamp assist

  • Thermatic 3 zone automatic climate control
  • Electric air heater system - 1.2 kW output

  • ARTICO leather upper dashboard with contrast stitching
  • AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs
  • Height/reach adjustable steering column
  • Nappa leather upholstery
  • 12V socket in boot/load compartment and rear passenger compartment
  • Luxury centre console with retractable cover + two cup holder + 12V socket + multimedia box
  • Multifunction steering wheel with audio controls and onboard settings
  • Stowage nets behind individual seats
  • Lockable glove compartment
  • 3 spoke nappa leather steering wheel

  • 3 colours ambient lighting
  • Footwell lighting with reading light and illuminated handle in rear compartment

  • Anti theft protection pack - V Class

  • Airbags - windowbag for driver and front passenger
  • Airbags - sidebag for driver and front passenger with combined thorax/pelvis bag
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats
  • Child proof door locks
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system

  • Driver + front passenger lumbar support
  • Rear head restraints
  • Adjustable front seat head restraints
  • Three stage heated front seats
  • Comfort driver and front passenger seats including armrest
  • Seat occupancy sensor for front passenger seat
  • Extended seat rails

  • Chrome surround electric key
  • Central locking with interior switch

  • Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

  • 19" AMG 7 twin spoke alloy wheels

  • Space saver spare wheel with jack

  • CO2 (g/km): 162
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • Noise Level dB(A): 70
  • HC: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 206

  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 15.5:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 9 SPEED
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3
  • CC: 1950

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 31
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 35.8
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 40.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 34.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 36.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.8

  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E
  • Service Interval Mileage: 25000
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 163
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • AdBlue: True
  • Coin Series: AMG Line[Extra Long]
  • Coin Description: d
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 38.7
  • Engine Power - KW: 120
  • Engine Power - RPM: 3800
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 280
  • Engine Torque - NM: 380
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1250
  • Engine Power - BHP: 163
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.2
  • Top Speed: 121

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: True
  • Wheel Style: 7 TWIN SPOKE
  • Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: SPACE SAVER
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R19

  • Width (including mirrors): 2249
  • Height: 1908
  • Length: 5370
  • Width: 1928
  • Wheelbase: 3430

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 2096
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 3100
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1410
  • No. of Seats: 8
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 1004
  • Max. Roof Load: 150
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 6600
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.5

  • Pre installation for air dock for rear plug and play accessory kit: £0

  • Cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter: Included
  • Reversing camera: Included
  • 360 degree surround camera: £350

  • Smartphone integration: £450

  • Burmester surround sound system with 15 speakers and 640W DSP multi channel amplifier: £705
  • Frontbass loudspeakers: Included

  • Towing pack - V Class: £785
  • Driver assistance pack - V Class: £1,770
  • 7 Seat pack - V Class: £0
  • Memory pack - V Class: £1,280

  • Metallic - Hyacinth red: £0
  • Metallic - Dark graphite grey: £0
  • Metallic - Cavansite blue: £0
  • Metallic - Brilliant silver: £0
  • Metallic - Obsidian black: £0
  • Metallic - Rock crystal white: £0

  • Nappa leather - Black: £0
  • Nappa leather - Silk beige: £0

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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