Mercedes-Benz India has officially launched the V-Class in India. Available in two variants – Expression and Exclusive, the third-gen of the MPV takes a CBU route to India. With an introductory price of Rs 68.40 lakhs, the V-Class carves out a niche for itself with no direct competition in the country. Here is everything you need to know about the all-new Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
In the international markets, the V-Class has been around since 1996. The model launched in India was introduced in 2014, and this is the first time that the V-Class is officially being sold by the German carmaker in India. The MPV is available in both six and seven-seat options. The former is available in Exclusive Line while the latter can be had in the Expression Line.
The Expression trim comes with the 'extra-long wheelbase' of 3,430mm which is 230mm longer than the Exclusive’s 3,200mm wheelbase. The overall length of the Expression extra-long wheelbase is 5,370 mm while the Exclusive’s overall length is 5,140mm. The Exclusive Line sits on 17-inch alloy wheels whereas the Exclusive Line has 16-inch wheels.
Features-wise, it is equipped with Nappa leather upholstery with silk beige, maroon, and black finish, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting, rear window opening with parcel shelf, high-performance LED headlamps, a 360-degree camera with Active Park Assist, adaptable suspension with selective damping, and a Table Package in the Exclusive guise. The Expressive Line comes with 16-inch wheels, Comfort suspension package, black Lugano leather upholstery, reversing camera and Pre Safe attention assist. Both variants get two-zone automatic AC with rear control units, touchpad with handwriting recognition, and six airbags.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, it generates 160bhp and 400Nm of twisting force. Mercedes is offering both versions of the V-Class with a Star Ease Maintenance Package that start at Rs 1.48 lakhs and for a period of two years or 30,000km.
Mercedes-Benz expects the V-Class to be the second car in a luxury household that already owns a Three-Pointed Star. Following that, the carmaker will also sell the V-Class to fleet operators once the speed governs are installed. In the Indian car market, the V-Class comes as an alternative to executive sedans such as the BMW 5 Series in the 530d M Sport trim or the Mercedes-Benz’s very own E-Class in the E350d guise.
The Land Rover Evoque Convertible and the Mercedes’ C-Class Convertible are a cheeky choice for someone looking for a niche product. Audi’s S5 Sportback or the TT, Ford Mustang, and the BMW M2 Competition will provide all the thrill of driving for the price of this people mover. But an SUV is the order for the day, there are multiple choices for the price of the new V-Class such as the BMW X5, Porsche Macan R4, Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Volvo XC90.
