The Mercedes-Benz V-Class was launched in India in January this year becoming the country’s first full blown luxury van. However, the V-Class that was launched in India was a 2014 model that was offered in two variants – Expression (Rs 68.40 lakh, ex-showroom) and Exclusive (Rs 81.90 lakh, ex-showroom). About 10 months after the 2019 V-Class was unveiled globally, Mercedes-Benz India has finally launched the facelifted V-Class in India at Rs 1.10 crore.
On the outside, the upgrades are minimal. The new V-Class gets a new diamond structure in the radiator grille along with redesigned bumpers. On the inside the brush wood finish on the dashboard of the older model has been replaced with a fresh metallic finish. There’s more kit on offer as well. The van now gets 360-degree parking camera with active park assist, massage and recline function for rear seats and a 640W Burmester surround sound system with 15 speakers and 3 options of alloys. There’s also the company’s ‘AGILITY CONTROL’ suspension with adaptive damping, which basically adjusts suspension characteristics according to road conditions.
In terms of powertrain, the V-Class Elite gets a 2.0-litre, in-line four cylinder diesel engine that makes 160bhp and 380Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission for the first time and more importantly, this engine is now BS6 compliant. Due to this, the power figures have dropped slightly. The V-Class is now slower to a ton by 0.1 seconds. But that shouldn’t be an issue for most people as the van doesn’t focus on performance. It’s aim is to cocoon its occupants in luxury while offering oodles of space and practicality.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz V-Class will only be offered in the top-of-the-line Elite variant that packs all the goodies while the Expression and Exclusive variants will remain on sale under the 2014 version. The van will rival the Toyota Vellfire that will soon be launched in India.