With an eye on Chinese, Mercedes-Benz V-Class arrives for R$ 834.900, but lacks in one detail

Mercedes-Benz officially presented its 7-seater luxury minivan to serve a segment that has been growing more and more in Brazil: executive transport. The target audience ranges from CEOs of large companies to artists, private transport companies that want to offer a premium experience and families with high purchasing power.

The model, manufactured in Vitoria, Spain, arrives via import and will be offered in two versions:

• V 300 Avantgarde: R$ 729.900
• V 300 Elegance: R$ 834.900,00

Both versions are equipped with the same engine: the M254 gasoline, with a mild hybrid system and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The set delivers 231 horsepower and 37,7 kgfm of torque, coupled to the 9G-Tronic transmission — the family box that already equips the automatic Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, but with some adaptations.

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Pre-sale

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class 300 is already on pre-sale and has the first deliveries scheduled for November, with some units already ordered. The model arrives with a 4-year warranty with no mileage limit and maintenance package options.

Among the competitors are the aforementioned DENZA D9 with a price of R$ 750 thousand, Kia Carnival with a price of R$ 684.990 and the Zeekr 009 with a price range between R$ 600 thousand to R$ 700 thousand.

Comfort on board and the automaker’s

slide In the driver’s seat, the model is equipped with the widescreen cockpit — a single, wide screen that integrates the instrument panel and the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system — as well as mirroring and wireless charging for smartphones, touchpad and Burmester 3D sound system. The model also has heating in the front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The vehicle, built on the same base as the Vito (a model that has already had a stint in Brazil), has 7 seats: 2 in the front and two rows in the back. And this is where the differences arise.

Both versions have the same seating arrangement (2 in the front and 2 rows in the back, the first with two individual seats). However, while in the Avantgarde version there is the possibility of easily removing the seats and reversing their position — placing them facing the last row of 3 seats —, the automaker points out that this modularity creates an ideal environment for meetings or conversations.

In the Elegance version, the two central seats offer greater comfort and features such as air conditioning, footrest and induction charger. However, due to the volume of features and wiring of these seats, the reversal of position requires a visit to the dealership to perform the service – a procedure for which the automaker did not disclose time or cost.

And what would be the sin of the automaker?

I recognize that the model is very well equipped and brings attention-grabbing treats — such as ambient lighting with 64 colors (although not so essential). But what really drew attention in a negative way was the lack of an internal refrigerator, an item offered as standard on the competitor DENZA D9 and that would make a huge difference.

Questioned, the automaker acknowledged the shortage, but mentioned that it is already working with implementers so that the model receives the feature. In addition to the refrigerator, the inclusion of an internal screen/TV is being studied, an ideal item for the family audience with high purchasing power.

The V-Class also has a 1,410-liter trunk, with access through the rear window or through the full opening of the lid, which is electric (with opening and closing by button). The sliding side doors also have automatic activation: just pull the handle and they open, and the closing can be done by a button located on the column.

Overall, what do we think?

In a quick test drive shared with two other journalists, the V-Class impressed in several points. Even though it is a 5.37-meter-long vehicle, it moves very well, favored by the parking package with a 360° camera, which makes maneuvering much easier.

The digital interior rearview mirror is also eye-catching, although it causes a slight visual distortion at first — something easy to get used to. The engine goes well, and the manufacturer declares a time from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, which I didn’t want to put to the test.

It is a model with a high price, focused on the top of the category. However, the lack of a refrigerator from the factory leaves something to be desired — mainly because there is an ideal vacant space between the front seats, conveying the feeling that the item should be there. A dedicated rear screen is also missing.