Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Look at this impressive front face!

The model I test drove was the luxurious exclusive model, differentiated by its elegant design featuring a slit and bonnet mascot.

The third-generation V-Class, model W447, has been a long-selling car for 10 years since its launch. Now, it has undergone a second facelift and minor changes, and has been on sale in Japan since this autumn.

Its biggest feature is the exterior, which has undergone changes to the larger front grille and the accompanying bumper design, lighting, etc. Grades are divided into standard and exclusive series, with the former featuring a sporty design with a three-pointed star in the center of the grille, while the latter features an elegant design with slits and a bonnet mascot, making the difference immediately obvious.

An evolved instrument panel with the latest MBUX

The car is equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, which features a large 12.3-inch LCD monitor and is also newly equipped with AI interactive voice control.

The interior has also been redesigned, starting with the dash panel, with 12.3-inch LCD monitors now being used for the meter and infotainment system. The infotainment system can now be controlled not only via a touchpad but also by touching the panel directly, and the MBUX AI interactive voice control system has also been newly installed.

There are no changes to the seating arrangements or layouts depending on the grade. In the Exclusive model, the second row is equipped with independent captain seats with full reclining ottomans and climate control. Its rivals in Japan are naturally the Alphard, and more recently the Lexus LM, but thanks to the larger grille, it is no less impressive at night than either of those.

In terms of mechanics, the engine is an OM654 type 2.0 liter 4-cylinder diesel, and the combined transmission is a 9G-Tronic, which has been carried over from the minor change in 2022. The maximum output of 163 PS and maximum torque of 380 Nm may not seem reliable in numerical terms, but when you actually drive it, it behaves just right, which is typical of European cars. As an aside, I once drove a long distance in a V220d with six adults, and the fuel economy on that occasion was over 15 km/L. With its new power and drivetrain, the V-Class will likely demonstrate efficiency that surpasses its rivals over long distances.

Fully reclining seats with ottomans give you a VIP feel

The Exclusive model is also extremely comfortable, featuring fully reclining seats with ottomans. — [1]

Air suspension is a new feature that supports high-speed travel. While coil suspension, which originated as a commercial vehicle and can sometimes be felt to be stiff under low loads, the new model offers significantly improved comfort when carrying one or two passengers. The benefits of air suspension are likely to be felt most notably in situations where the vehicle is not fully loaded with people or luggage, but in situations where many people use the vehicle on a daily basis.

The ride quality and infotainment have been thoroughly updated, but when you drive it you can feel the German-style rigidity from every angle. The character of the V-Class remains clearly different from that of Japanese models.

The rigidity typical of German cars sets it apart from Japanese minivans.

Mercedes' full-size minivan, the V-Class, has undergone a minor change. It now features a high-quality, powerful exterior, and the interior has been redesigned around the cockpit. It has evolved into an even more attractive large minivan. — Mercedes’ full-size minivan, the V-Class, has undergone a minor change. It now features a high-quality, powerful exterior, and the interior has been redesigned around the cockpit. It has evolved into an even more attractive large minivan.

REPORT／Toshifumi WATANABE

PHOTO／Kunihisa KOBAYASHI

MAGAZINE／GENROQ February 2025 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Mercedes-Benz V 220 d Exclusive Long Platinum Suite

Body size: Length 5140, Width 1930, Height 1880mm

Wheelbase: 3200mm

Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo

Total displacement: 1949cc

Maximum output: 120kW (163PS) / 3800-4400rpm

Maximum torque: 380Nm (38.7kgm) / 1600-2400rpm

Transmission: 9-speed AT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension type: Front MacPherson strut, rear semi-trailing arm

Brakes: Front ventilated disc, rear disc

Tire size: Front and rear 245/45R19

Vehicle price: 13.55 million yen