Currently reading: New 2019 Mercedes V-Class MPV gains more power

Refreshed large MPV gains new diesel engine, revised styling and features from elsewhere in the Mercedes range

Mercedes has updated its Mercedes Mercedes-Benz V-Class with refreshed exterior and interior styling and a new 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 236bhp in its highest state of tune.

The large MPV, based on the Vito van, was first launched in 2014 and has now been updated to bring its styling and technology more in line with the rest of the Mercedes range. It will continue to be offered in three different sizes (Standard, Long and Extra Long) and will be followed towards the end of ths year by Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon campervan versions.

The previous V-Class’s 2.1-litre diesel engine has been switched for Mercedes' four-cylinder OM654 unit, which will be available in two states of tune. The V250d produces 187bhp and 324lb ft, matching the output of the previous highest spec, while the V300d makes 236bhp and 369lb ft, with the ability to briefly offer an additional 22lb ft in an ‘over-torque’ mode under acceleration. It has a 0-62mph time of 7.9sec and a top speed of 136mph.

Depending on bodystyle, both the V250d and V300d have official fuel economy of between 44.84 and 47.88mpg and emit between 154 and 165g/km of CO2. Mercedes says the V250d offers fuel savings of around 13% over its predecessor. A lower-spec V220d is expected to follow later, matching the entry level offering of the current V-Class.

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The previous seven-speed automatic gearbox has been replaced by a new nine-speed unit, with retuned Comfort and Sport driving modes. Three different chssis versions will be available with differing suspension settings, although all UK cars will get the Agility Control suspension. British buyers will be able to choose from Sport and AMG Line trims, with the latter featuring a bespoke grille design.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, with permanent four-wheel-drive available as an option in Europe, although it will not be offered in the UK. Automatic emergency braking is offered for the first time, alongside other driver aids including blindspot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.

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The revamped interior features a new-look dashboard that includes a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen and air vents inspired by those in the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. There is also nappa leather upholstery taken from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It retains a large sliding panoramic roof, a centre console with an integrated toolbox and temperature-controlled cup holders.

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The V-Class will be offered with four individual seats in two rows as standard but can be fitted with up to seven seats if two three-wide benches are selected. The second row can be fitted with luxury seats taken from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that feature back massage and climate control functions.

The V-Class will continue to be built alongside the Vito at Mercedes' plant in Vitoria, Spain. Order books will open in February, with UK deliveries by June. UK prices are yet to be set, but they're expected to cost around £1000 more than the outgoing model, which begin at £51,700 for the V250d version.

Mercedes has sold 209,000 examples of the V-Class since it replaced the Viano in 2014, including 64,000 in 2018 - a year-on-year rise of 7.7%. That was partly due to the model launching in China in 2016 and Hong Kong last year. It has also recently been launched in India.

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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jag150 1 February 2019

This article is poorly

This article is poorly researched. As far as I understand it the OM654 is a 2 litre not a 2.1. Also it states up to 7 seats. 8 seats was the norm in all but the previous 4.8m length van. As far as I understand it, 8 seats are to be offered in all lengths in the new one.The 7 seat Caravalle is missing a trick, it offers no more seating than a Sharan. Having hired a new Custom Tourneo auto recently, I would buy a nearly new one, in preference to a V Class.
AddyT 31 January 2019

Would still take a Caravelle

Would still take a Caravelle over one of these. Personal preference.

Paul Dalgarno 31 January 2019

How many of these are sold in the uk?

It’s a poshly trimmed and very expensive van, or am I missing something? I’ll probably get to experience one for airport parking transfer one day I suppose. 

jag150 2 February 2019

In London,they are everywhere

In London,they are everywhere. Outside investment banks, hedge funds and assist managers mainly.
jag150 2 February 2019

Asset managers.

Asset managers.