Khulekani On Wheels
    • Car Reviews
    • Car News
    • Electric
    • Videos
    • Travel
    • About
    • Contact

    Updated V-Class launches in Spain

    By khulekani / on April 15th, 2019 / in Car Reviews, featured

    Updated V-Class launches in Spain

    By khulekani / on April 15th, 2019 / in Car Reviews, featured

    By Khulekani Dumisa

    Recently we travelled to Spain to attend the international launch of the updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Introduced in 2014, the V-Class has attracted good numbers for Mercedes-Benz being virtually the only luxurious MPV on offer in the market. Minor tweaks have been made to ensure that Mercedes-Benz maintains its lead in this arena.

    Interior

    The interior receives subtle tweaks to the dashboard with new S-Class like air-vents in a sportier turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Other changes are the addition of new interior finishes. These include the addition of the new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo nappa leather. Making the interior even more striking will be the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and side panelling. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain.

    The big interior change (which hasn’t been confirmed for South Africa yet) is the introduction of new luxury seats for the middle row. These seats have a reclining, massage and heating function. We were driven in the V-Class with these seats and felt that although the ride quality of the V-Class doesn’t match that of the S-Class, the addition of the luxury seats certainly increases the lavish appeal of the V-Class. Your boss will want them.

    Exterior

    On the exterior, the V-Class benefits from new front bumpers which extend outward to make the V-Class appear wider and sportier. The new AMG line gets a new diamond grille which makes the vehicle stand out. Those looking for more style will appreciate the addition of new colours – graphite grey metallic, selenite grey metallic steel blue and hyacinth red metallic. We are particularly fond of the latter colour. Finally, four new light-alloy wheel designs complete the chic exterior look of the updated V-Class. These include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish, 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design, or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design, and black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.

    New engine and transmission

    The range gets a new four cylinder OM 654 diesel engine in three power outputs: V 220 d with 120 kW/380 Nm, V 250 d with 140 kW/440 Nm and V 300 d with 176 kW/500 Nm. Unfortunately, the new V 300 d engine is not coming to South Africa. The reason given is that the certification standard is ahead of what is offered in South Africa. This means South Africa loses out on the new 9 speed transmission as well. The engines that are currently in use in South Africa will continue in the updated range.

    We did get to drive the V300 and there’s a noticeable power difference between it and the V250 that is now on offer in Europe. Surprisingly the difference does not feel so vast as to justify going for it unless you really need the extra power. The difference is most noticeable at take-off and when overtaking, both which can be done quite quickly in the V300. Once you get going on the highway, things feel relatively the same, and this includes acceleration when you get to high speeds. The 9 speed transmission works well and shifts accurately but almost the same can be said about the transmission that’s available in the South African market at the moment.

    Overall the updates to the V-Class will give the vehicle more appeal. Only time will tell if South Africa eventually gets the new engine and transmission, and the luxury seats at the back.

    The V-Class will launch in South Africa during the third quarter of 2019.

     

    Categories: Car Reviews, featured  /  Tags: Luxury Benz MPV, Luxury MPV, Mercedes-Benz V-Class South Africa, Merceds-Benz Bus, Update V-Class, V-Class
  • Comment

  • Leave a comment Cancel

    Leave a comment
  • Comment

  • Next articleOfficial images of Mercedes-Benz GLS leaked

    By Staff Reporter Right before its official debut set for next month at the New York Aut...

  • Previous articleMazda wants to challenge Golf GTI with ‘Hyper’ hatch

    By Staff Reporter The possibilities of Mazda to introduce a Golf GTI-eating hatchback could ...

  • More & Related Articles

    Honda updates its BR-V SUV

    By Staff Reporter The BR-V is one of the most recognisable members of the local Honda family has made interior and exterior changes to the compact seven-seater to...

    Launched: We get a taste of BMW’s updated 3 Series range in Hartebeespoort

    By Otsile Kadiege BMW South Africa recently invited us to the local launch of the eagerly awaited 3 Series range which coincided with the all-new BMW X1 launch....

    Renault Koleos gets minor tech and looks upgrades

    By Sala Masindane The flagship Renault Koloes has received minor changes, gaining more tech and luxury features. Exterior The new Renault Koleos will now feature a more pronounced...

    Rare Super Snake and ultra-rare Super Snake Speedster to mark Carol Shelby’s 98th anniversary

    By Otsile Kadiege To celebrate the 98th anniversary of founder Carroll Shelby, a matching number of Super Snakes will be produced, while the Shelby Speedster will be even...

    New high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled

    By Otsile Kadiege The wraps have officially been lifted off the second-generation, high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor. Ford says the new Ranger Raptor takes things to the next -level...

    Shot left to Hazyview with the Renault Duster

    The Duster I would be lying if I said that this car has striking good looks, but it wasn’t too bad looking either. I must be honest, I...

    Mercedes-Benz SA announces locally converted 23-seater Sprinter Inkanyezi

    By Otsile Kadiege The local arm of the three-pointed star automaker has unveiled the all-new Sprinter Inkanyezi – isiZulu for ‘the Star’ – which is a 23-seater that will...

    BMW expands iX1 range with eDrive20 derivative

    By Otsile Kadiege The fully-electric BMW iX1 was previously solely available with one model derivative – the xDrive30. The Munich-based automaker recently added a new grade called eDrive20....

    COVID-19

    STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND VISIT THE OFFICIAL COVID-19 WEBSITE: WWW.SACORONAVIRUS.CO.ZA


    © 2023 Khulekani On Wheels - Managed by Tech Matters