It may have the presence of a van, but the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is one of the most luxurious vehicles you can buy in many respects, and is highly customisable with multiple seating configurations. It’s particularly popular in the VIP chauffeur and airport transfer businesses as a result, where the spaciousness, high quality trim and sheer space on offer make it stand out, as does the brand cachet of that Mercedes-Benz badge. Available in Long and Extra Long body-styles, it offers genuine space for up to eight adults and their luggage, with a choice of powerful diesel engines or the fully electric EQV for those looking for an electric alternative.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is built for a purpose, as not everyone wants a luxury MPV. But for those who do, there’s little to beat it – the V-Class’s sumptuous interior, flexible seating layouts, massive luggage capacity and high-tech infotainment mean it’s probably the most desirable large, luxury MPV that you can buy. It has never sold in huge numbers, but that means used examples are in big demand.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe new Mercedes-Benz V-Class starts from £78,390 for the Premium trim, with AMG Line and Exclusive models rising to £95,490, or beyond if you add bespoke options. The flagship V300d Exclusive Extra Long can exceed £100,000 if you really go to town. Used models from 2023 typically range from £60,000–£75,000, with older examples (2018–2021) available from £25,000–£45,000 on AA Cards, depending on mileage, options and specification. The EQV electric variant starts from around £93,025, but offers lower running costs and zero-emissions motoring.
The most common versions of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class are those with one of the two 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engines. The V220d produces 163bhp and 380 Nm of torque, achieving 0–62 mph in 11.0 seconds and delivering up to 39.2 mpg. For those seeking more power, the V300d delivers 237bhp and 500 Nm of torque t, allowing it to go from 0–62 mph in 7.8 seconds, with a combined fuel consumption of up to 37.2 mpg. Both come with a nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic and are rear-wheel-drive. The electric EQV has 201bhp and a range of up to 213 miles (WLTP). Rapid charging is supported, enabling a boost from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes at public fast chargers.
The V-Class is based on the chassis of the Vito van and despite being well-insulated and damped, there are times when this is notable. The ride is comfortable, especially with passengers aboard, but rough surfaces can make it feel a bit bouncy, especially when unladen. The steering is light and accurate, making city driving and parking surprisingly easy for such a large vehicle, and visibility is impressive, aided by a suite of cameras and sensors.
The V-Class is designed to look after those in the back more than those doing the driving, so that means it’s not exactly sharp to drive – but it’s pleasant enough and handling is safe and predictable, if not exactly rewarding. Its long wheelbase and wide track provide stability, and the cabin remains quiet at speed. The Extra Long version is particularly comfortable, with rear climate control and plush seating.
Mercedes has gone to great lengths to differentiate the V-Class from the Vito on which it is based, using high-quality, luxurious materials to make it stand out. All models get leather upholstery, wood and metal accents and soft-touch surfaces throughout. The dashboard features twin 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting in 64 colours, and a raft of touch-sensitive controls. The seating layout is superb – there are seven seats as standard, or eight in the Extra Long. Middle-row seats can face forwards or backwards, and all rear seats slide, recline, and can be removed for maximum cargo space. Given the nature of its target market, electric sliding doors and a powered tailgate are also standard.
One thing you won’t struggle with where the V-Class is concerned is boot space with all of the seats in place, boot space is 610–1,410 litres (Long/Extra Long), expanding to a colossal 4,630 litres with the seats taken out. The tailgate glass opens separately for easy loading in tight spaces. Cabin storage is decent, with large bins, cupholders, and clever cubbies, while there are also multiple cup holders and oddments trays for those in the rear.
Technology truly shines in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, thanks to Mercedes-Benz’s superb MBUX infotainment platform. The dashboard features twin 12.3-inch MBUX screens, delivering crisp visuals and intuitive controls for both driver and passenger. These high-resolution displays manage everything from navigation and entertainment to vehicle settings, and offer touch, voice, and gesture support for effortless operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard. Higher trims feature a premium Burmester audio system, which is superb, and multi-zone climate control ensures that each passenger can tailor their own temperature.
The V-Class is offered in multiple trim levels: Sport, AMG Line, and Exclusive for the diesels, and Sport and Premium for the EQV. Sport trim features LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera. The AMG Line gains 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, sportier exterior styling, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and a powered tailgate. Exclusive trim introduces further luxury with Nappa leather, a panoramic glass sunroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, Burmester surround sound, and advanced driver assistance features.
Exclusive models can also be specified with individual executive rear seats, folding tables, and a rear entertainment package. The EQV Sport trim echoes that of the diesel, but Premium trim has unique EQ styling cues, 18-inch aero wheels, and additional electric-specific features such as pre-conditioning and enhanced navigation for charging. In terms of exterior colour options, buyers can choose from a range including Obsidian Black, Cavansite Blue, Selenite Grey, Brilliant Silver, Hyacinth Red, and Arctic White. Interior choices are available in Artico man-made leather, Lugano leather, or Nappa leather, with a selection of light or dark finishes and wood or aluminium trim accents.
In terms of safety, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing. Breaking down the scores, it secured 93% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection, 67% for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists), and 90% for its safety assist systems. These results place it among the safest vehicles in its class, with Mercedes’ suite of advanced driver assistance features—including Active Brake Safety and Reliability In terms of EuroNCAP crash performance, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class achieved a five-star rating. It achieved 93% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection, 67% for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists), and 90% for its safety assist systems. It also gets Mercedes’s suite of advanced driver assistance features—including Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Crosswind Assist. The V-Class is backed by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, with the EQV electric model’s battery covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
As a diesel vehicle, the V-Class produces CO₂ emissions between 185 and 232 g/km, depending on engine and specification. Its official WLTP fuel economy varies between 35.8 and 39.2 mpg for the V220d and V300d, with real-world figures typically in the high 20s to mid-30s. The EQV, as a pure electric vehicle, produces zero CO₂ emissions and offers an official WLTP range of up to 213 miles, with energy consumption figures ranging from 2.7 to 3.1 miles per kWh, depending on driving conditions.
All V-Classes are subject to the Expensive Car VED Supplement. Diesel models have first-year VED ranging from £1,565 to £2,365 depending on emissions, then £620 a year from years two to six, and £195 after that. For the EQV, a standard rate of £10 applies for the first year, but it still attracts the same £620 a year charge from years two to six. Insurance groups are between 37 and 48.
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