2016 Mercedes-Benz V250 Avantgarde REVIEW – Pricey, But Unbridled Luxury And Refinement
YOU’LL COMMONLY SEE IT PULLED UP OUTSIDE THE BETTER HOTELS, IN CONVOY TO THE CASINO OR DEPOSITING CELEBS ON THE RED CARPET – THAT’S THE MERCEDES-BENZ V 250.
It also has the honour of being the priciest people carrier in the land at $85,500 (+orc).
Based on the Vito commercial van, the V 250 carries one of the best badges in the game and offers loads of space and upmarket 'passenger car' luxuries and technologies.
But is that enough to win the hearts and wallets of families now that there is a plethora of affordable competitors? Or will it remain firmly entrenched in the hands of commercial operators doing the executive shuttle between the airport and hotel?
Vehicle Style: Five-door People-Mover
Price: $85,500 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 140kW/4400Nm (overtorque - 150kW/480Nm) 2.1 4cyl twin-turbo diesel | 7sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.3 l/100km | tested: 8.4 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The V-Class debuted here in 1996 and, almost 20 years later, returns in the shape of an all-new, single model V 250 Avantgarde, replacing the Viano and Valente models.
Like the discontinued R-Class from the 2000’s, the V 250 is focussed on people-moving and comes with a premium look and feel as well as improvements to comfort, functionality and safety.
Driving its rear wheels is a powerful and economical 2.1 litre turbo diesel engine and seven-speed auto; that combo makes this large people mover equally enjoyable whether at the wheel or occupying the seats behind.