Mercedes-Benz Viano Review
After the revived E, the reborn A and the second coming of the ML, Mercedes-Benz's Viano people-mover is something completely different but not as appealing.
Benz, however, seems to be finding a small but consistent number of buyers for this commercial van-based Viano in the more well-heeled suburbs since it went on sale earlier this year.
Only those with a sizeable budget can afford the Viano's pricing, which starts at $61,900 for the base model Trend turbo-diesel, and climbs all the way to $74,900 for the 3.7-litre (badged 3.5 in that inimitably confusing German way) petrol V6 in the higher-specification Ambiente trim tested here.
For all that dosh you get a front-engined, rear-wheel drive drivetrain housed within a monocoque body structure. The cab-forward body sits on a long 3200 mm wheelbase and is nearly 5 m long, with two manual side-sliding doors and a massive tailgate that opens a full 90 degrees on gas struts.
The cab-forward design maximises passenger space so it feels like there's enough room to kick a footy. There are seven seats, two in front, two rear-facing buckets in the second row and three buckets facing them. All the rear seats flip and fold, move along tracks and can even be removed. But you can't get back there from the front without getting out as fold-down armrests block the way.
Ambiente specification means all the seats are leather trimmed, as is the steering wheel and dash-mounted gearshift. There is also a burr walnut effect (fake) across the dash and in the doors. There are two side airbags, as well as the two front airbags offered with Trend, a six-stack CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/55 Continental tyres and rear air suspension that can lower to aid loading.
All that comes on top of the standard equipment level that includes stability and traction control, ABS anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), height adjustable headrests and lap-sash belts for all passengers, climate control with front and rear controls, cruise control, fog lights, a multi-function steering wheel, a trip computer, tinted glass and power windows that go up and down at the front and in and out at the rear.
It's a long list, but the Viano cries out for one more item: Benz calls it Parktronic, otherwise known as parking radar. With its steeply sloping nose, a tail that is back yonder and width of more than 1.9 metres, manoeuvring a Viano around an average suburban shopping centre car park can be a nerve-racking exercise. Parktronic would be a big help.
Out on the open road the Viano is a much more sensible and enjoyable drive. The steering is accurate enough in a ponderous sort of way, and the rear-wheel drive configuration gives Viano a handling balance despite noticeable body roll. There's a good ride aided by the long wheelbase, although there's crash and body shake over the bigger holes and lateral corrugations.
The engine, from the old SOHC three-valve family, is lusty enough, producing 170 kW and 345 Nm. It hauls the 2.1 tonne Viano along with some verve, aided by a short geared but well calibrated five-speed automatic transmission with a semi-manual mode.
It does get noisy through the mid-range under harder acceleration - to a level that would be deemed unacceptable in a Benz passenger car - and on this test it couldn't get anywhere near the claimed 11.8 litre fuel consumption rate. Mid-14s would seem to be a more accurate result. That's on PULP, too.
From the passenger pews the verdict was a thumbs up for the adjustable, comfortable chairs that can recline to 38 degrees, and plentiful cup and bottle storage. The space meant less fighting (among the children that is), while the youngest member of the clan got to take in the scenery rather than view only the sky as is often the case in other vehicles. And there's plentiful boot space, even with the rear seats set well back; adjusted forward and the holiday luggage is accounted for.
But the Viano is not a cutting-edge Benz of the latest generation. The interior - particularly up-front - is a let-down. Trim and plastics don't look or feel that good, there's some pretty crook panel gaps, and some of the instrumentation is almost impossible to read in direct light. The lack of power adjustment for the front seats seems cheap, too.
Sure the Viano's just a van, but it's priced close to the new ML350 tested last week. It has two fewer seats but a significantly higher level of quality and sophistication.
The Viano has terrific carrying space but it's the sort of vehicle that will be loved by a tiny minority and - understandably - ignored by most.
What's it got?
Split-climate control; remote central locking; audio system with six-CD in-dash player; cruise control; leather trim; multifunction steering wheel with manual height and reach adjustment; alloy wheels; roof rails; trip computer; power windows; tinted glass.
What's missing?
Powered front seats; power steering column adjustment; curtain airbags; front and rear parking sensors.