The Mercedes-Benz V-Class received a subtle facelift towards the end of 2019, and we were happy to receive the V250d variant for an extended test during the festive season – a perfect test for any luxury bus's talents.

We like:Spaciousness, build quality, clever/practical features, touring economy

We don't like:Lacks some features at this price (electrically adjustable front seats, for example), outdated infotainment system

Fast Facts

Price:R1 027 686(January 2020, without options)Engine:2.1-litre 4-cylinder, turbodieselGearbox:7-speed automaticFuel economy:6.5 L/100 km (claimed)Power/Torque:140 kW/440 NmPerformance:0-100 kph in 9.6 sec(claimed)

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Where does it fit in?

The easiest way to spot a facelifted V-Class is the revised front bumper and, in the case of this test unit, the diamond studded grille.

The MPV, as it turns out, is not dead. For a significant number of buyers a 7-seat SUV or crossover simply offers neither enough packing space, nor enough third-row legroom. And while most of these family-oriented minivans have their origins in more utilitarian, or commercial-market targeted vehicles, the companies that make them have found a ready market for more luxurious, yet still very practical offerings. That's why, in 2018, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class had its best sales year ever (64 000 units sold), and why the likes of the Volkswagen Caravelle and, more lately, the new Toyota Quantum, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Even Lexus is getting in on the act!

But sitting at the top of the pile in terms of brand appeal, at the very least for now, is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, slightly refreshed towards the end of 2019 and sporting some new design as well as safety touches. Is it worth the more than R1 million outlay? We spent a month with a V250d during the festive season to find out.

How it faresin terms of…

Design & Packaging

A very practical touch is the separately opening tailgate glass, particularly because the tailgate itself requires lots of muscle to close.

The German brand likes to talk of the V-Class being the "Mercedes-Benz" of MPVs, positioning it as a premium offering in what could be perceived as an otherwise largely utilitarian vehicle segment. The late-2019 facelift attempted to bring the big Benz's design into line with more of the marque's later offerings, and as such it gained a new bumper and more modern grille treatment, complete with diamond radiator chrome pins on vehicles equipped with the AMG Line package, such as this one.

Our test unit also sported large 19-inch wheels with black detailing (more on the tyres fitted to them a bit later) and a panoramic sunroof. Finished in dark metallic blue and with just the right amount of chrome and window tinting, this V250d looked suitably upmarket, and definitely not like a commercial van.

It's a very large vehicle, though, which is something to keep in mind when purchasing especially if you're looking for a family vehicle that's mostly going to be used around town. The 3 200mm wheelbase makes manoeuvring in tight spots quite tricky, but thankfully our test vehicle was equipped with a bird's-eye view camera system. At times we wished the front park sensors would activate a bit sooner, though. It's worth noting that with a height of 1 880mm, the V-Class is lower than the Caravelle and Quantum, and it comfortably clears all underground parking scenarios we encountered.

Modernised cabin features new trim materials and ventilation outlets. Sadly, no MBUX…

The advantage of that big footprint and box-like body is, of course, massive interior space. As standard the V-Class is a 6-seater, but our test unit featured the more traditional 2/2/3 seating configuration, with a neat pop-up table in the middle row. There's more than enough space for 7 occupants, though ultimately the V-Class is bested in this regard by the 9-seater Quantum.

The big advantage that these large minivans have over, for example, 7-seat SUVs, is that they retain usable luggage space even when all the seats are occupied. "Our" V250d had a split-level boot with a removable divider at chest height that can also be folded forward. Lift a flap on this "table" and two collapsible shopping baskets are revealed. These came in very handy during our holiday, as it stops items (like watermelons, for example) from rolling around. We also appreciate the ability to open the rear tailgate glass separately, because the tailgate itself is very heavy to close. Rear passengers also get their own climate control system, with the controls mounted in the rooflining.

Performance & Efficiency

Great long-distance cruiser – we averaged 8.5L/100 km during our test period.

The V250d is powered by a 2.1L 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 140kW and 440Nm of torque, the latter figure available from 1 400 to 2 400 rpm. The engine is mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission and, surprisingly for a vehicle like this, there are even gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel and a "Sport" mode. Stomp on the throttle from a standing start and you should be able to get the hefty V-Class to 100kph in 9,1 seconds, says Mercedes-Benz.

But sprinting performance is not what this bus is about. It's got long legs, and prefers the open road where it cruises in a relaxed, quiet and efficient fashion, yet has the power in reserve to execute overtaking manouevres when required. We travelled long distances with all seats taken, and the boot loaded to maximum capacity, yet achieved a fuel consumption average of 8.5L/100km, which is not to be sniffed at. Mercedes-Benz's claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 6.5L/100L/100km by comparison, which would be very difficult to achieve, even when using the "E" mode which optimises the drivetrain for efficiency.

Ride & Handling

Optional 19-inch wheels do a lot to lift the V250d from its "van" origins, but replacement tyres are very, very pricey.

You sit high in the V-Class, with a commanding, SUV-like view of your surroundings. While the facia design with its new air-vents and trim materials may look sedan car-like, there's no getting away from the fact that you're behind the wheel of something big. Manoeuvring in tight spots is a nerve-wracking affair, even with the bird's-eye view camera as the long wheelbase makes clipping a kerb a regular potential hazard. That said, the steering is light, so at least you'll not be sweating because of exertion.

Soon after taking delivery of the V250d, we encountered a problem. The tyre pressure monitoring system informed us that the left front tyre had lost pressure, and upon inspection, appeared to be accurate. We had a flat. Fitted with optional 19-inch wheels on245/45 rubber, we knew the fix was not going to be cheap! After a few fruitless attempts at the nearest tyre outlets, we found a replacement tyre at Tiger Wheel & Tyre for R3 334,20. Somewhat more alarming than the price was the claim that there were only 2 such tyres in stock in the country!

Other than that, we enjoyed the V-Class driving experience. Even with the big wheels and low-profile rubber the ride quality remains good, and it handles surface changes well. Cabin insulation is also good. With the active cruise control set at 120kph, the V250d was a quiet, relaxed place to spend time in. The new cruise control system will bring the V250d to a dead stop when needed, too.

Priceand warranty (January 2020)

The V250d sells for R1 027 686 (January 2020) without options. Included in the price is a 2 years/unlimited km warranty and 5-years/100 000km maintenance plan.

Verdict

With its mix of practical features and luxury touches, the V250d is a "dream car" for big families.

The V250d fitted our family's holiday requirements like a glove, impressing with its open-road efficiency, comfort and practicality. We really appreciated touches like the folding baskets in the boot, the collapsing table in the middle row and the openingtailgate glass. Of course, we can nit-pick about a few things… the wheel to manually adjust the backrest angle of the driver's seat is very awkwardly positioned, which highlighted our view that at this price level, an electrically adjustable driver's seat (at least should really be standard). And perhaps we've been spoilt by the MBUX systems in the latest Mercedes-Benz's, but the older COMAND system in the V-Class now feels outdated by comparison, and lacks modern smartphone functionality (Apple Carplay, Android Auto).

Then again, you can always delve into the optional extras list.Luxury seats are available, and those offer reclining and back massage functions as well as air conditioning.

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