Rumors have been circulating for quite some time now that Mercedes ->ke187 will bring a new model to its lineup. And now those rumors are coming true, as the new V-Class set to arrive on the market sometime next year. This is the second time Mercedes-Benz will make use of the V-Class name -- Mercedes still calls the Viano->ke2930 the V-Class in select markets around the globe.

The new V-Class will replace both the Viano and the wildly unsuccessful R-Class->ke369, and will be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show->ke228. Sales will begin shortly after that.

The new V-Class -- codenamed W447 -- will receive a more aggressive design language when compared to the current Viano and a more luxurious interior. The first images reveal an interior with a removable touch pad on the upper section of the center console, and a premium cabin with wood inserts, chocolate leather upholstery and several metallic accents.

Under the hood, we will likely see gasoline and diesel engines, with the most powerful version delivering up to 190 horsepower.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes V-Class.

2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
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Mercedes Viano - History->ke2930

Mercedes used the V-Class name for the first time in 1996 when a multipurpose vehicle based on the popular Mercedes-Benz Vito commercial panel van was launched on the market. The V-Class remained into production until 2004 when it was replaced by the Viano.

The model comes standard as a six or seven seats model, but it can be turned into an eight-seat people carrier by fitting two three-seat benches in the rear.

Depending on the market, the Viano is offered with a choice of four-, six- or eight-cylinder engine.

Competitors

Chrysler Town & Country

While pretty much everyone out there consider the seven-seater Town & Country more like an SUV, not a mini-van, Chrysler's model pretty much does exactly the same as the new V-Class: offer interior room for a very large family.

The 2014 Town & Country is powered by the latest Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 developing 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

The model is priced from $30,530.

2014 Honda Odyssey

Another cheaper alternative for the upcoming Mercedes V-Class is the 2014 Odyssey. Honda's minivan offers interior room for seven passenger - making it also an ideal car for large families, or for those long summer trips that require lots of luggage.

The 2014 Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 producing 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque and comes with either a six or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Honda Odyssey is priced from $28,675.