Because of their mundane looks and low-performance specs, vans are usually overlooked at auto shows. But the Mercedes-Benz V-Class that just debuted in Geneva shouldn't be one of them. Although it's not a brand-new vehicle, the third-gen V-Class boasts a few impressive features.

That Angry Face!

While the V-Class' main purpose is to haul people from A to B or provide space for large families, it's more than just a box on wheels with car-like features. The van's front fascia is just as sporty as any Mercedes out there. It has big vents with horizontal blades in the bumper, a splitter-like element just below the central intake, a dotted grille seen on most of Merc's cars, and swept-back headlamps. The headlamps, the pointy grille, and the heavily sculpted engine hood give the front fascia an aggressive look you won't see on other vans.

Granted, the profile and the rear end are just as boxy as any commercial van, but the two-tone wheels, the body-colored mirror caps, and the blacked-out window trim set it apart as a more premium offering. The V-Class is no ordinary van!

Leather everywhere!

The van's interior was revised in order to look more like Mercedes' smaller cars. It now features turbine-style A/C vents, a cleaner center stack, and a big infotainment display at the top of the dashboard. It still looks like a van inside the cabin, but it's a fancier proposition that reminds me of premium SUVs instead of people movers.

The massive wood trim on the dashboard looks amazing, but it's the big amount of leather you can find in this van that places the V-Class above the competition. You can now order a new "tartufo" Nappa leaher option for an elegant look, but you can also select the Lugano leather hide in either black or silk beige for a classy appearance. While these are standard on the more expensive models, Nappa leather is standard on every trim, also in black or silk beige.

What's more, you can combine any of them with trim elements in either ebony wood, carbon-fibre, or brushed aluminum, so you basically have access to tens of possible combinations.

S-Class comfort

You have to pay more for optional features, but the Germans promise a premium sedan-like experience. And I'm not talking about the LED-illuminated cup holsters or the coolbox in the center console, but the luxury seats with fully reclining functions, massage, and climatisation. They come with three different massage intensities, three climatisation stages, and what looks like a comfortable design with plenty of lateral support and big armrests. These seats are standard on the Exclusive trim and optional on the other models, so you'll have to pay more to haul your friends or family in extra comfort.

Powerful Diesel

It charges to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and it can reach a top speed of 137 mph. Granted, it's nowhere near as quick and powerful as an AMG-badged Mercedes, but it's not slow either. Fuel consumption is pretty good too, rated at 6.3 to 5.9 liters per 100 km (44.9 to 47.9 mpg U.K.) with this oil burner.

Electric Future

Note: 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC pictured here.


Mercedes will take yet another step into the future with V-Class by adding an electric drivetrain in 2020. Previewed by the Concept EQV, the all-electric V-Class will join the existing eVito commercial van and the upcoming eSprinter, set to arrive in the second half of 2019.

2019 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Specs

Engine

Four-cylinder diesel

Horsepower

239

Torque

369 pound-feet

0-62 mph

7.9 seconds

Top Speed

137 mph


Further Reading

Read our full review on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class AMG Line.

Read our full review on the Custom Mercedes-Maybach V-Class.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC.