2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Mercedes Benz Vito, designated W638, was produced from 1996 to 2003. It had two engine options: diesel and gasoline. This body type was available in a more luxurious and pricey variation as the V-Klasse (Viano was replaced with the moniker for the second generation of Vito). The Viano also had fewer van-like characteristics, such as only two front seats and a larger and more spacious seating capacity, than the Vito. The Vito 108 E, a battery-electric variant of the W 638, debuted in 1996 and included a three-phase asynchronous electric traction motor capable of delivering up to 40 kW.

The second generation, designated W639, was produced between 2004 and 2013. Six or seven seats were standard in most markets. The Viano may be modified into an eight-seat people carrier by inserting two three-seater seats in the back. The rear seats can be folded down or removed entirely to increase cargo capacity. Vito was renamed Viano as part of the restoration in 2010. Other changes included standard Blue EFFICIENCY technology, new interior trim materials, a new ambient lighting system with dimmable individual LED reading lamps and fiber optic units, an optional rear seat entertainment system, a redesigned cockpit, and a new suspension with revised and specially tuned front and rear axles for each model.

The third generation V-Class, codenamed W447, was released in 2014 as a full-size MPV to replace the R-Class. It was also advertised as a possible successor to the Mercedes-Benz Viano. The Vito now comes standard with Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist, as well as an optional Intelligent Light System (LED indicators, LED daytime running lamps, LED low-beam headlamps, and main beam with cornering light function).  The eVito, an electric panel van variant based on the W447 chassis, was introduced in 2017. The W447 eVito has higher energy storage than the W639 Vito E-CELL, which has been discontinued. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class has one engine option: a 2.1 L (Diesel) engine coupled to a 7-speed automated transmission.

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class Grades

1. V-Class 220 d MWB- This grade has a sound system with 15 speakers, ambient interior lighting, driver mode selection, 17-inch alloy wheels, a radio compact disk player, satellite navigation, climate control, a memory card reader, and an adjustable speed limiter.
2. V-Class 250 d AVANTGARDE MWB- This grade comes with cruise control, AUX/USB input socket, electronic brake force distribution, Bluetooth connectivity, LED daytime running headlights, heated front seats, illuminated glove compartment box, tire pressure monitoring system, MP3 compatible audio, central locking remote control, multi-function control system, surround camera system, and rear air vents.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The interior of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class is stunning, with an exquisite sweeping dashboard and beautifully crafted dials and switches.

The first row features plenty of headroom and legroom, as well as well-placed seats that comfortably tuck you in. The second and third rows of seats face each other, making it highly distinctive and exceptional. There is considerable knee room, and the seats in the third row can recline to a preferred position.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class features more than enough compartments to store, retain, or hold items such as mobile phones, beverages, documents, and so on.

The first row has a glovebox, two cupholders, and bottle storage. The second and third rows have bottle storage and a pop-up table that can be used to hold a laptop.

Boot Space

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class has a boot size of 21.5 cubic feet. This can be increased when the back seats are folded.

Exterior

The appearance of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class bears more than a passing similarity to a van. The Mercedes-Benz logo is positioned on a horizontal fin at the front, with glittering daytime running lights on either side of the grille. It has a longer wheelbase and twin sliding doors that are automatically opened and closed. If your hands are full of cargo, the rear has an electronically driven tailgate, which could be useful.

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class Safety Features

The 2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class Fuel Consumption

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class 2.1 L diesel engine consumption-  15.8 km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class Acceleration

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class 2.1 L diesel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.1 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class has a ground clearance of 5.2 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

The rack and pinion steering wheel of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class makes it easy to handle because it is quite sensitive, especially in treacherous corners. Its suspension system is well-tuned, so it balances comfort and handling by absorbing bumps and preserving road stability, allowing it to move cargo or transport many people at once.

This multi-purpose vehicle’s stability is further strengthened by its standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TRC) systems.

Reliability

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a dependable multi-purpose vehicle, first because of its ability to handle cargo and second, because it can transport a large number of passengers at once. However, its ground clearance is lower than the minimum level on Kenyan roads, limiting its ability to handle off-road terrain.

Several owners have reported issues with the battery, alternator, and other electrical components. This can cause difficulty starting the car as well as problems with the headlights and other devices.

Refer to the Mercedes Benz V-Class buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Mercedes Benz V-Class Competitors: Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, Volkswagen Caravelle, Ford Tourneo, Toyota Quantum, and Toyota Granvia.

What we like about the 2018 Mercedes Benz V-Class

Immensely spacious and comfortable cabin

Supple ride quality

Large cargo space

Ideal family car

What we don’t

Boxy looks

Depreciates faster

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class has a spacious and opulent interior that may be excellent for those with larger families and a lot of cargo to haul. It also has decent fuel efficiency, making it a fantastic value for money.