V FOR VERY SPECIAL

Despite the global SUV uprising, MPVs have retained significant relevance in Mzansi. This is especially true for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, which has become a symbol of status and wealth and is highly desirable locally. On a recent family outing to the Northwest, the V-Class again proved its worth as a luxury family transporter.

The design of every vehicle plays a role in crafting its desirability. After all, as humans, we are visual creatures. In the MPV segment, where naturally, vehicle design has traditionally followed the function over form ethos, the V-Class – and by extension, the V300d Special Edition – is a handsome standout that captures the essence of luxury regardless of its one-box design.

To finesse its traditionally boxy shape, Mercedes-Benz adorns the V-Class with distinctive LED headlights up front, flanking the AMG-Line grille and front apron. In Special EDITION guise, the V-Class gains lovely 19” alloys, a model-specific Sodalite blue paint, and black exterior trim with darkened lights. 

Another conspicuous addition is the roof box designed by AMG to be both stylish and as efficient as possible. While the design is approachable by all accounts, the V300d Special Edition oozes kerb appeal thanks to exclusive touches and the proud Mercedes star at the front.

FIRST-CLASS CABIN 

You have to venture inside to discover one of the main reasons why the V-Class has always been a cut above the rest. The interior is easily the most luxurious money can buy in the MPV segment. As the range’s flagship model, the Special Edition’s standard cabin appointments are a laundry list of all features available to the V-Class. 

The niceties include a splendid 15-speaker Burmester sound system, heated and cooled cup holders up front, ventilated and heated seats, a 3.2-litre refrigerated compartment, and a separate climate control unit for the rear passengers. 

Unlike newer Mercedes models that have upgraded to a more futuristic dashboard layout, the V300d Special Edition comes with the traditional Mercedes layout with a floating infotainment system housed centrally on the dash. At the same time, the driver faces a conventional instrument binnacle. As old school as the design is, the infotainment boasts the latest MBUX system with crisp visuals, smartphone integration, and video output for Van’s 360-degree cameras. We did not mind the last-generation layout during my time with the Van and instead revelled in the familiarity of it all. 

Open the powered dual sliding doors, and you’re introduced to a setup befitting of a small private jet. Premium leather upholstery elevates the cabin’s atmosphere, while the large sliding panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin in warm natural light. Regarding seating arrangements, the middle row comprises two individual captain’s chairs separated by a storage bin housing a deployable table, which can be used as a laptop stand or a picnic table. However, the cabin’s party piece is the middle row’s ability to swivel and face the third row, allowing rear occupants to enjoy proper face-to-face interactions. The value of this feature and how it made the journey for the kids more enjoyable, cannot be overstated cannot be overstated. 

DRIVING LUXURY

Powering the land yacht is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The engine churns out 174 kW and 550 Nm, which is suitable for a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds. That is plenty fast for any box on wheels.

Accelerating from a standstill or overtaking was a thoughtless action thanks to the generous torque available as low as 1,600 rpm. A slight press of the accelerator pedal would result in urgent responses smoothly managed by the well-calibrated transmission. While the Van has a 220 km/h top speed, common sense reminded me to keep the MPV under 120 km/h during our journey. That, and the fact that the mounted roof box is only usable up to 140 km/h. Any faster and the little box would start losing the battle against physics and aerodynamics.

AT LEISURE

With six cabin-sized bags packed in the rear without any hassle, I was tempted to put all my hiking shoes in the roof box but decided otherwise. Our route took us via the scenic Magaliesberg road, and all the kids could do was soak in the panoramic views on the road thanks to the giant windows offering excellent outward visibility. 

Adding to the serenity of the drive was the plush ride quality, which you would naturally expect from a premium people mover. Thanks to Mercedes’ superb Agility Control adaptive dampers, the ride was beautifully composed during our journey, with the V300d Special Edition effortlessly soaking up bumps as we went along. I was initially apprehensive about the large 19” alloys, and whether they would compromise the ride in any way, but the pliable suspension ensured that the stylish alloys were not gained at the expense of comfort. 

If we were to nit-pick, some wind noise intrudes the cabin at highway speeds, although the crisp Burmester sound system mainly cancelled that out. 

While not at leisure during our time away, the V-Class doubled as the ideal away-from-home office, where I could take calls and have meetings without being disturbed. Now that’s Special!

LAST WORD

The V300d Special EDITION is truly a special vehicle (no pun intended). While the MPV segment has many options, only some come close to matching the Special Edition in social status and sheer execution. Besides the luxurious appointments, the V300d also proved an excellent highway cruiser. Naturally, one pays for that level of exclusivity, with its price starting at R2,303,001.

Report & Images © BRYAN KAYAVHU