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Updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class range shows the way forward for vans

Offering a glimpse into commercial vehicles of the future

The V-Class range receives high-tech upgrades. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

It’s safe to say that vans often get the short end of the stick when it comes to automotive technology. Their model cycles are long, and buyers often don’t want the extra costs eating into their bottom line. But Mercedes-Benz thinks that this shouldn’t be the case, and that commercial vehicles also deserve the same high-tech toys as passenger cars.

Customers have a wide variety of passenger V-Class vehicles to choose from. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

This is evident in the recent refresh of the V-Class. The fancy MBUX suite is available across the entire range—from the luxurious Marco Polo camper to the Vito cargo transporter. The system comes with convenience features such as selectable driver profiles, improved “Hey Mercedes” voice commands, and navigation assistance to charging stations for electric EQV and eVito models.

This is on top of the already comprehensive slew of driver aids available across the V-Class range. For example, the start-stop systems of fuel-fed models now have GPS guidance to determine the optimal time for stopping and restarting the engine. The 360° parking camera now generates a 3D image feed and has a trailer-assist feature.

The hood-mounted emblem appears on a Mercedes van for the first time. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The German automaker also took this opportunity to spruce up the V-Class with updated front ends for the entire range. Passenger models now have dual sliding doors and an optional illuminated radiator grille. The top-of-the-line V-Class Exclusive even gets the classic hood-mounted Mercedes star. Buyers can also choose from a selection of 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels.

The Vito and eVito cargo vans are now equipped with MBUX. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

According to Mercedes-Benz, the purpose of the update is not just to modernize its current crop of vans. It is also a preview of the upcoming Van Electric Architecture—a modular and scalable platform exclusive to commercial vehicles. This is set to debut in 2026, and is one of the ways the company plans to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint for new vehicles in 2039.



Miggi Solidum

Professionally speaking, Miggi is a software engineering dude who happens to like cars a lot. And as an automotive enthusiast, he wants a platform from which he can share his motoring thoughts with fellow petrolheads. He pens the column ‘G-Force’.



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