Luxury Redefined: Meet the New Mercedes-Benz V300d

Feb 4

For years, the S Class Mercedes has been touted as the luxurious of the lot. If you wanted luxury in a bigger body, there was the GLS. It never made sense that Mercedes was selling an 8-seater bus without making it luxurious when the door was wide open for that. In fact, many celebrities would buy the V-Class and customise it to their liking. Well, now they don't have to do all that.

Exterior

Mercedes has finally produced a V-Class that identifies as a luxury van. We’ve seen VW redesign the ID Caddy to look more modern and futuristic, which the V-Class desperately needed. While it has not taken a huge turn, small but incremental updates have been made to its exterior to align it with the modern look of the rest of the Mercedes lineup.

New LED headlights and redesigned tail lights give the van a sleeker, more contemporary appearance. The larger, more menacing grille lights up, creating a bold front fascia. This grille echoes the design language of some of the electric vehicles in Mercedes’ lineup. The front lip has also been updated, with smoother lines and larger air vents for an aggressive edge.

There is even an option for monochrome rims synonymous with Maybach editions, underscoring Mercedes’ focus on luxury with this model.

The V-Class has always been highly customisable when it comes to seating. It still comes standard as a 7-seater but can be customised to be an 8-seater.

The much-needed interior refresh makes this new V300d stand out. Gone are the days of a dated, average interior that failed to scream "Mercedes!" The updated cabin now boasts the latest MBUX system with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless charging has been added for convenience, along with ambient lighting offering a palette of 64 colours to suit your mood.

The seats can be heated or ventilated individually, adding to passenger comfort. A new, sleek steering wheel, matching those found in newer Mercedes models, further elevates the driving experience.

The V300d is equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 236 hp (174 kW) and 500 Nm of torque. Weighing about 2,300 kg, it offers enough power to chug along a luxury van comfortably. But let's face it: this is one of those vehicles where it’s better to be driven in than to drive yourself.

Starting at around R2,254,000, the V300d is priced reasonably for what it offers. When you consider its cutting-edge technology and extensive configuration options, it becomes even more tempting. For perspective, the S-Class starts at roughly R2,400,000—making the V-Class a more versatile and family-friendly choice for those seeking Mercedes-level luxury.

Final Thoughts: The V-Class Is Finally Worth It

Enough upgrades and changes have been made, especially in the V300d version, to firmly position this as a luxury vehicle perfect for long trips. It’s comfier, more modern-looking, and packed with the latest technology. Mercedes has done just enough to make the V-Class a genuine contender for those who demand more than just a big van.