2020 Mercedes Benz V300D Drive: The Best way to feel like a dignitary

The V-Class has always been a rather exciting offering to the South African market, with duties being extended from anything to hauling DHL parcels and rappers, to high ranking members of the ANC. The recent addition of the V300d as the new range-topper may make this dynamism more interesting as we found over the few days spent with this uber-luxurious bus.

2020 Mercedes Benz V300d: What’s it like inside? 

In a world that’s so crazy over the SUV, the V-Class and Viano origins that dawned this new era made a lot of sense to the family looking to travel in extreme levels of comfort and style. The C-Class mechanics and familiarity contrasted with the size and dimensions of a van made this a viciously practical family car that did everything that the sedan counterpart could. The benefit of having all this expanse meant all kind of configurable, tables, business class recliner heated and cooled seats could be substituted for the typical mundane interior layouts that we understand- hence its success. The new V-Class makes use of this formula, brilliantly, and the updated 2019 range of the V-Class reminded of this superb packaging and practicality that created its immense desirability. The cabin in its 7-seat configuration allows for rotating captains chairs, fit with armrests, Climatronic zoned airconditioning, USB charging ports and reading lights. The folding desk partition makes for a useful office on wheels or a meals tray with cupholders to bout. Seating in the middle row provides for sleep-inducing levels of comfort, endless leg, head and shoulder room. The focus being on the middle row the rear bench still featuring climate control vents and cupholders for the final row. All seats are set on sliders and provide plentiful configurable and seating options. The Driver does not lack in options either with; the latest 10.25-inch MBUX user interface now featuring standard across the range, Capable of Carplay, Andriod Auto, Bluetooth and MB Hard Drive storage. A 16-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System keeps the cabin clamorous with exceptionally high audio quality though-out and in 3-rows.

2020 Mercedes Benz V300d: Specs and options 

Being a Mercedes-Benz the focus on specifications expansful and in the Exclusive AMG Line, features a large dual Panoramic Sunroof, Climatised Rear seats and refrigerator in the centre console. The 360-degree Camera with Park Assist is partially helpful, given the size of the vehicle and helps with getting into tight spaces. Driver aids designed to help keep occupants safe include, Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake assist.

2020 Mercedes Benz V300d: What’s it like to drive? 

The big takeaway with this new model is the OM 654 2.1Litre Turbodiesel engine that denotes the V300d moniker. Mated to the 9-Speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, peak power is rated at 176kWs and 500Nm. Numbers good for a claimed 7.9Seconds 0-100 and a 220Km/h top speed. On the road the V300d’s road dynamics are spirited, and when the Dynamic Drive Selector is in Sport, the engines traceability is adequately exhibited. The numbers suggest the V300d should be very properly rapid, but in truth, it’s not as immediate as you would like with noticeable lag down low, but once on the move gets going reasonably quickly. The Fast Lane Olympics is very entertaining with rangers and the like getting blown away by a van. The Mid-range is the most impressive and with the ACC makes the Drive almost effortless. The ride is comfortable, and even with the 245/45/R19 AMG wheels feels comfortable enough to keep drinks on the stowable tables, without coating them in soft drinks. Fuel consumption hovers around the 10.2L/100 with the right foot, changing this fairly drastically.

2020 Mercedes Benz V300d: Verdict

The R1 645 880 asking price is a pretty penny to pay for what is in effect under the SUV, “Higher driving position” and “Gravel Road” driving mantra that consumers seek. The V-Class offers the same levels of comfort and everyday practicality while providing the best possible passager experience imaginable. It’s splendid and with the upgrade in power should make it more popular with the huge target market that its economy, business and first-class three-pointed star classism.