We raise our glasses and bid farewell to an era where the words 'stylish' and 'pleasing' are rarely, if not ever associated with large multi-purpose vehicles (MPV).
In recent times, automobile manufacturers have upped the ante by rewriting the design equations of their van-like vehicles. This change has brought forth a generation of exquisitely attractive plus-sized machines like the Nissan Elgrand and Toyota Alphard.
On the other side of the world, Mercedes-Benz has answered with the new V-Class. The range-topping V250 BlueTec that we had the pleasure of getting acquainted with, demonstrated that you could have room for seven without coming across as an oaf. Big can indeed be beautiful.
Exterior
Against its van-like stature, the construction of the V250 isn't second-rate and looks just as good as the rest of its cousins in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car family.
The V250's frontage features a large radiator grille with the signature three-dimensional star at its centre. Sleek and progressively designed headlamps sit neatly at the side and for the first time in this segment offer all lighting functions in LED technology as an option.
An elegantly sculptured V-shaped bonnet is perched nicely atop the grille frame and headlamps, which extend far into the wings. Down south, narrow louvres of the lower air intakes and grille complete the look.
Interior
Mercedes' design mantra of luxurious form and function is echoed in the cabin of the V250. Design of the dashboard is almost identical to the one found in the C-Class - which is always a lovely sight to behold.
However, unlike the C-Class, the layout in the V250 is what Mercedes calls a two-part dashboard. Because of this, the little storage compartment where you'd usually chuck your keys, phone or wallet sits all the way below and is a tad troublesome to reach.
Also, if it is your first time operating a Mercedes with the COMAND Online system - which combines all audio, telephone and navigation functions as well as the innovative touchpad - working it will take some getting used to. But once you do, it slowly reveals itself as a piece of clever German engineering.
Mercedes' design mantra of luxurious form and function is echoed in the cabin of the V250. Design of the dashboard is almost identical to the one found in the C-Class - which is always a lovely sight to behold.
However, unlike the C-Class, the layout in the V250 is what Mercedes calls a two-part dashboard. Because of this, the little storage compartment where you'd usually chuck your keys, phone or wallet sits all the way below and is a tad troublesome to reach.
Also, if it is your first time operating a Mercedes with the COMAND Online system - which combines all audio, telephone and navigation functions as well as the innovative touchpad - working it will take some getting used to. But once you do, it slowly reveals itself as a piece of clever German engineering.
The unit we drove was equipped with the optional 360-degree camera and a host of eleven innovative driver assistance systems. Combined with a high seating position, piloting the V250 won't be much of a challenge even for the greenest of drivers.
Sliding open the electric rear doors reveals another world of comfort, one with five plush seats that will snugly hold five adults.
In the second row, passengers can mull over paperwork or discuss a business deal over a glass of whiskey on the pull-out
picnic table
picnic table
picnic table
picnic table
picnic table. The latter however, is not encouraged as doing so could result in messing up your expensive tailored pants when travelling over bumpier roads. If a business discussion is off your agenda then the table would fit an iPad nicely but will be a little too small for a laptop.
The Drive
Even with such luxuries thrown into the mix, there is no escaping the car's roots once you get behind the wheel.A 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine supplies the 2,105kg car with 187bhp and a peak torque output of 440Nm. In a straight line, the V250 certainly isn't something you would consider slow for its size. 0-100km/h takes just 9.1 seconds but that performance is accompanied by a slightly uninviting diesel drawl, which sort of ruins that premium impression you initially had.
Thankfully, the smooth-shifting 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission helps refine the ride and puts the power from the engine to the road well.
Standard for the 7G-TRONIC PLUS is the Agility Select feature that equips the V250 with four different drive modes - Eco, Manual, Comfort and Sport.
In the latter three modes, you get an extra 13bhp and 40Nm of torque to make overtaking easier.
In the handling department, there too is room for improvement. Steering response is on the slow side and body roll is evident as you take it around bends. But then again, we have to remind ourselves that outright performance is not the first order of business for the V250.
With all other aspects, the V250 does the job of ferrying you around in comfort considerably well.Conclusion
At the moment, the only trim offered by Cycle & Carriage for the V-Class is the V250 BlueTec in automatic and is priced at $280,888 (as of 25th September 2015). Even with the V250's slew of fancy features and rich cabin design, that still is a lot of money to fork out over its Japanese rivals who may not look as good but will do the job just as well.
