W447 Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift gets new diesel

Mercedes-Benz’s posh MPV, the V-Class, has been given a pretty subtle facelift for 2019, with minor aesthetic changes and increases in safety kit hiding a new diesel engine for the W447.

On the outside, the easiest way to spot the new model is through the full-width lower air intake and a mesh grille, while the AMG Line variants receive a “diamond” grille with chrome pins. There are also three new 17-, 18- and 19-inch two-tone alloy wheel designs, plus new graphite grey metallic, selenite grey metallic, hyacinth red metallic and steel blue paint options.

Step inside and you’ll find the familiar turbine-style air vents from Mercedes’ passenger car range, along with a redesigned instrument cluster, new tartufo Nappa leather upholstery and new twin-stripe trim panels. Second-row passengers can also luxuriate in the optional S-Class-style luxury seats, equipped with a full recline function, back massage, heating and ventilation.

As for safety, the V-Class now comes with Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking) and the optional Highbeam Assist Plus – two features that are again lifted from Mercedes’ passenger vehicles. These join the standard Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist that were already offered previously.

The biggest change is under the bonnet, where you’ll find the latest 2.0 litre OM 654 turbodiesel first introduced on the W213 E-Class, replacing the old 2.2 litre OM 651. It is available in V 250 d and V 300 d versions, the former with 190 hp and 440 Nm of torque, and the latter with 239 hp and 500 Nm. The V 300 d also features an “overboost” function that provides an extra 30 Nm for short periods of time.

As a result, it will get from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 200 km/h; both models get combined fuel consumption figures of between 5.9 to 6.3 litres per 100 km. A six-speed manual gearbox remains standard-fit, but the optional automatic is now a nine-speed 9G-Tronic unit instead of the old seven-speed 7G-Tronic – it is standard on the V 300 d. Also optional is 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Further down the line is an all-electric version, following up on the commercial version, the eVito. The latter is powered by an 85 kW (116 hp)/300 Nm motor, juiced by a 41.4 kWh lithium-ion battery to provide a range of around 150 km. Expect a healthy increase on these figures for the EV V-Class, which will be previewed by a Concept EQV at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

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