12 August 2024 |
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Mercedes-Benz V-Class – Luxury in a world of its own

Lately I have experienced a different kind of luxury hotels, those extremely discreet, with only a few rooms and suites and I would say “hidden” in plain sight.

These small hotels are what you come to choose when you want to access luxury and you decide to try something else besides the famous destinations seated in big imposing palaces, where you check in for the ultimate comfort and luxury but also for the prestige of being seen there.

Somehow for me the experience driving the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class has a lot in common with staying at a small luxury hotel right in the heart of a famous city. From outside it is impossible not to notice the logo and the details that characterize a modern and luxurious Mercedes-Benz (in the end you are in a famous city and eventually in the center) but nobody will look at you with the same envy as when you are driving an S-Class or a big SUV like the GLE or the GLS (like staying at the most famous 5-star address). Nevertheless, what the eyes from outside can’t guess is the ultimate and absolutely stunning luxury you have at your disposal inside. V-Class has always been the business-class alternative in its segment but now I see it as making a step so high so that Mercedes-Benz is competing its own S-Class. Moreover, the V-Class I have driven had a 6 seats configuration that was really a 5-star heaven even if from outside you see only a V-Class in a black simple suit. The new generation seems to have brought everything in the van segment, from a digital dashboard (Multimedia MBUX with a 12,3 inch touchscreen) and all the futuristic Mercedes-Benz assistance systems, amazing quality materials (everything is covered in alcantara) and a carpet-ride type of suspension to the massage and ventilated seats (or I should say armchairs). Of course the sliding doors are automatically opened with a simple touch of a button and that the climate system is as discreet and efficient as any concierge that convinces you to return to a hotel, even if it offers just a small number of rooms and suites.  The most important thing the V-Class made me understand is that a luxury van was able to offer everything during some days when I used it for business as well as for leisure. It drives as easy as any limousine with only a bit more attention needed while maneuvering in small places where I loved the cameras and the sound assistance. The “orientation” equipment included even a display instead of the classic rear view mirror.

The version I have tested, a diesel powered V300d (237 HP) with all wheel drive really seems hard to be replaced when you want to travel with more passengers (than in a S-Class) and you really want to make every single one of them happy. What it is good though is that checking in at a small luxury hotel is not everybody’s choice. Some are still going exclusively to the big places. But even if you don’t see yourself ready for a van at least you should try one. The experience is worth the ride!