Mercedes puts the V in van

Range now spans a single V300d model with more standard features.

- Charl Bosch

Rivalling the G-Class and even the S-Class for the accolade of the Mercedes-Benz to have, the restyled V-Class was finally unveiled locally. The most extensive revision to date, Mercedes has reduced the local line-up to a single model, the V300d, which it says has accounted for the majority of sales.

In addition to the range restructuring, the array of cost options has been reduced with buyers now having the choice of swapping between wheel designs and interior trim without requiring extra forking out, for example.

Carrying the Exclusive trim grade denominator, the national launch in Cape Town last week laid claim to the V-Class' increasing popularity, but at a price unlikely to impress all for what is still a Vito underneath.

Aesthetically, styling cues from the EQ range of electric vehicles have been incorporated, although at present, the EV equivalent, the EQV, has not been approved for market availability.

New headlights fitted with the MultiBeam adaptive LEDs are standard; Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new bumper to go with the U-shaped grille complete with a gloss black surround.

The three-pointed star emblem moves from the grille to atop the bonnet while alloy wheel choice comprises two options: the standard deep-dish monoblocs or the more traditional 10-spokes, both measuring 19 inches.

At the rear, the changes are just as easy to spot as, apart from the redesigned bumper, the taillight clusters have been blacked out and fitted with LEDs for the first time.