The Mercedes V-Class finished the intensive 100,000 km Auto motor und sport endurance test. Our German colleagues present their final measurements, maintenance info, fuel consumption and defects statistics.
Turning the key, and the 2.1-liter biturbo diesel sets off with its basic nail dangling sound, which characterizes the OM 651 engine series since its launch in October 2008. Push the transmission selector lever to “D”. As the van drops out of the parking space, the LED headlights strike a passage of light into the darkness. The Mercedes starts grumbling towards the highway. Because the city and the V-Class face each other over the months with a certain skepticism. The van which measures 1.88 meters in height fits in low parking garages, but it threatens to tilt on narrow driveways or to rub on columns. A V-Class needs just ten square meters of floor space, has a turning radius of 12.3 meters. However, after getting used to a little routine – also because of the raised seating position and the reversing camera, the 5.14-meter six-seater becomes easier to manouever.
The biggest for big trips
After all, no one buys such a car to tangle with it in the city. The V-Class is usually on the road and here its dimensions do not disturb. As it rolls on the highway – not lazy for its mass (empty 2.4 tons) and dimensions, it drives with good feedback and precision from the steering. The V 250 d has selective dampers on the rear axle. Unlike the predecessor Viano, there is no air suspension in the V-Class.
Nevertheless, the rear passengers travel comfortably – just like in a very large sedan. The test car comes in six-seater configuration, so with four individually displaced, removable and regroupable seats in the passenger compartment. The variability in the endurance test usually remains a theoretical possibility. First, because the seats may only be moved longitudinally in a small area – otherwise it no longer fits with the head airbags and the safety distance to the row before. On the other hand, the seats can be taken out of the car quickly, but at some point they have to go back in. And maybe the fact that the V-Class has a rail system in the style of the early Renault Espace, this becomes cumbersome and exhausting. In order to lock the seats, each weighing 30 kilos, their attachment hooks have to land in two retaining sliders, which are aligned in parallel. So, you set up the position once – all in the direction of travel or vis-à-vis – and then leave it so for the next, well, like, 60,000 km. Oh yes, at the very back is still this big, 18-pound clipboard.
This creates more space in the cargo hold. In the test family-planning already requires the combination of a friendly circle of friends and ski equipment in order to fully exploit the transport and loading potential of the V-Class.
A separation net from the passenger compartment would be helpful, so the luggage could be stably stacked. Without it, the entire load threatens to tumble around and also fall out when the electric tailgate opens up. After all, small luggage can be sorted through the separately opening rear window.
My friend, the room
All on board? Then the cumbersome infotainment with sound system takes care of entertainment – or just a conversation transmitted via the speakers. So all passengers can talk to each other in normal volume. The powerful air conditioning and the responsive heating make sure that you are sitting in the rear as comfortable as in the first row.
All these qualities have not changed over the entire endurance test distance. In general, the V 250 d seems still new and solid with one exception: at 61,078 km the on-board computer reports a fault of the electric parking brake. The workshop repairs the defect, but the error dissapeared from the V-Class’ computer only when changing the front brake discs and pads at 67,148 km (every 40,000 km for inspection). The 80,000 km mark inspection which costs 1,546 euros is particularly expensive, because the brake fluid and automatic transmission oil is changed.
Somewhat more intense is the tire requirement of the van, which carries three sets of summer and two sets of winter wheels. But there is no lack of traction even on snow, even though the twin-turbo L4 sends power only to the rear wheels. And yes, the 190 hp and 440 Nm diesel (with overboost briefly good for 204 hp / 480 Nm) drives the car in combination with the accurate and smooth-switching seven-speed automatic harmoniously and powerfully. But less power and torque is not recommended. A V 220 d struggles and consumes no less.
9.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers in the Euro 6 certified V 250 is the average consumption of the 100,000 km endurance test. Added to this are 1.4 liters of AdBlue per 1,000 kilometers for the urea injection. The easily refillable ten-liter reservoir is sufficient for 7,000 kilometers, but then you have to refill quickly: when the container is empty, the car can not be started. Since February 2016 Mercedes offers an enlarged AdBlue tank of 25 liters – for 156 euros.
At home? Is everywhere
The V 250 d Avantgarde Edition for 59,560 Euro brings a practice-oriented, rich standard equipment including electric sliding doors, LED lights, easy-care leather interior, sat-nav and extensive assistance arsenal. Also, because the cost of extras – in addition to the adaptive cruise control and the hardly used trailer hitch at 2,700 euros, the loss in value is only 41.9 percent.
After all, these valuable months with the V-Class, which shuttled journalists to tests, served photographers as an office and platform or hauled measuring equipment under the roof. And even if you drive alone with the Mercedes on the farewell tour, as we do now, the V 250 d gives your restlessness a home.
Advantages and disadvantages
+generous space for six passengers
+very large trunk
+comfortable seats, all rear seats with well usable Isofix mountings
+comfortable suspension
+effective air conditioning
+very good LED adaptive light
+comprehensive range of safety and assistance systems
+practical, separately opening rear window, luggage compartment division
+harmonious engine-automatic transmission combination
+reasonable consumption
+good driving performance
+low loss of value
+effective heating / air conditioning
+easy seat removal …
… but complicated installation
-bulky dimensions
-cumbersome infotainment
-few shelves
-wheel for backrest adjustment difficult to reach at front
Conclusion
The Mercedes V-Class is the large-capacity van for those who never wanted to drive a large-capacity van. Because despite all the roominess, the interior resembles that of a large sedan, and also the ride comfort has nothing transient about it. With clever variability ideas, outstanding safety, assistance and equipment as well as the economical, clean and powerful turbo diesel, the V 250 d is a true large-capacity van.
Source: auto-motor-und-sport.de
