New Mercedes V class

[MX793]

A large number of CR-Vs, Escapes, and Rav-4s were sold with FWD too.

[2o6]

And they have raised ground clearance, and the marketing to determine them as CUV's. The Matrix were never marketed as such. If it's a CUV, then so is a damn Impreza.

[MX793]

Outback Sport, prior to the latest, had no increased ground clearance and was marketed as a CUV.  The SX4 hatch is another that was implied to be a CUV.

[93JC]

PT Cruiser wasn't a light truck either, but that's what the EPA classed it as.

I don't fucking care.

[ifcar]

Outback Sport, prior to the latest, had no increased ground clearance and was marketed as a CUV.  The SX4 hatch is another that was implied to be a CUV.

Not that it makes any difference, but the Outback Sport did always have increased ground clearance.

I'm not sure what you're arguing, though -- that various automakers have called ordinary cars "CUVs" (they have) or that this particular Citroen is one (it isn't).

[AutobahnSHO]

Ok, so looks like they designed the roof for multiple sunroofs, but don't see any on this particular vehicle.
-Most soccer moms would NOT appreciate the star trek- worthy shifting configuration.
-The opening rear window is a big deal- no minivan (and most SUVs!) have not had one for years now.

Looks pretty boring, but large for Europe!  I'm surprised really that they would be wanting to build this for that market...

[cawimmer430]

Seems similar in shape to an Accord Crosstour or 3-series GT and would be whatever those are (crossover I guess?).  Same seating capacity as a hatch or sedan, taller seating than a car but a faster, more car-like shape than an SUV.

Yeah, definitely. But way more stylish than any of those cars.

I'm shooting a DS5 this year. Can't wait. 

[cawimmer430]

Looks pretty boring, but large for Europe!  I'm surprised really that they would be wanting to build this for that market...

There will be a commercial version of the V-Class known as the "Vito" which is very popular with businesses. The V-Class/Vito is also a common sight as a taxi and also used by high-end hotels as a vehicle for shuttle services. It's also used by VIPs to get driven from A to B etc.

There's definitely a market for this car in Europe despite its size. 

[Galaxy]

Vehicles like the V class or VW Multivan are quite popular with Families with more then 2 children, though they have lost market share in recent years to vehicles like the VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy etc. The pricing politics of VW and Mercedes is not helping.

Ok, so looks like they designed the roof for multiple sunroofs, but don't see any on this particular vehicle.

It probably has sunroof(s), however I have a suspicion that the panel optics is the vehicles commercial origin rearing it's ugly head.

[Atomic]

Gorgeous inside and out. Wasn't too impressed with the exterior at first but there is only so much you can do with a box (a.k.a. van, minivan) and they've nailed it. The roof (sun/moonroof feature?) looks very interesting.

[Char]

Looks absolutely horrid.

[cawimmer430]

Looks absolutely horrid.

Don't you drive a Nissan Quest?

[Char]

Don't you drive a Nissan Quest?

The quest soap-bar design is still a class above MB's transit truck design. Seriously, it look horrid.

[cawimmer430]

The quest soap-bar design is still a class above MB's transit truck design. Seriously, it look horrid.

I really don't think people care much about design when it comes to minivans.

[Galaxy]

The Marco Polo compact camper version is shown.

[cawimmer430]

I'm not a fan of minivans but this new Mercedes V-Class is amazingly gorgeous inside and out. I'm seeing a few of them in Munich. Lovely minivan! Yes, a lovely minivan! Fuck! I'm in love with a friggin minivan!!! 

[Catman]

The camper is great.

[Payman]

The camper is great.

Yeah, but... people who can afford to sleep in a van like this... don't sleep in vans.

[cawimmer430]

Yeah, but... people who can afford to sleep in a van like this... don't sleep in vans.

You'd be surprised how many filthy rich people are penny-pinchers.

[Galaxy]

Yeah, but... people who can afford to sleep in a van like this... don't sleep in vans.

A large or midsize RV will not comfortably take a twisty Alpine pass road or older towns with tight roads. Plus most people with camping vans like this also use them as daily drivers. Which is not really practical with an RV. However imo campers like this are really 2 sleepers, or at best 2+2 sleepers. having to fold down the seats is a pita. Oh, the seats in this V class, and the VW California fold electric, however they dot not fold away all of the shit one keeps down there that has to be rearranged.


Anyways here are some more pics of the Marco Polo.

[VTEC_Inside]

Not a fan of the rear door. I think it would make more sense splitting it in the center vs having that massive hatch back

[Byteme]

I'm glad that it retains the RWD layout. This is like the perfect family car! You can drive your kids to school during the week and set record-breaking-lap times on the 'Ring on the weekends.   

Looks like a miniature Sprinter to me, if they make a Sprinter with side windows, that is.

Breaking what record?  The average owner would lay it on it's side at the Ring.   

[Madman]

Looks like a miniature Sprinter to me, if they make a Sprinter with side windows, that is.

They do make a Sprinter with side windows.

[AutobahnSHO]

Looks like a miniature Sprinter to me, if they make a Sprinter with side windows, that is.

They sell tons of those overseas. I've seen quite a few stateside too.

[cawimmer430]

I shot one of these for MyDriver a few days ago. I even got to drive it. It was a V220 Bluetec (diesel). It felt very nice. 

[Submariner]

A cool concept and a luxurious ride, but for the kind of money this costs I'd want a shower so the inside of my lovely V-class doesn't smell like balls after a few days of camping. 

Give me a LWB high top Sprinter (or a box + a chassis cab) with enough room inside for a little washroom and the interior design of this van, and we have a winner. 

[Galaxy]

A cool concept and a luxurious ride, but for the kind of money this costs I'd want a shower so the inside of my lovely V-class doesn't smell like balls after a few days of camping. 

Give me a LWB high top Sprinter (or a box + a chassis cab) with enough room inside for a little washroom and the interior design of this van, and we have a winner. 

The lack of  washroom is a downer for these types of vehicles.  VW does offer a band aid solution, which I am sure Mercedes also employs.



There is a small shower set that comes with it. The California/Marco Polo do not bunker much water though.

[Raza]

The Marco Polo compact camper version is shown.

Is it strange that I really dig these camper vans?

[cawimmer430]

Is it strange that I really dig these camper vans?

Not at all. I like them as well.

I recently drove the new V-Class around a small airport field and I loved it. I wouldn't mind having one. It's comfortable and spacious so for me it would be ideal to haul all my gear around, travel with it and sleep in it. The only downside to it was that it felt like a van - high center of gravity, you couldn't see the snout while driving and the steering was a bit lifeless.

Here's a snapshot of the one that I photographed for MyDriver and drove. That V220 Bluetec feels nice. Torquey, responsive, powerful and refined. Diesels have come a long way.

[Submariner]

The lack of  washroom is a downer for these types of vehicles.  VW does offer a band aid solution, which I am sure Mercedes also employs.



There is a small shower set that comes with it. The California/Marco Polo do not bunker much water though.

That's dreadful.

Something like this:

is much better, and it is built within the confines of a stock LWB, high top Sprinter.