New Mercedes V class

[Galaxy]

That's dreadful.

Something like this:

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

The thing is a Sprinter is considerably larger then a Multivan/V class. Plus a Sprinter is considerably rougher then a V class/Multivan from an engine, handling, noise, suspension perspective.I doubt that most people would want to drive that on a daily basis, which like I said most of these mini camper people do. At that point you might as well buy a small RV. Something like this:




Maybe a good compromise is the high roof versions of the Multivan that some companies offer. They have a washroom, they keep the footprint, and manners of the multivan, you just no longer fit into most parking garages because of the height.

[Submariner]

Where do you sleep in that?

[cawimmer430]

Where do you sleep in that?

[Galaxy]

Where do you sleep in that?

The top bed folds and slides back





http://www.westfalia-mobil.net/modelle/club-joker/clubjoker-wohnen.php

[Submariner]

Nice, I've always wanted to sleep with my head three inches away from a stove top.

All kidding aside, there is something kind of alluring about that.  Including a built in shower makes a big difference too (though for all 6'3" of me I'm not sure it would work).  Still, it needs a few more items, like a 42" LED TV and a strip pole. 

[MrH]

I think they're really cool to look at, and the idea is awesome.  But they work better in theory than in practice.  Give me a luxury sedan and a budget for nice hotels instead

Also, how you supposed to get your bang bang choo choo train on with the ceiling a half inch from your face?

[hotrodalex]

Are any of these decent off road? Would be fun for an Alaska-Chile trip.

[Submariner]

I think they're really cool to look at, and the idea is awesome.  But they work better in theory than in practice.  Give me a luxury sedan and a budget for nice hotels instead

Also, how you supposed to get your bang bang choo choo train on with the ceiling a half inch from your face?

Doggy on the fold out sofa.

[Raza]

Not at all. I like them as well.

Aw man, I probably need professional help. 

[Raza]

I think they're really cool to look at, and the idea is awesome.  But they work better in theory than in practice.  Give me a luxury sedan and a budget for nice hotels instead

Also, how you supposed to get your bang bang choo choo train on with the ceiling a half inch from your face?

Oh, I'm with you.  It's a concept I like, but would probably never use.

[veeman]

Are any of these decent off road? Would be fun for an Alaska-Chile trip.

No so sure it would be wise to drive that through Central America particularly places like Honduras and through some areas in South America like Columbia.  50/50 you'd get kidnapped for ransom, forced to be a drug mule, robbed, and/or murdered. 

[cawimmer430]

Are any of these decent off road? Would be fun for an Alaska-Chile trip.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is RWD and has longitudinally-mounted engines and there's no AWD available. However, the commercial version of this car, the Vito, which shares the same body style and apparently platform, is FWD and has a combination of transversely-mounted Renault engines and/or longitudinally-mounted Mercedes' engines driving the front wheels.

[Galaxy]

I think they're really cool to look at, and the idea is awesome.  But they work better in theory than in practice. 

I would tend to agree. I am fascinated by how much stuff they can get into these things, but I would never buy one, especially for the price they demand.

Are any of these decent off road? Would be fun for an Alaska-Chile trip.

The Multivan can be ordered with underbody protection, a differential lock on the rear, and a raised and beefed up suspension.

However the current generation is not as legendary as the previous ones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WbcXSG5tgI

[cawimmer430]

Mercedes V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Announced

Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to further expand the V-Class lineup with the introduction of the V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC at the Paris Motor Show.





Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to further expand the V-Class lineup with the  introduction of the V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC at the Paris Motor Show.

This will be the first V-Class with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and will feature a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 190 PS (140 kW) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque in the the V 250 BlueTEC.

Detailed performance specifications have not been released but Mercedes confirmed the model will consume 6.7 L/100km (35.1 mpg US / 42.1 mpg UK) and have CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

The V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC will go on sale in December and German pricing starts at €53,109.70 (including a 19% VAT).


Link: http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/mercedes-benz/viano/mercedes-v-250-bluetec-4matic-announced/


The new V-Class with permanent all-wheel drive

V 250 BlueTEC with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available to order from December

The 4MATIC system, already proven in many Mercedes-Benz passenger car models, provides palpably more traction and driving stability in all driving conditions. Regardless of whether it's on a pot-holed street, a muddy track or a snowy or icy road – the V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC copes effortlessly with every driving surface. The all-wheel drive also improves the way the vehicle pulls away and accelerates, particularly on poor surfaces or in bad weather.

The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system is based on the proven 4ETS Electronic Traction System working together with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)®. 4ETS distributes power to the front and rear axle in a 45:55 ratio. If one or more wheels lose traction, 4ETS slows them down in a fraction of a second and automatically distributes power to the wheels with better roadholding. Conventional mechanical differential locks are therefore not needed. This technology, which is also deployed in Mercedes-Benz SUVs and off-road vehicles, saves on weight and at the same time increases driving safety and comfort.

A double-disc clutch is fitted to the central differential. This achieves a basic locking torque of approximately 50 Nm between the front and rear axle. The clutch pack is permanently preloaded. In the case of spinning wheels on one of the two axles, friction torque is transmitted to the axle spinning more slowly by relative movement of the discs. This variable torque shift improves traction and driving stability. The traction and stabilising effect of this pre-lock clutch are clearly noticeable, particularly in the case of low coefficients of friction between the tyres and the road surface.

4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive will initially be offered for the V-Class with the top-of-the-range V 250 BlueTEC engine variant, which generates an output of 140 kW (190 hp) and a powerful 440 Nm of torque. That means it can deliver great pulling power and agility – yet at the same time post commendably low consumption figures. The V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC requires a mere 6.7 l of fuel per 100 km (177 g CO2/km). And thanks to BlueTEC, it is also the first vehicle with permanent all-wheel drive in its segment to comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Power is transmitted by the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The transfer case for the all-wheel drive is integrated into the main transmission. The V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC with body length "Long" is available in Germany from EUR 53,109.70 incl. 19 percent VAT.

In addition to the top-of-the-range V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, other engine variants of the MPV will also be offered with all-wheel drive in the future.


Extremely efficient, exemplarily safe and superbly comfortable

With the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz is redefining the MPV. The car combines seating for up to eight persons and exemplary functionality with the typical strengths of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars – from perceived quality to comfort, efficient driving pleasure and safety. This makes the Mercedes among MPVs the perfect vehicle for all those who appreciate great spaciousness but do not want to sacrifice style and comfort.

The V-Class has been available with rear-wheel drive as standard since March 2014. There are three output levels to choose from: 100 kW (136 hp), 120 kW (163 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp). With fuel consumption from as little as 5.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km, the 120 hp V 220 CDI is the outright leader in its segment.

The level of safety is just as exemplary. There are eleven driver assistance systems available. ATTENTION ASSIST and Crosswind Assist are on board as standard. Optional extras include the DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system, together with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Traffic Sign Assist with the wrong-way warning function, the LED Intelligent Light System and Active Parking Assist, which makes parking an MPV as easy as parking a compact car. Most of the assistance systems are available for the first time in this vehicle class.

The V-Class features four rear seats as standard. A two-passenger bench seat, three-passenger bench seat or berth package are also available as options. All bench seats can be folded down and used as a second loading level. Items can also be loaded beneath them.

High-quality materials, a stylish colour scheme, extremely fine attention to detail and a design idiom that is both progressive and sensuous convey a perceived quality that stands out within the segment.

The feel-good atmosphere is complemented with the lowest noise level in the segment.

For convenient loading and unloading the V-Class is also available with a separately opening rear window. It can be opened and closed independently of the tailgate. This facilitates loading and unloading twice over: on the one hand, it allows a second loading level; on the other – particularly in tight parking spaces – there is no need to open the large tailgate. Another USP for the newV-Class: The optional EASY-PACK tail gate, which is controlled electrically and can be conveniently opened, closed and halted in any position.

[cawimmer430]

Even the B-Class is now available with 4Matic, but for one engine option only.

[Raza]

Why isn't there an option to get the SLS with a 190hp diesel? More than you'll ever need.

[cawimmer430]

Why isn't there an option to get the SLS with a 190hp diesel? More than you'll ever need.