Mercedes-Benz V220d Avantgarde Test Review

My personal philosophy in testing vehicles is to use the vehicle concerned as if it suited your lifestyle and daily usage. See how it fits into my life. Occasionally though, we all have specific or different needs and it was one of these occasions that prompted me to request the V-Class for a specific week.
The V-class may be originally based on a commercial platform, and some have criticised that it can lack refinement..........I think they are missing the point!
As a luxury people mover, hotel shuttle or even mobile office this must rank among the ultimate in the category.
The V-Class is a large and spacious vehicle. After a recent facelift, the front is a bit more aggressive with the Avantgarde trim adding more class to the body and loads more luxury to the interior. Up front, the driver and front passenger have space, comfort and a full suite of luxury and safety items. 6 airbags, lane departure, blind- spot warning, active cruise control and so much more. Between the front seats is a large console with a refrigerated compartment plus 2 cupholders that have heating elements as well.
Another neat but essential touch is the buttons on the console for opening and closing the powered side doors.
In the rear, there are 2 spacious individual seats in the middle row. Apparently this can be turned to face front or rear, I suggest you go to your local dealer workshop if you require this. At the back are 3 seats, although ultimate luxury travel would be with only 2 in use. Above the rear were optional dual sunroofs, a bonus when we took a day in the game reserve.
The V220d is powered by a 2.1L turbodiesel engine giving 120kW and 380Nm. There should be no pretending that this is a sports car but it is more than adequate for cruising all day with plenty of power in reserve for safe overtaking. The 7 speed automatic is smooth as always BUT, the standard Mercedes stalk shifter behind the steering wheel is unusual and on one occasion I shifted into neutral instead of indicating for a lane change.
Priced at R1 247 819, it may not be cheap but it is perfect for the purpose and market segment.