Does the world really need another minivan? Mercedes V-Class is coming

Mercedes Benz calls their all-new 2015 V-Class an MVP (Multi Purpose Vehicle), and they say it redefines the segment. Mercedes can call it anything they like, but its still a minivan. Does the world really need another one? Mercedes may be able to pull it off, because they will set new benchmarks for the minivan segment. This new V-Class will seat up to eight people and it will be one nice kid-hauler to take them to soccer games. But the three-point star on the front will set this minivan apart from the rest.

Mercedes says they will offer the V-Class with extra comfort and style not found in this segment. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division says, “The new V-Class combines both in a way that no other vehicle in this segment can offer.” So what makes this “MVP” special?

What is different about V-Class than other minivans? The V-Class will feature Mercedes-Benz technology that the competition doesn’t have, yet. V-Class is equipped with Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist as standard. Available as options are practical “assistants”, including a 360-degree camera, active parking assistance systems, and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Another completely new feature is the latest-generation multimedia system found in the CLA, which comes with a touchpad for operating all of the telematics functions in the vehicle.

The interior will set it apart and will be more luxurious than any minivan currently on the world market. It will feature Mercedes high-quality materials throughout. But is this a good idea with a minivan full of kids after a day on the soccer field? Aren’t hard plastics easier to clean up than the fine nappa leather found in this new V-Class?

Mercedes says the new MPV will offer “intricate details as well as a progressive and sensuous design idiom.” That sounds great for the new S-Class flagship, but will it fly with the soccer mom crowd? Maybe the inviting atmosphere and ambient lighting in three colors will keep the kids quiet and keep them from destroying the luxury interior with wood-like trim.

V-Class will also be available with optional four-way lumbar support and active seat ventilation with reversing fans that will ensure a consistent relative humidity at the contact area with the leather seat for driver and front passenger. It sounds like the front and rear passengers will feel that “welcome home” feeling before they ever get there.

What's the cost of this new V-Class? The new Mercedes-Benz 2015 V-Class will start at 42,900 Euros, ($57,833 U.S.) excluding sales tax. But with one fully loaded with all the extra goodies, this new minivan could top $75,000 U.S. In Germany, customers will be able to order the V-Class beginning on March 6, 2014; the market launch will begin in late May in Europe. It will be interesting to see if the new 2015 V-Class sells as well as Mercedes hopes it will.