Mercedes-Benz to bring back V-Class to India

Mercedes-Benz has just announced the return of the V-Class in India, with its launch scheduled on March 3. MPVs are becoming increasingly popular among luxury car buyers in India, and recognising this trend, Mercedes has decided to bring back the V-Class after discontinuing it in 2022, making it yet another addition to its top-end vehicle portfolio here.

1. New V-Class gets multiple seating and wheelbase options abroad 
2. It is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine  
3. It’ll rival the likes of the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM 

Mercedes-Benz V-Class: What to expect?

The current iteration of the upcoming V-Class was globally revealed in 2023, and it was essentially a facelift of the previous V-Class that was on sale in India. The V-Class has a typical slab-sided MPV design and is offered in two wheelbase options globally – Long (3,200mm) and Extra Long (3,430mm). There are three seating configurations to choose from: 8-seat, 7-seat and a top-spec 6-seat version with captain seats for second and third rows, although it remains to be seen which wheelbase and seating configuration is offered here in India. 

Some of the design highlights include a swooping bonnet leading down to a large U-shaped grille, a rising shoulder line on the sides and a vertical rear end with a large glasshouse. The designs of the wheels and bumpers vary depending on the trim (Premium, Exclusive or AMG Line). On the inside, the V-Class gets twin 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation duties. This, however, is an older-gen Mercedes interior, which means that the entire dashboard is not a screen, and there are tactile physical buttons and controls on the centre console.   

The real highlight of the V-Class, however, is the rear seat experience. In its top-spec 6-seat version, the V-Class gets individual second-row captain chairs with adjustable massage function, seat climate control, reclining function with footrest, integrated stowage compartment with ambient lighting, USB ports and cup holders.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class powertrain details 

In markets like the UK, the V-Class is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is offered in two states of tune: 220d (163hp/380Nm) and 300d (237hp/500Nm). The engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and it’s offered in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. However, the exact powertrain spec for India is yet to be confirmed. There’s also an all-electric version of the V-Class, called the EQV, but that has not been confirmed for a launch in India.  

Growing popularity of luxury MPVs in India. 

The MPV body style is becoming increasingly popular among luxury car buyers in India, with the segment growing steadily in terms of sales as well as the options available for buyers. Toyota, for example, sold over 1,100 units of the Vellfire in FY2025, which is a significant number for an MPV costing north of Rs 1 crore. When the V-Class was last on sale in India, it only had the Vellfire as its rival. However, since then, the Lexus LM and MG M9 have entered the market, so Mercedes will face increased competition this time. 

Interestingly, the V-Class will be the only diesel-powered MPV at the premium end of the market, as opposed to the existing hybrid or electric luxury MPVs. We expect the new V-Class to be priced at around Rs 1 crore ex-showroom, depending on which variant is brought to India.