Mercedes V-Class

Mercedes V-Class: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Mercedes V-Class choice depends on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, AWD, or the simpler specifications of an earlier minivan. The model data covers five production phases across three generations, from October 1996 onward, all with a Minivan body.

The Mercedes V-Class choice depends on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, AWD, or the simpler specifications of an earlier minivan. The model data covers five production phases across three generations, from October 1996 onward, all with a Minivan body. The strongest recorded choice is the current 300d 2.0 AT with 239 hp and 500 Nm; the lowest measured combined consumption is 5.7 l/100 km, achieved by several earlier diesel versions. Buyers who need AWD can find it in the third generation, while the first generation uses FWD and the second generation uses RWD. Prices, seating capacity, interior specification, availability in the USA, and approved-used status are not measured in the supplied data.

Mercedes V-Class generations: what changed?

The first generation ran from October 1996 to July 2003 as a Minivan with 11 versions. Its range includes Gasoline and Diesel engines, FWD, 4- or 5-speed transmissions, and power from 98 hp to 174 hp. Ground clearance is 160 mm, the fuel tank is 78 litres, and the rear suspension is Independent, pneumatic. This generation offers the largest recorded tank but generally slower acceleration and higher measured fuel consumption than later versions.

The second generation ran from August 2003 to March 2014 as a Minivan with 2 versions. Both are named 2.2 CDI, use a 2,143 cm³ turbo Diesel engine producing 150 hp and 330 Nm, and drive the rear wheels. The principal choice is between the 2.2 CDI MT with a 6-speed Manual and the 2.2 CDI AT with a 5-speed Automatic. Ground clearance increased by 35 mm over the first generation, from 160 to 195 mm.

The third generation began in April 2014. Its initial phase continued through January 2019 and contains 21 versions, of which 12 are detailed here. The first restyling ran from February 2019 through May 2023 with 13 versions, of which 12 are detailed. The second restyling began in June 2023 and contains 7 versions. All remain Minivans. Across the supplied third-generation specifications, buyers can choose Gasoline or Diesel, Manual or Automatic, RWD or AWD, and outputs from 136 hp to 239 hp. The restyled phases largely use 9-speed Automatic transmissions, while ground clearance falls from 160 mm in the initial phase to 140 mm after the first restyling.

Mercedes V-Class engine and drivetrain specs

Repeated names are separated by power and drive so that each specification remains identifiable.

Mercedes V-Class performance and fuel economy

The first generation’s measured acceleration ranges from 12.7 seconds for the 2.8 AT to 20.6 seconds for both the 2.2 MT with 102 hp and the 2.3 MT with 98 hp. The 2.8 AT reaches 187 km/h and consumes 13.8 l/100 km combined. The 2.2 MT with 122 hp is the most economical measured first-generation version at 7.5 l/100 km combined; it takes 17.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h and reaches 164 km/h. For the 2.0 MT, 2.8 MT, 2.2 AT with 122 hp, and 2.3 AT with 98 hp, acceleration, top speed, or consumption is partly or wholly not measured.

In the second generation, the 2.2 CDI AT reaches 100 km/h in 13 seconds, versus 14.9 seconds for the 2.2 CDI MT, making the Automatic 1.9 seconds quicker. It also reaches 179 km/h rather than 174 km/h. The trade-off is combined consumption of 8.8 rather than 8.4 l/100 km and CO₂ output of 232 rather than 222 g/km.

Among the initial third-generation specifications, the 2.0 AT with 239 hp is the fastest: 8.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 214 km/h. Its combined consumption is 6.5 l/100 km. The lowest figure is 5.7 l/100 km for the 2.1 AT with 163 hp and RWD and the 2.1 MT with 163 hp. The RWD 2.1 AT with 190 hp and 2,145 kg reaches 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, whereas the heavier 2,437 kg version takes 10.9 seconds despite identical power and torque.

For both restyled periods, the RWD 300d 2.0 AT produces 239 hp and 500 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, reaches 220 km/h, and consumes 6.1 l/100 km combined. In the first restyling, the AWD equivalent takes 8.5 seconds, reaches 214 km/h, and consumes 7.2 l/100 km. In the second restyling, the AWD version also records 7.9 seconds, 214 km/h, and 7.2 l/100 km. The current 300 2.0 AT has 231 hp, 370 Nm, and combined consumption of 10 l/100 km; acceleration and top speed are not measured.

Mercedes V-Class dimensions, weight and wheels

Overall exterior dimensions are not measured, so no length, width, height, or wheelbase can be stated. Seating capacity and interior dimensions are also not measured.

First-generation kerb weight ranges from 1,940 kg for the 2.3 MT with 98 hp to 2,031 kg for the 2.8 AT; one first-generation kerb-weight value is not measured. Gross weight is generally 2,700 kg, while the 2.3 Diesel versions have a gross weight of 2,630 kg. Ground clearance is 160 mm and tank capacity is 78 litres. Wheel sizes are not measured.

The second-generation 2.2 CDI MT weighs 2,040 kg and the 2.2 CDI AT weighs 2,065 kg, a 25 kg difference. Both have a gross weight of 2,770 kg and 195 mm of clearance. Tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured.

Initial third-generation kerb weights range from 2,075 to 2,437 kg among measured versions, while gross weights range from 2,800 to 3,100 kg. Clearance is 160 mm and the tank holds 57 litres. Recorded wheel sizes are 225/55 R17 and 245/45 R19.

In both restyled phases, the 300d 2.0 AT weighs 2,052 kg with RWD and 2,195 kg with AWD, so AWD adds 143 kg. Gross weight rises from 3,100 to 3,200 kg, while clearance remains 140 mm. Diesel versions use a 57-litre tank. Current recorded wheels include 225/55 R17 and 245/40 R19. The 300 2.0 AT weighs 2,340 kg, has a 3,100 kg gross weight, a 70-litre tank, and recorded sizes of 225/55 R17, 245/45 R18, and 245/55 R17.

Which Mercedes V-Class version should you buy?

For the best measured performance, choose the restyled 300d 2.0 AT with RWD. Its 239 hp from 1,950 cm³ equals approximately 122.6 hp per litre, while its 2,052 kg kerb weight equals approximately 8.6 kg per horsepower. Its 7.9-second acceleration, 220 km/h top speed, and 6.1 l/100 km combined consumption give it the strongest all-round numerical result in the supplied range.

Choose the 300d 2.0 AT with AWD when AWD matters more than minimum weight or consumption. Compared with the RWD specification, it retains 239 hp and 500 Nm but weighs 143 kg more. In the first restyling it consumes 1.1 l/100 km more combined and is 0.6 seconds slower to 100 km/h. The second-restyling data records equal acceleration for the two drivetrains, but the AWD version still has a 6 km/h lower top speed and uses 1.1 l/100 km more.

For a balance of output and economy, the 250d 2.0 AT with RWD is compelling. Its 190 hp and 440 Nm deliver 8.9-second acceleration and 205 km/h, while matching the RWD 300d at 6.1 l/100 km combined. Moving to the RWD 300d adds 49 hp and 60 Nm without increasing measured combined consumption.

For lower measured consumption, consider the initial third-generation 2.1 AT with 163 hp and RWD or 2.1 MT with 163 hp. Both return 5.7 l/100 km combined. The Automatic reaches 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and 195 km/h; the Manual takes 11.8 seconds and reaches 194 km/h. With the same 163 hp, 380 Nm, and 2,075 kg kerb weight, the Automatic is 1 second quicker while matching combined consumption.

The second-generation decision is simpler. Choose 2.2 CDI MT for 0.4 l/100 km lower combined consumption and 10 g/km lower CO₂; choose 2.2 CDI AT for 1.9-second quicker acceleration and a 5 km/h higher top speed.

The first generation suits buyers specifically seeking FWD, a 78-litre tank, or its Independent, pneumatic rear suspension. Within it, the 2.2 MT with 122 hp has the lowest measured combined consumption, while the 2.8 AT has the quickest measured acceleration and highest measured top speed. Mercedes V-Class prices, used-approved status, listings for sale, USA availability, interior grade, executive trim, and 6-, 7-, or 8-seat configurations cannot be compared because those values are not measured in the supplied data.