The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Luxury MPV Is Getting Even Plusher For India

• Mercedes-Benz is expected to bring in the facelifted version of the V-Class with the Elite variant.
• Changes in the facelift include different bumpers, slightly revised cabin and a new 2.0-litre diesel engine.
• Currently, the V-Class is priced at Rs 68.40 lakh for the Expression and Rs 81.90 lakh for the Exclusive variant.
• It will rival the upcoming luxury MPV from Toyota, Vellfire.

Mercedes-Benz India launched the V-Class back in January 24, 2019, in two variants:  a long-wheelbase 6-seater Exclusive and a 7-seater extra-long-wheelbase Expression. Now though, the German carmaker is readying the V-Class Elite for launch on November 7. The Elite is essentially the range-topping variant of the V-Class. We expect Mercedes-Benz to bring in the updated V-Class that was globally unveiled some months back. Expected to be priced close to Rs 90 lakh, the V-Class Elite is likely to be offered in both the long and extra-long wheelbase options in India. Up until now, the V-Class was the only luxury MPV in India but that is set to change with the Toyota Vellfire coming in soon.

The updated V-Class gets a slightly different grille and a revised bumper design to the version sold here. The cabin also sees some updates in the form of new trim inserts, aircon vents,  a bigger infotainment system and rear seats, which get optional full reclining and massaging functions. The above mentioned changes along with a new alloy wheel design are the only novel non-mechanical bits in the facelifted V-Class, which debuted globally in February 2019.

The Elite is also expected to pack more features over the existing range of goodies including Nappa leather interiors, 360-degree camera, electric sliding doors, Agility Control suspension, ambient lighting, and a host of safety features.

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It’s unclear as to which seating option Mercedes is considering for the V-Class Elite in India. Globally, it ranges from a 4-seater to an 8-seater while the existing pre-facelift V-Class in India is available in the 6-seater (Exclusive) and 7-seater (Expression) guise. The biggest change that came with the facelifted V-Class though was the inclusion of a new diesel mill. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is offered in two states of tune: V 250 d and V 300 d.  The V250 produces 190PS/440Nm and the V 300 d puts out 239PS/500Nm. Whether Mercedes will offer the new powerplant or continue to use the existing BS6-compliant 2.1-litre diesel engine capable of 163PS/380Nm is yet to be seen. 

More details will be revealed once the luxury MPV is launched in India. Whereas, the Toyota Vellfire is expected to debut in India by mid-2020 with an expected price tag exceeding Rs 85 lakhs (ex-showroom). Currently, the V-Class is priced in India as follows -- Rs 68.40 lakh  for the V-Class 220d Expression and Rs 81.90 lakh for the V-Class 220d Exclusive.