Stuttgart. In early October, Mercedes-Benz will present its V-Class with 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. The V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC will be available to order from dealers starting in December 2014. Mercedes-Benz is thus adding an all-wheel drive variant to its new V-Class model range.
V 250 BlueTEC with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available to order from December
The 4MATIC system, already proven in many Mercedes-Benz passenger car models, provides palpably more traction and driving stability in all driving conditions. Regardless of whether it's on a pot-holed street, a muddy track or a snowy or icy road – the V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC copes effortlessly with every driving surface. The all-wheel drive also improves the way the vehicle pulls away and accelerates, particularly on poor surfaces or in bad weather.
The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system is based on the proven 4ETS Electronic Traction System working together with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)®. 4ETS distributes power to the front and rear axle in a 45:55 ratio. If one or more wheels lose traction, 4ETS slows them down in a fraction of a second and automatically distributes power to the wheels with better roadholding. Conventional mechanical differential locks are therefore not needed. This technology, which is also deployed in Mercedes-Benz SUVs and off-road vehicles, saves on weight and at the same time increases driving safety and comfort.
A double-disc clutch is fitted to the central differential. This achieves a basic locking torque of approximately 50 Nm between the front and rear axle. The clutch pack is permanently preloaded. In the case of spinning wheels on one of the two axles, friction torque is transmitted to the axle spinning more slowly by relative movement of the discs. This variable torque shift improves traction and driving stability. The traction and stabilising effect of this pre-lock clutch are clearly noticeable, particularly in the case of low coefficients of friction between the tyres and the road surface.
4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive will initially be offered for the V-Class with the top-of-the-range V 250 BlueTEC engine variant, which generates an output of 140 kW (190 hp) and a powerful 440 Nm of torque. That means it can deliver great pulling power and agility – yet at the same time post commendably low consumption figures. The V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC requires a mere 6.7 l of fuel per 100 km (177 g CO2/km). And thanks to BlueTEC, it is also the first vehicle with permanent all-wheel drive in its segment to comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Power is transmitted by the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The transfer case for the all-wheel drive is integrated into the main transmission. The V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC with body length "Long" is available in Germany from EUR 53,109.70 incl. 19 percent VAT.
In addition to the top-of-the-range V 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, other engine variants of the MPV will also be offered with all-wheel drive in the future.
Extremely efficient, exemplarily safe and superbly comfortable
With the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz is redefining the MPV. The car combines seating for up to eight persons and exemplary functionality with the typical strengths of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars – from perceived quality to comfort, efficient driving pleasure and safety. This makes the Mercedes among MPVs the perfect vehicle for all those who appreciate great spaciousness but do not want to sacrifice style and comfort.
The V-Class has been available with rear-wheel drive as standard since March 2014. There are three output levels to choose from: 100 kW (136 hp), 120 kW (163 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp). With fuel consumption from as little as 5.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km, the 120 hp V 220 CDI is the outright leader in its segment.
The level of safety is just as exemplary. There are eleven driver assistance systems available. ATTENTION ASSIST and Crosswind Assist are on board as standard. Optional extras include the DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system, together with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Traffic Sign Assist with the wrong-way warning function, the LED Intelligent Light System and Active Parking Assist, which makes parking an MPV as easy as parking a compact car. Most of the assistance systems are available for the first time in this vehicle class.
The V-Class features four rear seats as standard. A two-passenger bench seat, three-passenger bench seat or berth package are also available as options. All bench seats can be folded down and used as a second loading level. Items can also be loaded beneath them.
High-quality materials, a stylish colour scheme, extremely fine attention to detail and a design idiom that is both progressive and sensuous convey a perceived quality that stands out within the segment. The feel-good atmosphere is complemented with the lowest noise level in the segment.
For convenient loading and unloading the V-Class is also available with a separately opening rear window. It can be opened and closed independently of the tailgate. This facilitates loading and unloading twice over: on the one hand, it allows a second loading level; on the other – particularly in tight parking spaces – there is no need to open the large tailgate. Another USP for the newV-Class: The optional EASY-PACK tail gate, which is controlled electrically and can be conveniently opened, closed and halted in any position.
