The New Mercedes-Benz V-Class AMG Line Brings Sporty Design into the MPV segment

STUTTGART -- August 26, 2015: At this year's International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the V-Class with new appointments: these are setting additional, individual highlights and make the MPV attractive to further target groups. From the end of 2015 the model is available with the AMG Line equipment package. The striking design features of the Mercedes-AMG performance and sports car brand include newly styled front and rear aprons, distinctive side sill panels and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, as well as an additional spoiler lip. This AMG bodystyling emphasises the unique, progressive design of the V-Class even more strongly, and immediately conveys sportiness and dynamism.

At the same time the already high comfort level in the V-Class can be enhanced with further, new appointments. Options include the panoramic roof, the large centre console with an integral cooler compartment and LED-illuminated thermo-cupholders, two iPad holders in the rear and rear seat air conditioning.

With this extended range of features, Mercedes-Benz offers discerning customers even more scope for configuring their V-Class as a private vehicle or business saloon according to their needs and preferences. It was in March, at the Geneva Motor Show, that the premium brand already provided an outlook on the AMG Line and the new comfort features with the 'Concept V-ision e' study.

"The response to the Concept V-ision e was decidedly positive. Our customers prefer that something 'extra'. That is also confirmed by the individual orders. The majority of customers order their V-Class with numerous exclusive, high-quality optional extras", says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "All this confirms that the V-Class has redefined the MPV segment – as a very high-quality, comfortable, extremely functional and dynamic passenger car for up to eight occupants. With the V-Class AMG Line we are now addressing further target groups who are looking for even more individuality and emotional appeal."

The AMG bodystyling impressively enhances the dynamic appearance of the V-Class. The front apron with its prominent air inlets, diamond-pattern mesh and chrome trim, the expressive spoiler lip and the diffuser-look rear apron emphasise the muscular character of the MPV. The side sill panels visually lengthen the side aspect, adding even more dynamism. 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design round off the sporty appearance. The V-Class AMG Line also features a 17-inch braking system, brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and a sport suspension lowered by 15 millimetres with a taut spring and damper setup. As an option the AMG Line can be ordered with the AGILITY CONTROL suspension featuring frequency-dependent, variable damping.

The interior features likewise show the handwriting of AMG: they include air vents in silver chrome, a sports pedal cluster in brushed aluminium, carbon-fibre look trim and a black headlining.

This is the first time that an AMG Line has been available for MPVs from Mercedes-Benz Vans. The AMG Line is available for all engine variants and body lengths of the V-Class and V-Class AVANTGARDE.

The already high comfort and functionality of the V-Class can be further enhanced with new features. Rear seat air conditioning will become optionally available from September. The panoramic roof, large centre console and iPad holders can be ordered as optional extras from the end of this year.

The V-Class has the largest panoramic roof in the mid-size van segment. The 1.90 x 1.12 metre glass roof ensures that the interior is flooded with light for an increased sense of wellbeing. It is a two-piece construction, consisting of an electrically operated glass sliding roof at the front and a fixed glass section at the rear. In addition the panoramic roof features a two-section roller blind with which the interior can be completely shaded when required. This allows undisturbed work or relaxation in the rear, even in strong sunshine. If the vehicle is parked with the roof open and it starts to rain, the panoramic roof is automatically moved to the tilted position thanks to the rain sensor, protecting the interior. The panoramic roof and roller blind can be operated by a switch in the overhead console in the front and by a central overhead switch in the rear.

As a further comfort enhancement for the occupants, the large centre console has a padded armrest and an integral cooler compartment. It has several stowage compartments, two cupholders at the front, two LED-illuminated thermo-cupholders for passengers in the rear and a five-litre cooler box. USB connections, a SD card slot, a 220 volt and a 12 volt socket are provided for mobile phones, notebooks, etc. This makes even long journeys a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

The V-Class can also be equipped with iPad holders on the front seat backrests. Once inserted, the tablet can be charged, tilted and rotated by 90 degrees. All connections, e.g. for headphones, remain fully accessible. This allows optimum use of the iPad. The power supply is in the seat. Further devices can be charged via an additional USB port on the holder.

Since its market launch, the Mercedes among MPVs has become a true success story. In the first year after its introduction, 25 percent more units were sold than of the preceding Viano model in its first full year after the sales start in September 2003. In the first half of 2015, unit sales increased by 36 percent to 15 200 (prev. year 11 200) vehicles. With the new range of appointments, Mercedes-Benz is offering customers an even greater variety for individual configuration of their V-Class. The V-Class and V-Class AVANTGARDE lines, an Exterior Sport package, an Interior Design package and a wide range of optional extras are already available now. They include innovations in this segment, for example a separately opening rear window and Active Parking Assist, or the Driving Assistance package with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFEŽ. Two wheelbases, three vehicle lengths, three engine variants and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive are also available.

This variety and the high level of comfort combined with excellent functionality have decisively helped to ensure that the V-Class was immediately a success. Exclusive optional extras have proved particularly popular, as has the V-Class AVANTGARDE. Almost half of all customers opt for this high-quality equipment line, which has numerous normally optional extras already on board as standard – for example the separately opening rear window, leather seats, ambience lighting and all-LED headlamps with the Intelligent Light System.