MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS

Interior upgrades make the MPV worthy of shuttling Merc's CEO himself

- JAMES DISDALE

There was a time not that long ago when it looked like the MPV was dead and buried. Despite offering unrivalled space and practicality, these big buses had, like almost every other mainstream offering, lost the fight against the unstoppable rise of the SUV. However, it now appears that MPVs have simply shifted their focus, moving away from their utilitarian roots to offer club class accommodation to well-heeled buyers who want to transport more friends, family or business acquaintances than traditional limousines will allow.

The most obvious example of this is the new Lexus LM, while even the opulent Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X Luxe has a list of kit almost as long as its name. But it was the Mercedes V-Class that got there first. Based on the Vito commercial vehicle, this high-rise holdall squeezes S-Class vibes into a 'car' with the profile of a plumber's van.

The third-generation model was given an extra injection of upmarket appeal in early 2024 courtesy of a heavily revised interior and advanced new technology, but this is the first time we have been able to sample it on UK roads.