Mercedes promised a surprising concept based on the extremely successful V-Class for the Geneva Motor Show. The curtain fell on that surprise yesterday at the first press day, but don't expect any extreme wildness. The V-ision e demonstrates the possibilities of individualizing a large MPV and apparently tests reactions to the possible integration of a plug-in hybrid drive unit into the interior of a production car.
The concept borrowed the powertrain from the similarly designed C 350 e class , first presented this year in Detroit. In practice, this means a petrol four-cylinder engine with a power of 210 hp with a torque of 350 Nm and an electric motor with a power of 90 kW with a torque of 340 Nm. A system output of 333 hp and a torque of 600 Nm will allow the V-Class to accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 206 km/h (both figures would be top of the range, by the way), but more importantly in this in case of driving economy. In combined hybrid mode, the MPV consumes 3.0 l/100 km, which means 71 g CO2/km, thanks to the 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery , an emission-free range of up to 50 km at a maximum speed of 80 km/h is also indicated. The system itself then chooses the best combination of electric and combustion engine for use in the given situation . The electric motor is most often used for quick starts, as support for the gasoline engine during acceleration or as an energy recuperator during braking or "sailing". The driver can also have a say in the mode selection, choosing manually from Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge modes.
If the basic model can be said to be an S-Class for a larger number of people, then the V-ision e concept pushed this boundary even further. The Magic Sky Control panoramic roof with a glazed area of 1.92 x 1.12 meters is divided into two parts and has a front sliding part. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather in combination with Dinamica microfiber and thanks to the white color they contrast with the dark walnut wood floor . The two separate rear seats (can be replaced with a three-seater bench) are adjustable, similarly to the Mercedes-Maybach S 600, within a range of 49 degrees. They also include three-stage heating, ventilation, a massage machine or a set of original pillows . For serious conference calls, a pair of 35×35 cm pull-out tables with a white Nappa leather cover or two 90-degree rotating iPad holders in the back of the front seats with an integrated charging interface and two USB ports will come in handy. The last change you will notice in the cabin is a larger central tunnel with cup holders, storage boxes, USB ports, a slot for a memory card, a five-liter refrigerator and sockets with a voltage of 220 and 12 volts respectively. The bodywork is distinguished from the standard design by Titanium Alubeam silver paint, allegedly sports bumpers , side skirts and rear spoiler, respectively 20-inch wheels.
The expansion of the existing V-class range by a version with a length of 4895 mm (wheelbase 3200 mm) or with a length of 5370 mm (wheelbase 3430 mm) is a purely serial matter. The V 200 CDI (136 hp) and V 220 CDI (163 hp) diesel versions will also get 4Matic all-wheel drive. In the list of additional equipment, it will be possible to tick heating for the rear comfortable individual seats from September.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
