BY Mabuyane Mabuza
South Africans are blessed with long sunny days and a beautiful summer, a long network of good roads that connect us to incredible destinations, and a break from load shedding to soak it all in. For those who want to Xplore this holiday with their families, the people mover bus has become a somewhat South African tradition. Blessed are those who are travelling in the bus this holiday season. You could not have asked for a better automobile than the Mercedes Benz V-Class for your journey.
From the hippie era, the Volkswagen Microbus and Caravelle led the revolution of the people mover bus that hauled family and friends to fun holidays in style and for the good times baby. Known as the hippie bus, the VW buses had a good run until other manufacturers caught the drift, and sought to infuse luxury for the discerning travellers who wanted it all while travelling by road.
Known for putting the capital C in class and for defining opulence, Mercedes-Benz entered the people mover space and gave new meaning to the hippie bus. While Merc always had people movers such as the Vito and Viano, there wasn’t much fun-fare about them. Mercedes-Benz became intentional by appealing to luxury travellers and reimagined the space. They made a bus with the must-have appeal and symbol for exclusive, high-end getaways. And the strategy paid off, it catapulted the VW from its pole position to becoming one of the most lusted-after buses on our roads. This is not the story about the Caravelle, a lovely car in its own right, but a story of victory of and about the V-Class.
Though it has gained notoriety or street cred (some still call it the f***ing car after the viral party video) in recent years, the V-Class keeps on winning.
As for me, I am no stranger to the V-Class as I had stints in it over the years. Getting my hands on the new model felt as natural as drinking water.
Exterior
In the realm of luxury transportation (spiritually speaking), the Mercedes-Benz V-Class shines as a revolutionary vehicle that has truly transformed the bus market. With its elegant design, impeccable craftsmanship, and luxurious features, this vehicle has captured the hearts of both drivers and passengers alike.
From the moment the V-Class made its debut in South Africa, it was met with resounding acclaim. Its arrival marked a crucial turning point in the country’s perception of luxury buses, as it introduced a truly refined and opulent mobile experience. Gone were the days of mundane, uninspiring buses. The V-Class brought a new level of sophistication and comfort to the roads. One of the most striking aspects of the V-Class is its stylish exterior, which exudes elegance and modernity. Its dynamic lines command attention,(though it has aged a bit) effortlessly blending functionality with a touch of glamour. This vehicle is a true embodiment of luxury plus functionality.
Interior
Step inside, and you will be greeted by an interior that redefines the meaning of luxury in a bus. The V-Class offers a spacious, beautifully appointed cabin, meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and exquisite attention to detail. From soft leather seats to ambient lighting, every element has been carefully curated to create a haven of comfort and refinement.
But the V-Class is not merely about visual aesthetics; it is also equipped with advanced technologies that make every journey an indulgent experience. State-of-the-art infotainment systems, immersive sound systems, and cutting-edge connectivity features ensure that passengers are entertained and connected throughout their travels. Comfort is further enhanced with features like climate control and adjustable seating, allowing everyone on board to find their perfect level of relaxation.
The reception of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class by the South African market has been overwhelmingly positive. It quickly garnered a reputation as the epitome of luxury transportation, setting new standards that other manufacturers aspired to achieve. Businesses and individuals seeking a premium travel experience turned to the V-Class as their vehicle of choice, appreciating its unwavering commitment to comfort and elegance.
Our test model was the V300 Special Edition. Fuel consumption is not terrible ranging between 8.2-9L/100km, depending on the enthusiasm of your right foot. This motor is decent enough for a quick overtaking manoeuvre, thanks to the 9-speed automatic gearbox for smooth and precise gear ratios.
Pricing
At R2.2 million and being the most expensive people mover around, there are enough of them on the roads that you could easily mistake it for an affordable vehicle.
One thing is for sure, South Africans love the V-Class, otherwise, it wouldn’t be selling in the numbers it does.
