Refreshed Mercedes-Benz V-Class Gets New Look, Engine, Electric Siblings

Mercedes-Benz has already announced its electric EQ range will see an EQC SUV as the first inductee to its automotive stable — followed by the EQS sedan, EQA hatchback, and the compact EQB crossover. It also plans to introduce its EQV Concept in Geneva later this year, a model which draws much of its inspiration from the Mercedes V-Class (known in North America as the Metris).

However, the standard V-Class is going through some changes of its own. Thanks to a mid-cycle refresh in Europe, the model will gain more standard safety tech, new hardware, and added luxury options for 2020. It also goes under the knife for some tasteful plastic surgery, bringing it in line with the rest of the automaker’s lineup.

Visual alterations include a handful of gently softened features and a new front fascia. There are also new color options and multiple trim lines available that can further change the model’s look, including one from AMG that incorporates the “diamond grille” and chucks on a unique set of 19-inch wheels.

Meanwhile, the interior (which you can have with wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum trim) is similarly tweaked to more closely resemble the rest of Mercedes’ passenger vehicles. The most notable items are “turbine” style air vents and upgraded instrumentation, which can now convey more simultaneous information to the driver.

Less has been done behind the driver’s seat. Save for some new upholstery choices and the option to order fully reclining captain’s chairs with a massage function and ventilation, nothing has changed.

On the mechanical front, there’s a new 2.0-liter diesel that outputs 239 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (which we’re unlikely to see stateside) and a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the model’s aging seven-speed gearbox. Rear-wheel drive remains standard, but you can option the van with 4Matic all-wheel drive if desired.

The biggest changes come via a new safety suite deployed by Daimler. A new adaptive high-beam setup basically leaves them on 24/7 until the V-Class feels the need to redirect them to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. There’s also an improved emergency braking system, which Mercedes claims can detect pedestrians and actively primes the pedal for your foot — or takes over braking entirely if it thinks you’ve waited too long to intervene.

As of now, Daimler has only confirmed these inclusions in markets outside of North America. Mercedes-Benz has not made announcements about the Metris in the United States; it would be doubtful to see all the changes make their way here. That said, we’re expecting the model to undergo some minor alterations within the next year, with the new electrified Concept EQV stealing all the press.

[Images: Daimler AG]