Photographs by Ishaan Jaiswal
In an era where time is the ultimate luxury, the concept of travel has evolved beyond mere transportation. For the modern professional, travel is no longer just about reaching a destination — it’s about maximising productivity, comfort, and efficiency along the way. The idea of a mobile office isn’t new. In the US, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been a favourite among high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives who want to work and relax while on the move. In India, it’s the Force Urbania that is emerging as a Sprinter equivalent, with its spacious interior and customisable configurations.
At first glance, this Urbania looks like any other large van; it looks almost stock, save for a few small decals that add a personalised touch, reminiscent of the custom stickers you’d find on a Volkswagen camper van. Step inside, however, and you’re immediately transported into a very non-van world. The one we drove had been converted into a mobile office, complete with reclining seats, a 50-inch TV, a pantry, and a chemical toilet. It’s a ‘glamping’ experience on wheels, designed for those who refuse to compromise on comfort.
This cabin mimics the business class experience of a private jet. The privacy blinds create a cocoon-like atmosphere that shields you from the outside world. Once the blinds are down, you’re in your own private sanctuary, free to work, relax, or simply enjoy the ride. There’s an intercom system that allows you to communicate with the driver without leaving your seat. Connectivity is taken care of by a Jio internet dongle that provides Wi-Fi. The 50- inch TV, with an Amazon Fire Stick, serves as both an entertainment hub and a productivity tool. During our journey, I mirrored my laptop screen onto the TV to review a spreadsheet‑ the larger display made it easier to analyse data. Functionality? Check.
No luxury experience is complete without gourmet food and beverages, and this vehicle delivers on this front as well. The onboard pantry is equipped with an espresso machine, a coffee maker, and a refrigerator stocked with snacks and refreshments.
Driving through Pune’s notorious traffic and uneven roads can be a challenge, but the Urbania handles it with ease. The vehicle’s air suspension system ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, even on the most pothole-ridden streets. While you can feel the occasional bump or speed breaker, the overall experience is remarkably insulated, allowing you to focus on your work or relaxation without distraction.
The Urbania’s driving dynamics are another pleasant surprise. Unlike traditional commercial vehicles, which can feel cumbersome and unwieldy, this one is surprisingly refined. The steering is light, the gear shifts are smooth, and the overall driving experience is more akin to a large SUV than a mini-bus. This makes it an ideal choice for long-distance travel, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. We made a pit stop at a scenic spot on the outskirts of Pune. While the driver enjoyed a cup of tea at a local stall, we opted for coffee brewed in the pantry. The convenience of having a fully functional kitchenette on board cannot be overstated, especially when you’re travelling for extended periods.
As we drove further toward the outskirts of Pune, the Urbania truly came into its own. The transition from the chaotic city streets to the tranquil countryside was seamless, thanks to the vehicle’s Mercedes-derived 2.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. Producing 113 bhp and 35.69 kgm of torque, this engine is a proper workhorse, powering both the vehicle and all the onboard equipment. Despite its commercial vehicle roots, the engine is surprisingly refined, with noise and vibration kept to acceptable levels, making it a pleasure to travel with.
Sitting in the back seats of the Urbania during this journey was an experience and a half. The plush, reclining seats, combined with the air suspension, created a sense of floating rather than driving. The privacy blinds were drawn, and the cabin was bathed in soft, ambient lighting. With the TV playing a light sitcom and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, it was easy to forget that we were on the move.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Force Urbania is its status as one of the few large vans that can be purchased and registered as a private vehicle (with a white number plate in certain states). This sets it apart from most commercial vehicles, which typically require yellow plates. However, this distinction comes with its own set of quirks. While the white plate gives it a more personal, non-commercial appearance, the Urbania is still subject to the 80 kph speed limit imposed on commercial vehicles. This means that despite its luxurious interior and private registration, it’s bound by the same rules as a delivery van or a minibus. It’s a curious blend of exclusivity and regulation, making the Urbania a fairly unique prospect.
This duality often leads to some interesting encounters on the road. The Urbania’s sheer size and imposing presence are bound to turn heads, and it’s not uncommon for curious police officers to pull you over, intrigued by the sight of such a large van sporting a private number plate. While these stops are usually harmless and driven by curiosity rather than suspicion, they do add an element of unpredictability to your journey. That said, this particular vehicle’s refined demeanour and premium cabin leaves even the most sceptical cops impressed, making these interactions more of a conversation starter than a hassle.
For business travellers, the Urbania offers a unique combination of productivity and comfort. Whether you’re heading to a remote factory, attending a client meeting, or simply commuting to the office, an Urbania kitted out like this ensures you arrive relaxed and refreshed. What sets it apart from other luxury vehicles is its versatility — it’s a proper mobile office and a relaxation pod rolled into one. The ability to customise the interior to suit your needs makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of professionals, and going by this particular example, you’ll never want to settle for anything less once you’ve experienced it.
