Mercedes-Benz is bringing back the V-Class to India, and this time, it looks like it means business. The luxury MPV is set to make its return on March 3, marking a comeback after being quietly discontinued in 2022. Clearly, Mercedes has been paying attention, because luxury MPVs are no longer niche, they’re fast becoming the go-to choice for buyers who want space, comfort, and status without squeezing into the third row of an SUV.
What this really means is that India’s luxury car buyers have evolved. Where large SUVs once ruled unchallenged, premium people-movers are now carving out their own loyal following. Models like the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM have shown that buyers are more than happy to trade ladder frames and fake skid plates for reclining seats, ottomans, and a sense of being chauffeured rather than driving. Mercedes wants a piece of that pie again, and the V-Class is its ticket back in.
The version headed our way is the facelift that was globally revealed in 2023. Underneath, it’s familiar territory, but with enough updates to feel fresh. The V-Class sticks to its classic slab-sided MPV proportions, and globally it’s offered in two wheelbase options, Long and Extra Long. Seating layouts range from an eight-seater family shuttle to a six-seat lounge on wheels with captain chairs all around. Which configuration India gets is still under wraps, but let’s be honest, this segment is all about the six-seat layout and maximum pampering.
Design-wise, the V-Class doesn’t try to pretend it’s something it’s not. There’s a broad bonnet flowing into a large U-shaped grille, clean sides with a rising shoulder line, and a tall, upright rear with acres of glass. Wheel and bumper designs change depending on whether you go for Premium, Exclusive, or AMG Line trims, so yes, even your MPV can now have sporty jewellery.
Step inside, and you’ll notice that this isn’t Mercedes’ latest hyperscreen playground. Instead, the V-Class uses twin 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and the instrument cluster, paired with proper physical buttons on the centre console. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. In a car meant to be used, often by chauffeurs and families, real buttons still make a lot of sense.
But let’s not kid ourselves. No one buys a V-Class to admire the dashboard. The real magic happens in the second row. In its top-spec six-seat form, the V-Class turns into a business-class lounge, with individual captain seats offering massage functions, seat ventilation, deep recline with footrests, ambient lighting, USB ports, cup holders, and even integrated stowage. It’s the kind of setup that makes traffic jams feel slightly less offensive.
Globally, the V-Class is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in two tunes: the 220d and the more muscular 300d. Both are paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and can be had with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the market. For India, Mercedes hasn’t confirmed the exact engine and drivetrain combo yet. There’s also an all-electric sibling, the EQV, but for now, that one seems content staying overseas.
With the return of the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz is clearly signalling that it sees long-term potential in India’s growing luxury MPV space. Buyers here are no longer just looking for size or badge value. They want comfort, privacy, and a sense of occasion every time they step in. And if that means choosing an MPV over an SUV, so be it.
The V-Class may not shout for attention, but in a segment where comfort is king, it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, the coolest flex is simply reclining your seat, switching on the massage, and letting the world rush by outside.
