Mercedes-Benz Vans, a part of Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East, last week unveiled two new vans - Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the Mercedes-Benz Vans Sprinter, at a spectacular launch event in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The event, titled Vanchella, held on November 27, kicked off with a media address in the morning where senior executives unveiled and discussed details of the new vans, their specific qualities and the advantages the latest models offer to their targeted markets.

The media was also given the opportunity to test both the vehicles. In the evening, the unveiling was celebrated at a gala event, which was attended by media, influencers and customers from around the region.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vans Sprinter is the latest edition of the global bestseller in the vehicle segment to officially launch in the Middle East and North Africa. The new Sprinter elevates the benchmark for the large van segment, offering an innovative and diverse range of product features that serves specific market needs more effectively than ever before. Through its technology and intelligence, the new Sprinter offers every customer a model tailored precisely to his or her needs.

The 2019 Sprinter transitions from a commercial vehicle with pure utility value to an impressive business car for commercial fleets and businesses. It pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz Vans and embodies the inherent emotional appeal and intelligence.

Thomas Greipel, general manager of Mercedes-Benz Vans Middle East and North Africa (Mena), said: “We have celebrated huge success with this vehicle, having sold more than 3.4 million units of the Sprinter in over 130 markets across the globe.

“Today, the third generation of the Sprinter is bound for even greater success in the Mena region, as it continues to encompass innovative technologies while also maintaining the Mercedes-Benz standards of quality and robustness,” he added.

The Sprinter has different priorities dependent on the customers’ needs and requirements. Ranging from the basic specification variant for customers who value proven Sprinter attributes such as standard-fit electronic stability program (ESP) and standard safety equipment like Crosswind Assist, through to the highest specification model where high-resolution touchscreens and high-quality materials determine the visual impression and ambience.

The stowage compartment concept exemplifies the adaptability of the interior. A choice of open or closed compartments, and a lockable compartment within the roof liner in the cockpit area, enable the configuration to be tailored precisely to the given requirements for the workplace behind the wheel.

The model also has a high-performance overhead air conditioning system which supplements the air conditioning at the front to up to 7 kW with an additional 11 kW of rear cooling output, both running on independent circuits, to reach a possible combined total of 18 kW to deliver the ultimate in climate comfort in the passenger compartment. The powerful one-zone automatic climate control system Thermotronic automatically regulates the fan, air distribution and temperature to the comfort level of a passenger car.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is also playing an innovative and pioneering role with the introduction of the modern safety technologies in the large van segment. Modern safety and assistance systems play a particularly important role in this segment throughout the region, as commercially used vehicles are often in operation on a daily basis, covering long mileages and must remain controllable even at the limits despite their relatively large dimensions.

With the new Sprinter model, a whole range of optional safety and assistance systems is now available from Mercedes-Benz Vans that were previously maintained within the passenger car series. These include the radar-based distance control system Distronic, Active Brake Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class sports an impressive new look for the passenger family car, which is now available with a revised front-end design, exterior colours, updated interior and a range of cutting-edge driver assistance features.

With a redesigned front bumper, the V-Class appears wider by incorporating a broad intake into the lower fascia – an optional AMG Line Package is available with a new, chrome-accented, diamond radiator grille offering a sportier appearance.  

The interior of the new model focuses on passenger comfort with a simpler, elegant design with new upholstery and trim options. Building on its position as a class leader in safety, new Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus features are now available.

Greipel added: “The new V-Class builds upon the style and appeal that has led the way within the MPV segment – for both private and business owners, while maintaining the Mercedes-Benz standards of quality and robustness.”

“With an updated look and feel, the new V-Class is a powerful and dynamic vehicle that we’re confident will continue to fascinate our customers,” he said.

The model's four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish, as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design. At the upper end of the new wheel portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish.

The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity, with new air vents in a more-sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster.

New safety features can be ordered optionally and continue to build on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class position as a leader for safety standards in its segment. The new (optional) Active Brake Assist can recognise when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead and gives an initial visual and acoustic signal. In addition, the Active Brake Assist can break autonomously up to standstill, if the driver does not react independently and adequately. In urban traffic, the Active Brake Assist can also react to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing.

Another new (optional) safety feature is the Highbeam Assist Plus. It supports the driver in the high beam mode through a continuous illumination of the lane. If there are vehicles in front of the V-Class or if there is oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated to create a U-shaped cut-out in the cone of light. The remaining areas of the roadway continue to be illuminated with the main-beam headlamps (partial main beam).

The already successful safety features continue to remain - Crosswind Assist, which supports the driver in keeping the vehicle on track even in the case of heavy crosswinds, and Attention Assist, which can detect when drivers start to become drowsy and prompt them to take a break when needed.

The model will be available in new colours including graphite grey metallic, selenite grey metallic, steel blue and hyacinth red metallic. – TradeArabia News Service