Mercedes-Benz Viano

The Mercedes-Benz Viano (formerly known as the V-Class) is a multi-purpose vehicle based on the popular Mercedes-Benz Vito commercial panel van. The first generation went on sale in 1996; it is presently in its second generation, having undergone a number of changes - including a new name - in 2004.

The Viano is a rear-wheel drive minivan available in three lengths, two wheelbases and a choice of four standard, modern petrol and diesel engines (as well as two specialist tuned models) coupled to either a six-speed manual or five-speed TouchShift automatic transmission. In some countries a camping derivative is available - known as the Marco Polo - which comes with a galley, wardrobe and individual seats in the rear which transform into a bed at the push of a button.

Six individual seats come as standard, however up to two rear three-seater benches can be purchased, turning the Viano into an eight seat people carrier.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes

 * For 2011, Mercedes-Benz has given the Viano a slight facelift and some equipment upgrades.

Styles and Major Options
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Environmental Impact
What Green Car? - an organisation that analyses vehicle emissions and rates them from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest) - has analysed all the emissions from six Viano drive trains. These Green Ratings are listed below, starting with the cleanest:

(Bigger or more powerful engines with greener ratings are often more modern engines.)

The emissions from the 2.0 CDI 116 hp manual were analysed by EcoTest and given a score of 68 out of 100 and 3/5 rating for environmental friendliness.

Engine
All engines conform to Euro IV emission standards. Not all engines are available in all markets.

Performance
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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability
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Safety
The new Viano and Vito became the first commerical vehicles to be awarded 5 stars by EuroNCAP. This is a first for all vans and other commerical vehicles and they offer the advantage over other commerical vehicles that had scored 4 stars, 3 stars and even the least safest commerical vehicles with a 2 star or 1 star rating. 

Two head-on airbags and (on higher trim levels) front side airbags are fitted as standard, with front window airbags available as an option. Electronic stability control (ESP), traction control system (ASR), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and brake assist (BAS) are all fitted as standard. If BAS is activated, the brake lights flash to warn following motorists that the Viano driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre. According to Mercedes, 'if braking persists until the vehicle is stationary the hazard warning lights are automatically activated.'

Each seat is fitted with a three-point seatbelt with belt tensioner and force limiter and an adjustable head restraint.

The Viano passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with following ratings:

Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
There are a number of rival MPVs in the Viano's price and size bracket; these include:
 * Chrysler Grand Voyager
 * Citroën C8 | FIAT Ulysse | Lancia Phedra | Peugeot 807
 * Ford Tourneo
 * Nissan Primastar | Opel Vivaro | Renault Trafic | Vauxhall Vivaro
 * Toyota Previa
 * Volkswagen Caravelle

Electric Models

 * In 2010, Mercedes will start a limited test run of 100 Vito EVs (with 20 customers being able to expect delivery this year) powered by a 32 kWh lithium-ion battery attached to a 90 kW electric motor. It is expected to provide a range of 130 km (81 mi) and haul 900 kg. If all goes well with the limited test run, the company will produce an additional 2000 units of the Vito to expand market testing.

Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
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Criticisms
The Mercedes-Benz Viano has received mixed reviews from the motoring press. The van-based design is seen as a blessing by some critics and a failing by others.


 * The AA 8/10 'Image is everything in the world of business and it should come as no surprise that the Viano is the big cheese in the executive travel world.'


 * Autocar 2.5/5 'Still more van than MPV. Airport transport.'


 * Parker's Car Guides 3/5 'Pros: Capable of carrying eight in comfort, massive and versatile interior, superb diesels'. 'Cons: Sheer size makes it difficult to manoeuvre, can't hide commercial vehicle origins.'


 * RAC 7.2/10 'With its rare combination of spacious seating and generous luggage capacity, the Viano is a paragon of practicality...'

Generations
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4MATIC
Four-wheel drive is available on models fitted with 4 cylinder diesel engines. In normal operation on surfaces that provide good grip the Viano 4MATIC transfers driving power to the wheels in a 35:65 split between the front and rear axle. The 4MATIC system doesn't have mechanical differential locks. Instead the all-wheel drive system teams up with the electronic traction system 4ETS, and if one or more wheels loses traction on a slippery surface, 4ETS automatically applies brief pulses of brake pressure to the spinning wheels while increasing the torque to wheels with good grip.

4MATIC In Motor Sports
2006: The Viano acts as support vehicle on the Dakar Rally for the Mercedes-Benz Service and Kwikpower team

2009: The Viano 4MATIC claims victory in the SUV category in the 19th edition of the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles with Irishwoman Jeanette James as pilot and Frenchwoman Anne-Marie Ortola as navigator.

Viano X-Clusive
This special edition Viano is available with the V6 engines. It has been adorned with sportier exterior details including metallic paint, 18" alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust tailpipe and unique front and rear bumpers. Inside are specially designed 'Twin' leather seats and burr walnut wood accents.

The Viano X-Clusive is only available in selected markets.

First Generation/Origins (1996–2003)

 * See also Mercedes-Benz V-Class for more details

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
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