Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a series of light commercial vehicle vans that formerly contained two models: the Vaneo and the Viano. Production of the Vaneo ended in 2006, which was around the same time the similar in concept B-Class was launched.

The Vaneo was based on the first generation A-Class, while the Viano is based on the Vito, with which it shares a body. The Vito and Viano differ primarily in interior fittings and both are assembled at the Vitoria factory in Northern Spain.

The V-Class is sold in Europe, Côte d'Ivoire, Australia, Chile, India and Martinique. The rear passenger area has seating for up to 5, although not all V-Classes were sold with the full complement of seats. The seats are arranged facing each other with two forward-facing (with arm-rests) and three rearward-facing (without arm rests). The rear compartment has sliding doors on both sides. In pre-2001 models the seats were heavy and with very limited flexibility in terms of ancorage. Later models included a sliding attachment system for the seats and their weight was considerably reduced.

The V-Class were prone to a number of faults. The air suspension, whilst providing a constant ride height, commonly failed so that many owners either abandoned the air suspension in favour of springs, or they fitted an after market compressor and valve system. The body work, being of commercial vehicle origins, was very prone to rusting, so that it is uncommon to see an example older than six years that does not have rust along the bottom of the doors. Also, the diesel engine design was such that the glow plugs were hard, if not impossible, to replace, and the injectors leaked.

Variants

 * Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
 * Mercedes-Benz Viano
 * Mercedes-Benz Vito