These vehicles are marketed as the "V-Class" by MB in the UK. They can be had with quite comfortable and luxurious specifications (S-Class levels of equipment). They are often used by chauffeur companies and posh hotels.

I have ridden in a V280 "ambiante" spec vehicle in Brilliant silver with grey leather interior. It was extremely comfortabel and spacious. There were 7 or 8 individual and removable seats. Each had a lot of legroom and there was plently of lugage space. The driver explained the different ways the interior could be configured. I seem to remember a multi-zone climate control.

This particular model had a 2.8 litre VR6 (a very good VW engine) and a 4 speed auto box. I would rate this vehicle far above the alternative people carriers.

The UK motoring press does not like these vehicles because they offer little "driving pleasure". No ****. They offer considerable passenger comfort and driver comfort over a long journey, though. We concluded that a Brabus V-class would be ideal as family transport for holiday drives to Europe (with the SLK on a trailer behind).

__________________
JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190