Premium Minivan Mercedes-Benz Announces the New V-Class

Mercedes-Benz Japan unveiled its premium minivan, the "New V-Class," at the "Tokyo Motor Fest 2015 with Minmo" event held in Odaiba, Tokyo, on October 10. Orders opened the same day, with sales scheduled to begin in January 2016.

The first-generation V-Class was introduced to Japan in 1998 as the first European minivan, creating the premium minivan segment. Following a full model change and partial improvements, it became a long-selling model with cumulative sales exceeding 20,000 units.

President Kintaro Ueno took the stage in the new V-Class and delivered a presentation, stating, "We have high expectations for the introduction of this significantly evolved new model."

The new model features the clean diesel "BlueTEC" engine and significantly enhanced equipment, including advanced driver assistance systems and the Command system. It will be available in three body types: Standard, Long, and Extra Long.

At the venue, video messages were shown from artist Kumi Koda and triathlete Taro Shirato, both of whom utilize the previous-generation V-Class. Koda, who uses it as her tour bus, stated, "I love its premium feel, spaciousness, and presence. I want to ride in the V-Class again next time." Shirato, who uses it as his competition support vehicle, commented, "It can carry a large amount of equipment and allows safe, comfortable long-distance travel. I have high expectations for the new model too." This time, Shiroto provided advice for the development of genuine accessories created in Japan.

Moving forward, the new V-Class will be featured in TV commercials and as the key visual for the "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo" event running from October 12th. It is also being used as a VIP shuttle vehicle.

New V-Class Website: http://www.mb-minivan-v.jp/?s_clid=pc_v_20151010#!/home