The Mercedes-Benz V300 vs Old Mutual Double Century

Ever so often, we tend to test cars in situations that would somewhat prove different or difficult (in some instances) – and this was one of those situations.

Let me give you guys a bit of context. Our team entered the Old Mutual Double Century, a 200KM cycling race hosted in Swellendam, Cape Town every year. The race is technical for both teams and support on the day, with 2 aid stations that pushes the team support to its brink while rushing from the start to each station before their respective cycling team makes it through.

Now, this might seem simple to everyone else but not so much to the teams navigating this stressful time. The big task includes transporting the team to the start, then the big rush for last minute stock (i.e ice, cold drinks, protein shakes, even sweets – you’d be surprised just how much these sweets are critical at some stage) and moving supplies needed by the teams from the start to the finish with a stop at each aid station. And thus, it leaves us with a bit of a question – why would the Mercedes-Benz V-Class be a great fit?

To that, I say it is a perfect fit – let me explain.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class was not only the most practical MPV(multi-purpose vehicle) on the day, in that teammates could fit comfortably in the car while being transported on the day but the aluminium bicycle rack accessory that Mercedes Benz offers as an accessory, which we had some doubt considering how high it rides from the tailgate, was a great fit. The R13 915 optional extra fits 4 bicycles perfectly and it easily packs away if needed – for those days when you don’t need it.

Now, although, the V-Class is a luxury MPV, with a heavier price than most in the market, it stands out in that it does it so well. Yes, it is rather long – at just under 5.5m long, under 2m wide(without the mirrors) and also under 2m high(hence the concern on the tailgate bicycle rack) at that and thankfully there has been some features that make this car pleasurable to drive. The digital rear-view mirror makes reversing that much easier to manage.

On the inside, the interior has found some updates with a notable upgrade to the dashboard with the 10.25-inch touchscreen MBUX infotainment system that does away with relying on the touchpad, making it easier to navigate through the screen. The interior has been wrapped in a Burmester Sound System which has additional microphones in the front that can enable the front-occupants to chat to anyone sitting in the rear without the need to resort to screaming basic terms. This feature was rather disturbing for me as it would need one to actively switch it off, else you might assume that some spirit is speaking through the speakers.

The V-Class is by no amounts frugal as some people might assume, but it is also not heavy on fuel. For the fact that you can haul 7 people, it is actually economical: even when at fuel capacity. The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine manages 176kW @ 500Nm and we averaged around 6.5L/100KM during our drive to Swallendam – and at no point would you feel like the car is searching for gears through its 9G-tronic automatic gearbox or under-powered, even when in sport mode(blame the trucks for us even going this far).

There is currently no other MPV (not yet anyway) that carries itself like the V-Class and the new one has needed the refresher that it has gone through. It is safe to say that Mercedes-Benz has a great product in the V300, and it is luxe out to its best ability – with no other to compete with it as the cherry on top.

We do hope that we will get to experience the other trims on our roads in future.