Mercedes-Benz Vaneo MPV Van available at Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai, US Top Mercedes-Benz Dealer Exporter
The Mercedes-Benz Viano (sold as the V-Class in some markets) 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. In 2010 Mercedes-Benz gave the Viano a facelift with revised front and rear bumpers and lights. The interior was also improved with upgraded materials and new technology added.
The Viano is available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations and comes in three lengths, two wheelbases and a choice of four 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.
Practicality
Six or seven seats come as standard in most markets, however the Viano can be turned into an eight-seat people carrier by fitting two 3-seater benches in the rear. All rear seats slide in 1-inch (2.5 cm) increments, recline and can be turned to face one other. They can also be folded down or removed completely to increase the load capacity. A rear folding table is fitted as standard in six- and seven-seat layouts. The rear seats cannot, however, be folded into the floor like some rivals.
With all the seats removed the Viano Extra-Long can accommodate up to 4,610 litres (163 cu ft) of cargo with a payload of 930 kg. It can tow a 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) braked trailer and a 750 kg (1,653 lb) unbraked trailer – made easier by the adjustable self-levelling rear suspension fitted to higher specification models.
Rear-wheel drive allows the Viano to have a smaller turning circle than front-wheel drive rivals; Compact and Long models have a turning circle of 11.8 m (39 ft) whereas the Extra-Long model turns in 12.5 m (41 ft)
Marco Polo
In some countries a camping derivative is available – known as the Marco Polo – which comes with a fully fitted galley (including gas stove, sink, 40 L fridge and numerous storage areas), multi-function wardrobe and a sliding bench seat in the rear which can be turned into a large air-sprung bed. A pop-up roof is also standard and can be raised – electrically, as a cost option – to provide full standing height inside. In this pop-up roof an additional bed can be fitted meaning the Viano can sleep up to four individuals.
Fresh water and waste water tanks are accessible from outside the vehicle, while the gas-cylinder bay is hidden inside an interior cupboard. To cope with the extra power demands an auxiliary battery is included under the front passenger seat. Up to six optional individual seats can be fitted for maximum MPV flexibility, but only four seats (including the two-seater bench mentioned above) can be used when in camping mode.
The Marco Polo was designed and created in partnership with Westfalia just like Volkswagen camper vans were until 1999. It was then Daimler AG bought a controlling stake in the conversion company meaning Volkswagen had to continue converting their commercial vehicles into camper vans alone.
Powertrains
All of the Viano’s engines prior to 2010 conformed to Euro 4 emission standards. From 2010 the engines were fitted with BlueEFFICIENCY technology and were made Euro 5 compliant. Not all engines are available in all markets.
| Years | Model & Transmission | Engine | Power | Torque | Top Speed | 0-62 mph | Economy | Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | ||||||||
| 2004–2007 | Viano 2.0 CDI | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 109 PS (80 kW) | 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) | 99 mph (159 km/h) | 17.6 s | 31.7 mpg-imp (8.91 l/100 km) | 235 g/km |
| 2004–2007 | Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 109 PS (80 kW) | 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) | 98 mph (158 km/h) | 17.3 s | 31.7 mpg-imp (8.91 l/100 km) | 235 g/km |
| 2007–2010 | Viano 2.0 CDI | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 116 PS (85 kW) | 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) | 99 mph (159 km/h) | 17.6 s | 34.9 mpg-imp (8.09 l/100 km) | 215 g/km |
| 2007–2010 | Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 116 PS (85 kW) | 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) | 98 mph (158 km/h) | 17.3 s | 32.8 mpg-imp (8.61 l/100 km) | 229 g/km |
| 2010- | Viano 2.0 CDI | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 136 PS (100 kW) | 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) | 108 mph (174 km/h) | 14.1 s | 38.7 mpg-imp (7.30 l/100 km) | 192 g/km |
| 2010- | Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 136 PS (100 kW) | 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) | 107 mph (172 km/h) | 13.1 s | 34.5 mpg-imp (8.19 l/100 km) | 216 g/km |
| 2004–2010 | Viano 2.2 CDI | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 150 PS (110 kW) | 330 N·m (244 lb·ft) | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 14.9 s | 34.9 mpg-imp (8.09 l/100 km) | 215 g/km |
| 2004–2010 | Viano 2.2 CDI TouchShift | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 150 PS (110 kW) | 330 N·m (244 lb·ft) | 111 mph (179 km/h) | 13.0 s | 32.8 mpg-imp (8.61 l/100 km) | 229 g/km |
| 2010- | Viano 2.2 CDI | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 163 PS (120 kW) | 360 N·m (266 lb·ft) | 117 mph (188 km/h) | 12.1 s | 38.7 mpg-imp (7.30 l/100 km) | 192 g/km |
| 2010- | Viano 2.2 CDI TouchShift | 2.2 L, 4 in-L | 163 PS (120 kW) | 360 N·m (266 lb·ft) | 113 mph (182 km/h) | 11.1 s | 34.5 mpg-imp (8.19 l/100 km) | 216 g/km |
| 2006–2010 | Viano 3.0 CDI TouchShift | 3.0 L, 6 in-V | 204 PS (150 kW) | 440 N·m (325 lb·ft) | 123 mph (198 km/h) | 9.2 s | 30.7 mpg-imp (9.20 l/100 km) | 244 g/km |
| 2010- | Viano 3.0 CDI TouchShift | 3.0 L, 6 in-V | 224 PS (165 kW) | 440 N·m (325 lb·ft) | 125 mph (201 km/h) | 9.1 s | 32.8 mpg-imp (8.61 l/100 km) | 226 g/km |
| Petrol | ||||||||
| 2004–2007 | Viano 3.7 V6 TouchShift | 3.7 L, 6 in-V | 231 PS (170 kW) | 345 N·m (255 lb·ft) | 119 mph (192 km/h) | 11.0 s | 23.2 mpg-imp (12.2 l/100 km) | 294 g/km |
| 2007- | Viano 3.5 V6 TouchShift | 3.5 L, 6 in-V | 258 PS (190 kW) | 340 N·m (251 lb·ft) | 127 mph (204 km/h) | 9.3 s | 23.7 mpg-imp (11.9 l/100 km) | 284 g/km |
| n/a | Viano 4.4 Brabus TouchShift | 4.3 L, 6 in-V | 325 PS (239 kW) | 430 N·m (317 lb·ft) | 143 mph (230 km/h) | 7.2 s | n/a | n/a |
| n/a | Viano 6.1 Brabus TouchShift | 6.0 L, 8 in-V | 426 PS (313 kW) | 621 N·m (458 lb·ft) | 152 mph (245 km/h) | 6.2 s | n/a | n/a |
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.
The 4MATIC has a raised ride height which has improved approach, departure and breakover angles (20°/28°/19° respectively, versus 14°/22°/14° in conventional rear-wheel-drive models). The additional weight of the all-wheel drive comes to just 80 kg.
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.
Special editions
X-Clusive
This special edition Viano was only available in European markets from 2008 to 2010 with either a petrol or diesel V6 engine. It came with sportier exterior details including Brilliant Silver or Obsidian Black metallic paint, redesigned radiator grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust tailpipe, side skirts and unique front and rear bumpers. Inside were specially designed pebble or anthracite coloured ‘Twin’ leather seats and a choice of grey or brown burr walnut wood accents.
Edition 125
In 2011 Mercedes celebrated its 125th birthday, and to commemorate Mercedes created special edition models, including the Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 (to give it its full name). It comes with either the V6 petrol or V6 diesel engine, sports suspension, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, chromed exterior mirrors, black or silver metallic paintwork, six individual leather seats, wood trim and stainless steel pedals.