Kamal Ghorui
Mercedes-Benz India has confirmed the return of the V-Class to the Indian market. The new MPV is scheduled to launch on March 3, 2026, marking its comeback after a gap of more than three years following its discontinuation in 2022. The V-Class will join Mercedes-Benz India’s lineup as one more offering positioned at the premium end of its portfolio. The new V-Class is expected to be priced somewhere between Rs 1 and 1.2 crore (ex-showroom). Pre-bookings are likely to open shortly, with the MPV expected to be brought to India via the CBU route. Once launched, it will take on rivals such as the Lexus LM, Toyota Vellfire and MG M9.
Talking about the powertrain first, globally the V-Class is offered with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel turbo engine in two configurations – 220d, with 163hp and 380Nm, and the more powerful 300d, with 237hp and 500Nm. Both engines come paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It’s offered with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. That said, it remains unclear whether Mercedes-Benz will offer both engine variants in India or limit the lineup to a single option. Globally, the V-Class is also offered in an all-electric variant, the EQV. Depending on market demand, Mercedes-Benz could consider introducing the all-electric version at a later stage.
Design-wise, the V-Class features a clean, boxy profile and a sculpted bonnet that flows into a prominent U-shaped front grille, complemented by a strong shoulder line along the sides. The rear design is upright, featuring a large glass area and the wheel designs and bumper styling differ across variants.
Globally, the V-Class is offered with two wheelbase choices – Long at 3,200mm and Extra Long measuring 3,430mm. Buyers overseas can opt for multiple seating layouts, including 8-seat, 7-seat and a range-topping 6-seat configuration with captain seats in the second and third rows. Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm which wheelbase and seating options will be introduced for the Indian market.
Moving inside, the V-Class features a familiar Mercedes layout with twin 12.3-inch displays – one for infotainment and one for the instrument cluster. It gets tons of physical buttons with soft-touch surfaces, brushed accents and neatly integrated controls giving the cabin a well-finished feel. Where the V-Class truly stands out is in the rear cabin. In the fully loaded six-seat configuration, passengers in the second row get individual captain seats with a strong focus on comfort. These include powered adjustment with massage functions, heating and ventilation, a reclining backrest with an extendable footrest, and built-in storage spaces with ambient lighting. Other features include multi-zone climate control, multi-colour ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Nappa leather upholstery, Burmester sound system and more.
