Mercedes Viano Grand Edition - farewell edition
In January next year, Mercedes will introduce the V-Class, the new generation of the exclusive van, the concern characterizes as the “larger S-Class”. Currently, one of the most interesting offers for demanding connoisseurs of large-tonnage Mercedes cars is the special version of the Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde.
The history of the currently produced Viano dates back to 2003. At that time, Mercedes introduced the utilitarian Vito and the more noble Viano. Both models were updated in 2010. New bumpers, redesigned headlights, LED daytime running lights, improved suspension and a more attractive interior were enough to keep the Vito and Viano in the game. Now both Mercedes vans are fast approaching their well-deserved retirement.
The company made sure that they went down in history on a grand scale. Mercedes Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde saw the light at the Geneva Motor Show this year. A distinctive feature of the special version of the van is a styling package that includes, among other things, 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 tires, door sills, several chrome inserts and black-painted grille elements. The most delicious accessories are hidden under the case.
Leather upholstery is standard on the Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde. Customers can choose from anthracite leather or Twin Dinamika upholstery, a combination of leather and suede, available in anthracite or silicone. Fine materials are perfectly combined with semi-gloss walnut effect trim strips. On board, you'll also find electric sliding side doors, a Comand APS infotainment system, a rearview camera, cruise control, air conditioning, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and heavy-duty suspension.
The presence of a modified chassis is not accidental. The manufacturer does not hide the fact that the Grand Edition Avantgarde is an attempt to combine functionality, exclusivity and sporty spirit. The natural course of things was to narrow the range of powertrains to the three most powerful diesel engines CDI 2.2 (163 hp, 360 Nm) and CDI 3.0 (224 hp, 440 Nm) and petrol 3.5 V6 (258 hp, 340 Nm). ).
Under the hood of the tested Viano wedged a CDI 3.0 V6 engine. There is no need to acquaint Mercedes enthusiasts with a strong, cultural and economical unit. Modifications to this engine can be found in the C, CLK, CLS, E, G, GL, GLK, ML, R, and S classes. In small cars, a powerful turbodiesel provides almost sporty performance. The 2,1-ton Viano has 224 hp. and 440 Nm can hardly be called an excess of tractive power. The driving force is simply adequate to the class and purpose of the exclusive salon. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9,1 seconds and the top speed is 201 km/h. In the urban cycle, the engine requires 11-13 l / 100 km. Outside the settlement, the rate of fuel production drops to 8-9 l / 100 km. Of course, if not to exaggerate with the pace of driving. The huge frontal area contributes to fuel economy at speeds over 120 km/h.
The 2,1-litre CDI 2.2 consumes a similar amount of diesel fuel but delivers worse performance. In turn, the petrol 3.5 V6 accelerates to “hundreds” in just 0,4 seconds more efficiently than the CDI 3.0, but absorbs gas at an absurd rate. Achieving 13 l / 100km on the combined cycle will be a great achievement. In the city, 16 l / 100 km or more will pass through the cylinders of the V-shaped “six”.
Let's go back to the tested CDI 3.0. The NAG W5A380 gearbox is responsible for transferring traction to the rear wheels. The automatic transmission smoothly juggles the five available gears, trying to use a huge amount of torque. The gearbox is not rushing - it takes a few moments to lower or shift into a higher gear. Sports mode? Missing. Nobody would use it in the Viano Grand Edition. It's good that there is a function of manual gear selection. The weight of the van with all passengers on board and luggage can reach three tons. The ability to downshift and engine braking is useful on roads full of dips or turns - it allows you to partially unload the brake discs and pads.
How does the Viano handle cornering? Surprisingly good. 19-inch wheels, reinforced and lowered suspension and "pneumatics" of the rear axle provide proper traction and precise steering. The steering also does its job quite well - it is quite sociable, and the assistance power is set at the optimal level. If the driver speeds, tire screeching and safe understeer will remind him that he is not riding in a typical limousine.
Van Mercedes doesn't like inequality. Large bumps are not cushioned properly and can shake the entire machine. In such situations, their existence - with various noises - resembles separate chairs and a table. Fortunately, there is a way to improve comfort. This is enough to carry several passengers. The loaded suspension begins to filter bumps more effectively, and the seatbacks stop resonating. Given the state of Polish roads, it is worth taking advantage of the free option and abandoning the sports suspension. The Viano will still drive properly, but it will more isolate passengers from bumps.
Overall driving comfort is more than satisfactory. The tested Viano had six individual chairs with adjustable position, back angle and height-adjustable armrests. The amount of legroom and headroom is impressive. Another plus for the possibility of interior design. The seats can be moved, adjusted forward and backward, folded and disassembled. The functionality of the cabin presented by Viano is improved by an optional table with storage compartments and a convertible top. Practical lockers can also be found in other areas of the cabin. There are four compartments within the reach of the driver and free space between the seats, which can be successfully filled with hand luggage.
The ergonomics of the cabin does not cause any particular complaints. Mercedes used systems and switches that have been proven on other models. You can only find fault with the management of the multimedia system - the screen is not a touchscreen, and the driver does not have a handle and the most important function buttons at hand, known from smaller Mercedes. The appointment and other parameters are changed with buttons on the center console. In anticipation of the facts, we can add that the upcoming V-Class will not lack a comfortable handle.
The high driving position and powerful windshield make it easy to see the road. In the city, massive A-pillars sometimes narrow the field of view on the sides. The biggest drawback is the size of the car and the associated problems with finding parking spaces. The gap in which we would successfully fit a compact car is often too narrow or too short for the Viano. Rear visibility is poor, especially in the dark, when nothing is visible through the tinted windows. The correct body shape, large mirrors and a reasonable turning radius (12 m) make it easy to maneuver. In the tested Viano, drivers were also supported by sensors and a rear-view camera.
The list of practical additions did not end there. From the pool of additional equipment selected, among others parking heating. The system clock is integrated with the display panel, which facilitates the programming of the time when the heating device is switched on. The system can work for 60 minutes. Keep the coolant temperature between 73-85°C. In Viano-sized vehicles, the parking heater significantly improves comfort. You must remember that turbodiesels are highly efficient, which means that they emit a limited amount of heat and warm up for a long time. In severe frosts, the Viano interior without an additional heater will warm up properly only after ... several tens of minutes of driving. We are pleased with the acceptable price of water heating - PLN 3694 less than you have to pay for a similar addition in stores of popular brands.
Of course, the equipment Mercedes Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde does not spoil the price. The CDI 2.2 variant was priced at PLN 232. The cost of the CDI 205 version starts from PLN 3.0. If we care about comfort, then it is worth paying extra. The CDI 252 turbodiesel does a great job. When overtaking, and even more so dynamic acceleration, it is necessary to use high speeds at which the engine becomes noisy. 685 CDI has a higher work culture and more steam, so it performs all the driver's commands efficiently and effortlessly.
Mercedes Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde impresses with its versatility. It will operate as a hotel bus and a mobile conference room. Families will love the huge opportunity for interior design. The driver will not feel offended either - a powerful engine and a well-tuned chassis make driving fun.
