Mankind buys VW buses the way they use Tempo or drink Selters.

Anyone who has come up with such a generic term can count themselves lucky.

There are alternatives, mostly good ones.

The V-Class from Mercedes-Benz is one, and since it has developed from a commercial vehicle to a friend of the family, it has been better than ever on the doorstep.

Holger Appel

Editor in business, responsible for "Technology and Engine".

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A recent overhaul brings a few refreshments, but what remains are things that seem to have fallen out of time. The ignition key only opens the doors at the push of a button. And it has to be inserted into a slot and turned to start the engine. The radio and navigation screen is touchless. The most unbelievable thing about it: Nevertheless, the V-Class is a great place to live, the operation in the cockpit, which is conservatively designed by today's Daimler standards, is no mystery, the solid workmanship is a pleasure, and there is plenty of space.

As before, there are three lengths available from 4.90 to 5.37 meters and two wheelbases. Five, six or eight seats and one or two sliding doors are possible. The rear window, which can be opened separately, makes loading easier because the portal-like tailgate does not always have to swing open to fill the space. The seats seemed too tight to us for the first few meters, but prove to be easily digestible over a long distance. This is where the V-Class shows all its strengths, it eats up kilometer after kilometer and keeps its passengers happy with great comfort. Of course, we would like a little more stoic rest, the straight line is not free from nervousness. The high structure is of course susceptible to wind and weather, but such a bus is not a racing car.

The excellent diesel, which, like in the test car, is a four-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic transmission despite the designation 300d, goes perfectly with it. Its 237 hp are powerful and economical to work, we determined 8.1 liters consumption with ample load and a lot of motorway share, which is extremely gratifying. The prices hurt, however. The journey begins with 38,500 euros, and the destination is only slowly reached for 100,000 euros.