Mercedes V 300 D with Air Suspension in Test

The V-Class is a well-known example of a first-class vehicle. It should be even better with air suspension. Test. Strange events are taking place right now. While Volkswagen is not only startling seasoned Multivan drivers with its new MQB-based T7, but also partially smoothing out the waves with the announcement that it will continue to make the T6.1, Mercedes is honing its V-Class.

It was more competent than the Bulli from the outset. Two years ago, the MBUX infotainment system with its proprietary voice control and the state-of-the-art diesel OM 654 with its nine-speed automatic transmission moved in.

So now there’s an air suspension (Airmatic) with two frequency-dependent valves in the dampers for push and pull. It’s not that the stock chassis with passive damper system was harsh in any way. But if the parts are already in the warehouse, we’ll just put them in.

Depending on the model, the Mercedes cash register will ring up an additional 1,697 to 2,203 euros.

Is it worthwhile to put in the effort?

To clarify this, two alternative situations are necessary. Once in the Comfort driving program, you’ll travel throughout the country on third-class roads, passing through mountains and valleys. The V-Class maintains its usual height up to 110 km/h, beyond which it drops ten millimeters.

Many a bus or SUV has swayed and wobbled here with significant body motions around bends, and you instinctively like to go a little slower. After all, approaching traffic should be considered at all times. This V-Class is silent and sways just little for a king-size van with an unladen weight of 2.39 tonnes.

The OM 654 in the bow pulls the bus forward cleanly due to 530 Nm torque and only uses 8.8 liters of diesel in the test.

Then it’s on to the autobahn, to the sport: the six-seater falls lower, and we steam, or better yet, hurry away. After a few verses, it becomes even quicker. Even in twisting sections with hard cross joints, this bus’s solidity is unmistakable.

Basically, you feel as safe as you would in an E-Class, but with a bit more height and a lot more baggage room behind you. Now it’s time to talk about the lift mode (35 millimeters to 30 km/h), which doesn’t hurt the journey to the mountain hut that is frequently discussed.

The remainder of the text is from OM 654. Because the V 300 d is both gently sprung and excellently powered.

The two-liter diesel in the bow does not have a particularly noble sound, but the way the bus moves owing to 530 Nm torque is just delightful. And the test consumption is just 8.8 liters of diesel, which is a fantastic value for a luxury liner of this caliber.

So, dear Bulli buddies, at the very least, give yourself a test drive. It’s well worth it…

Do you know a bus that has air suspension, 530 Nm of torque, low fuel consumption, and infinite space? No, we aren’t. As a result, he receives five stars. The high price is a flaw.

Technical specifications

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