Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class for sale: everything you need to know

If you’re in the market for a luxurious family car with a massive amount of space, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class should be near the top of your shortlist. It’s based on the Vito van, but is just as quiet and comfortable as any other Mercedes-Benz. It’s much more spacious and practical than even the largest SUVs. If that sounds like the kind of used car you’d like to buy or lease, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, what it’s like to drive and live with, and the models that are available. There’s also a large selection of used examples available. While you’re here, why not check out the V-Class models in stock with heycar?

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

A people carrier has to be judged primarily on how spacious and practical it is. On that score, the V-Class goes straight to the head of the queue. Its interior is simply gigantic, with a vast amount of space in and around every seat. It’s a lovely place to spend time, too. There is a lot of light and a great view out. It’s also just as comfortable and well-equipped as any other Mercedes-Benz.

You can get the V-Class with seven or eight individual seats in three rows. The back seats can be repositioned wherever you want them in the car; you can even have the two rear rows facing each other. Go for the seven-seat package and you also get a table that goes wherever you position it in the back. Be aware that the seats are quite heavy and cumbersome to move. We’d suggest working out a layout that works best for you and sticking with it. 

In addition, there are two different body lengths available for the V-Class, named Long and Extra Long. The latter is 230mm longer than standard, all of it behind the back wheels to create a much bigger boot. Boot space in the Long amounts to 610 litres – similar to most large SUVs. The Extra Long has 1030 litres of luggage space, more than just about any other car. Take all the back seats out and there’s nearly as much space as the Vito van this vehicle is based on.

Behind the steering wheel, you’ll immediately notice the V-Class’s size, although it’s actually no bigger than Mercedes-Benz’s largest SUVs. You soon adapt, helped by the panoramic view out of the windows, quiet engine and smooth gearbox. It leans over quite a lot in corners, but it always feels controlled. It feels completely safe and secure when cruising along the motorway, too. 

In many ways, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the very best family car you can buy. It’s so spacious and practical (much more so than any comparable SUV) and it’s very enjoyable to travel in for both the driver and passengers. There’s no trade-off in interior quality or features, either. If you’ve been in a Mercedes-Benz before, it’ll feel entirely familiar.

Running costs are pretty low for a car of this size, while fuel economy and CO2 emissions are better than most big SUVs can manage. Reliability shouldn’t be an issue. Used examples are in-demand, so retained values are quite high.

Other large, van-based people carriers you might want to consider include the Ford Tourneo Custom, Peugeot Traveller and Volkswagen Caravelle. These are all fine choices that undercut the V-Class on price quite significantly. However, they can’t match its level of quality, standard features or performance.

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What's the best used Mercedes-Benz V-Class model to buy?

Let’s be blunt here: which Mercedes-Benz V-Class model you choose will have a lot to do with the depth of your pockets. Used prices are strong for the standard length Sport model and go up considerably from there. We’d take the Sport version as it has eight seats as standard, giving the maximum seating and luggage versatility.

For body length, the Extra Long model is the one to have as it offers up more space for luggage and for the seats to be arranged for the most legroom. However, if you spend more time driving in town and need to park in compact spaces, the standard wheelbase model will make more sense.

For the drivetrain, the V220 d is all you really need and has the slick nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. While it would be enjoyable to have the extra pace of the V300 d, the premium you pay for the extra power is hard to justify in a used car.

Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class fuel economy and performance

There are a few diesel engine options available in the V-Class. The less powerful units give sufficient performance for most people’s needs, but the more powerful option could be useful if you’re going to regularly pack the car to the roof – or tow a trailer. 

• Mercedes-Benz V220d diesel – This has a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 163PS. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard. It takes 11.1 seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph and it emits 201g/km of CO2.
• Mercedes-Benz V250d diesel – A more powerful version of the V220's 2.1-litre turbodiesel is used for the V250, this time with 190PS. It makes for more relaxed cruising and nippier acceleration, though it's not the most refined motor. Emissions of 166g/km and 44.8mpg make it a good all-round bet if you don't mind the noise from under the bonnet.
• Mercedes-Benz V300d diesel –  This model has a more powerful version of the engine detailed above, with 237PS. That drops the 0-62mph to a pretty rapid 7.9 seconds. More importantly, the extra muscle is better able to cope with heavy loads. There’s no real penalty in terms of CO2 emissions, which are 205g/km. It comes with a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

What used Mercedes-Benz V-Class trim levels are available?

There have been several trim levels available on the V-Class over the years. In 2022, this was reduced to just two: Sport and AMG Line. They actually have the same standard features, but the AMG Line has a sportier look, with different wheels, a bolder front grille, deeper bumpers and a rear spoiler. You also have the choice of two body lengths: Long and Extra Long. 

The current V-Class has been sold since 2014 and has been updated several times. In 2020, the styling was refreshed, new engine options were added and the tech was updated.

• Mercedes-Benz V-Class SE – This was the entry point to the V-Class range when it was launched in 2015. The SE comes with front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, heated leather front seats, cruise control and sat-nav, plus a raft of standard safety kit.
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class Sport – In Sport form, the V-Class is as well-equipped as many luxury cars. It has Mercedes-Benz’ brilliant MBUX media system, which includes built-in sat-nav and Apple Carplay/Android Auto connectivity, plus multi-zone climate control, Nappa leather seat upholstery, electric sliding rear doors and much more besides.
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class AMG Line – This is the sporty-looking V-Class. It has a different design of alloy wheels, deeper front and rear bumpers, a diamond motif on the front grille and a small rear spoiler.

Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 5140mm (Long), 5370mm (Extra Long)
• Width: 1928mm
• Height: 1901mm

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class’s boot capacity is:

• With three rows of seats: 610 litres (Long), 1030 litres (Extra Long)
• With one row of seats: 4630 litres (Long), 5010 litres (Extra Long)

Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class road tax

Given the reasonably high carbon dioxide emissions of the V-Class, it makes sense to look for a car registered on or after 1 April 2017. This will mean paying a flat rate of £180 for road tax, whereas some models put on the road before this date could end up paying as much as £395 per year. However, V-Class models up to six-years old will also have to pay a £390 surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new, so no V-Class will be low-cost to run.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

Insurance premiums for the V-Class could be fairly hefty. As a large, luxurious and expensive vehicle, it’s rated in insurance groups 36 to 46 (out of 50 groups in total).

Read our full Mercedes-Benz V-Class review