![\"\"](\"https:\/\/genesisekucalenimedia.com\/edn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/P20-Lead-Sunday-The-New-Mercedes-Benz-V300d-is-A-Hotel-on-Wheels9-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBy Prashirwin Naidu<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d asked me a while back about owning a \u201cbus on wheels,\u201d I probably would\u2019ve laughed. Many of them are boxy, bland, and boring. But when I laid eyes on the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class, I was gobsmacked.<\/p>\n
The way it commands attention is on a whole new level. I always thought sports cars turned heads, turns out, a luxury van can too.<\/p>\n
The Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive sits at the very top of the V-Class range, offering a travel experience that feels more like a first-class lounge than a family van.<\/p>\n
From the bold three-pointed star standing upright on the bonnet to the illuminated grille and impeccably crafted interior, it\u2019s a rolling showcase of prestige.<\/p>\n
Inside, it genuinely feels premium. Cr\u00e8me-coloured leather seats swivel and fold to your liking, there\u2019s a pop-up table for work or snacks, and a huge panoramic sunroof brightens up the cabin.<\/p>\n
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The seats are heated, ventilated, and as an optional extra, even offer a massage function. Add in dual screens for infotainment and driver display, 64-colour ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a heated steering wheel and suddenly you\u2019re in the lap of Mercedes luxury.<\/p>\n
With seating for six, an electric tailgate, and ample space, the V-Class proves itself versatile, whether for family life or executive travel.<\/p>\n
During my stint driving around Joburg, even the simplest moments felt like little adventures. One evening, I took it to The Pantry in the heart of Rosebank, known for its fantastic food and cool vibe.<\/p>\n
With my partner-in-crime, Jess. We tucked into burgers and sipped bubble-gum milkshakes in the glow of the van\u2019s ambient lighting, and it felt like we were road-tripping without leaving the city.<\/p>\n
Behind the wheel, the V300d is surprisingly delightful. It handles its size and weight with confidence, gliding smoothly over bumps thanks to Agility Control suspension.<\/p>\n
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is quiet yet potent, pushing out 174 kW and 500 Nm, paired with a slick-shifting 9G-Tronic transmission.<\/p>\n
Fuel consumption is on the heavier side, I averaged around 12L\/100 km, but with Sport mode at your fingertips, it\u2019s hard not to resist giving it some extra power now and then.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/genesisekucalenimedia.com\/edn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/P20-Lead-Sunday-The-New-Mercedes-Benz-V300d-is-A-Hotel-on-Wheels2-scaled.jpg\")
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Mercedes-Benz has also packed in a full suite of advanced safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, a 360\u00b0 camera with a 3D surround view, trailer manoeuvring assist, and a comprehensive anti-theft package.<\/p>\n
Of course, there are also multiple airbags, rain-sensing lights, and all the clever driver aids you\u2019d expect at this level.<\/p>\n
Starting from R2,254,000, the V300d Exclusive is for those who want to splurge. It suits families who love road-tripping in style, entrepreneurs who are always on the move, or anyone who wants to travel with maximum comfort and style.<\/p>\n
The Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive redefines what a luxury MPV can be. Elegant, refined, and practical, it\u2019s indulgent yet functional\u2014an actual hotel on wheels. I quite enjoyed every kilometre spent with this stunning steed, go V-Class! \u00a9 Higher Education Media<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Prashirwin Naidu If you\u2019d asked me a while back about owning a \u201cbus on wheels,\u201d I probably…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2311,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,84,25,42],"tags":[46,73,48,49,50,58],"class_list":["post-2335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-lifestyle","category-motoring","category-national","category-south-africa","tag-africa","tag-eswatini","tag-feature","tag-human-interest","tag-international","tag-national","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"\n