In 1996, at the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated the first generation V-Class minivan (W638 body) - a more solid and luxurious modification of the Vito, which was gaining popularity in those years. The car went on sale in 1997, and two years later it underwent a slight modernization, which made changes to the interior design and added new engines to the power range. The production of the "cargo-and-passenger" model was completed in 2003 in connection with the release of its next generation.
The "first" Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a luxury minivan designed to carry seven passengers, including the driver.
The total length of the "German" is 4660 mm (the wheelbase fits in 3000 mm), width - 1880 mm, height - 1844 mm. The bottom of the car is separated from the roadbed by a 160 mm clearance, and its curb weight ranges from 1940 to 2031 kg.
Specifications. A wide range of powertrains were available for the first generation V-Class:
- The petrol side is formed by a 2.4-liter inline "four", creating 143 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque, and a 2.8-liter V-six-cylinder engine, in the bins of which there are 174 "horses" and 237 Nm.
- There were three turbo diesels - with a volume of 2.1 to 2.3 liters, their output totals from 98 to 122 power forces and from 230 to 300 Nm of peak thrust.
The moment to the front wheels was delivered using a 5-speed "mechanics" or a 4-band "automatic".
The "first" Mercedes-Benz V-class has a front-wheel drive layout with a longitudinal engine base and is equipped with a completely independent running gear of both axles - in front there are McPherson struts, and at the rear there is an air suspension with adjustable ground clearance. The power steering is integrated into the steering system, and all wheels are equipped with disc brakes.
Among the merits of the Mercedes V-Class W638, the owners distinguish a solid appearance, a high-quality interior, rich equipment, a reliable design, a comfortable suspension, perfected handling and tenacious brakes.
However, there are also negative aspects - expensive maintenance, high cost of original parts and poor dynamics with diesel engines.
