A confusing set of events unfolded at the beginning of this year. In January, Mercedes-Benz launched the V-Class in India. A week later, it took the wraps off the refreshed version of the luxurious van. While these developments did not bother V-Class buyers in India, the rest were wondering why did the Germans do this? Partiality, maybe? Whatever the case be, the company has now introduced the V-Class facelift in India. Dubbed as the Elite, it wears a price tag of Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom).

So, where does it sit in the V-Class hierarchy? At the top. If you compare the Elite’s price with that of the Expression and Exclusive variants, it costs Rs 41.6 lakh and Rs 28.1 lakh more, respectively. Like the Exclusive, the Elite comes only in the long-wheelbase form along with a six-seater configuration. Mercedes-Benz India is offering a total of seven colour options and three alloy wheel designs, from 17 to 18 inches in diameter.

Propulsion for the V-Class Elite comes from the combination of a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine producing 161bhp/380Nm, and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The BS6-compliant powertrain is enough for a 0-100kmph time of 11 seconds. For the record, those power and torque figures are identical to the ones produced by the 2.1-litre diesel motor (also BS6 ready), which does duty in the other two V-Class variants in India. However, the larger engine comes mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Most will agree that the V-Class is not for keen drivers. Its real purpose is to keep the rear seat passengers in sumptuous comfort. For that, Mercedes-Benz has packed the Elite with the second row of seats which not only recline up to 49 degrees and have adjustable leg rests but also feature ventilation and massage functionalities. Apart from that, the V-Class Elite also boasts dual-zone climate control, a 640-watt, 15-speaker Burmester sound system, ambient lighting and a 360-degree parking camera. Those who want a panoramic sunroof will have to shell out extra money.

Mercedes-Benz will continue to sell the Expression and Exclusive variants alongside the Elite, which as mentioned above, is based on the V-Class facelift. As things stand, the V-Class does not have a direct competitor in India. However, it will gain a rival in the form the Toyota Vellfire sometime next year.