Mercedes-Benz V-Class I
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class I (1996–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 10 versions in the United Kingdom.
Model codes: W638 · Sold in: European Union and United Kingdom
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4,660 mm RDW |
| Width | 1,870–1,880 mm RDW |
| Height | 1,840 mm RDW |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm RDW |
| Front track | 1,620–1,630 mm ASTRA |
| Rear track | 1,630–1,640 mm ASTRA |
| Weights and towing | |
| Kerb weight | 1,751–2,050 kg RDW |
| Mass in running order | 1,851–2,150 kg RDW |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,630–2,700 kg RDW |
| Towing, braked trailer | 2,000 kg RDW |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 750 kg RDW |
| Seats and space | |
| Seats | 2–7 RDW |
| Doors | 3–4 RDW |
| Performance | |
| Top speed | 161–187 km/h RDW |
| Torque | 210–300 Nm ASTRA |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/60R16, 215/65R15
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland).
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 59.9% (57.2–62.5) | 69.2% | 1,313 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 54.0% | 36.4% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 43.6% | 18.6% |
| Suspension | 43.1% | 41.6% |
| Lights and electrics | 34.5% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 31.8% | 31.2% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 21.3% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
All 10 versions of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class I
United Kingdom 10 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004V220 CDI Trend Estate · V220 CDI Ambiente Estate · V220 CDI Fashion Estate and 2 more trims | 2.1 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | 8.1 L/100 km NEDC | 214 g/km |
| 2002–2004V220 CDI Trend Estate · V220 CDI Ambiente Estate · V220 CDI Fashion Estate and 2 more trims | 2.1 L | Diesel | 4-speed automatic | 8.5 L/100 km NEDC | 224 g/km |
| 2002–2004V230 Trend Estate · V230 Ambiente Estate · V230 Fashion Estate and 2 more trims | 2.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.9 L/100 km NEDC | 284 g/km |
| 2002–2004V230 Trend Estate · V230 Ambiente Estate · V230 Fashion Estate and 2 more trims | 2.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.6 L/100 km NEDC | 301 g/km |
| 2000–2001V 220 CDI Estate · V 220 CDI | 2.2 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | 7.5 L/100 km NEDC | 199 g/km |
| 2000–2001V 220 CDI Estate · V 220 CDI | 2.2 L | Diesel | 4-speed automatic | 8.0 L/100 km NEDC | 213 g/km |
| 2000–2001V 230 Estate · V 230 | 2.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.6 L/100 km NEDC | 274 g/km |
| 2000–2001V 230 Estate · V 230 | 2.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.7 L/100 km NEDC | 279 g/km |
| 2001V 230 | 2.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.5 L/100 km NEDC | 270 g/km |
| 2000–2001V 280 Estate · V 280 | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 13.8 L/100 km NEDC | 330 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.