Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Paris, France, Sep 30, 2010

World premiere: The new Mercedes-Benz Viano – a new definition of 'top class'

- Eco-friendly engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology
- The ultimate in ride comfort and handling safety
- Perfection in its interior appointments, whisper-quiet ride
- A fresh face for the Viano and a new tail end
- Now also sold through Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealerships and partners

The Paris Motor Show provides the ideal platform for the official world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz Viano, the vehicle which redefines the term 'top class' in large-capacity vehicles. New engines and transmissions reduce emissions and consumption, while at the same time improving performance. The new chassis provides the ultimate synthesis of ride comfort and handling safety; and is complemented by a cockpit and passenger compartment that are now more attractive than ever. In recognition of the discerning target group for whom it is designed, the new Viano is now also available, with immediate effect, through Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealerships and trading partners.


Eco-friendly engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology

Key among the Viano's new features is a completely redeveloped, environmentally friendly drive system. All engines meet the EU 5 emissions level. Fuel economy figures have improved once again, reducing CO2 emissions at the same time by up to 15 percent. In conjunction with the new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission, an important role is played here by the BlueEFFICIENCY technology with ECO start/stop function, which comes as standard: an innovative package of measures that is unrivalled among large-capacity vehicles.

Delivering 100 kW (136 hp) in the Viano CDI 2.0 and 120 kW (163 hp) in the Viano CDI 2.2, the new four-cylinder engines are extremely smooth-running, thanks to their balancer shafts. All diesel engines are fitted with particulate filters. The broad gear ratio spread of the new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission in all four-cylinder models provides the basis for the best possible performance, yet manages to combine this with low fuel consumption and emissions.

The only diesel engine that can improve on this is the V6 in the Viano CDI 3.0, which delivers exceptionally smooth running characteristics along with impressive performance and pulling power. With an output of 165 kW (224 hp), it is even more powerful, economical and eco-friendly than before. Any requirement for even higher performance or further improvements in comfort is met by the Viano 3.5 with its V6 petrol engine, delivering 190 kW (258 hp).

The ultimate in ride comfort and handling safety

The driving dynamics and handling of the Mercedes-Benz Viano have always been exemplary. The new Viano offers a particularly convincing proposition thanks to its completely redesigned and tuned comfort suspension. The very basics of their design is all that the front and rear axles have in common with the previous models. The Viano has thus raised the bar in terms of ride comfort and handling safety to a whole new level. The high standard of safety of the Viano and the inclusion of assistance systems in its standard specification set a completely new benchmark.

Perfection in its interior appointments, whisper-quiet ride

The list of new features in the vehicle's interior covers a broad scope from ambient lighting to an extra power socket. But the focus of such new features is always on improving comfort and the sense of quality. The standard specification from Viano Trend upwards now includes a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with new control buttons and matt chrome-finish trim on the spokes. Both the steering wheel and the shift lever knob are upholstered in soft-touch nappa leather.
New interior trim designs enhance the appeal of the Viano Trend and Ambiente and, optionally, of the Viano Fun. The use of high-grade leather, chrome trim and new surface finishes adds to the sense of wellbeing. At the heart of the new lighting concept is an ambient lighting system incorporating light sources in the footwell as well as fibre-optic units in the recesses behind the grab handles in the rear compartment. Particular attention has been paid to reducing noise levels. Measures such as extra absorbers, reinforcements in the body structure, improved insulation and a new type of seal all add up to a whisper-quiet ride.

A fresh face for the Viano and a new tail end

From its radiator grille to the rear lights, the new Viano reveals a whole host of new touches. As a start, it has a more distinctive "face" than ever. New reflector headlamps frame the radiator grille, while the standard daytime running lights and fog lamps are integrated into the headlamp housing. The Viano is also now available, as an option, with a combination of bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, cornering light function and Add-Light System, as well as a headlamp wash/wipe system.

The Viano's bumpers have also been redesigned. The smooth surface is painted the same colour as the vehicle. New tail lamps are located to each side just above the rear bumper. These single-piece lamps with integrated glass-effect black surrounds frame the tail view of the Viano.

Display vehicle: comfortable, eco-friendly, powerful

The Mercedes-Benz Viano CDI 2.2 in Ambiente trim on display at the show demonstrates just what can be achieved with the Viano. Its 120 kW (163 hp) engine guarantees superior performance, while BlueEFFICIENCY technology allows that high performance to be combined with economical fuel consumption of just 7.2 l/100 km according to NEDC as well as low emissions. The level of comfort is equally exemplary: the Lugano leather upholstery with its elegant piping, burr walnut-effect decorative trim, rear-axle air suspension with electronic level control system, light-alloy wheels and bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and LED daytime running lights are all part of the standard specification.

The show vehicle features in addition automatic climate control with separate controls in the rear, electrically operated sliding doors and pre-wiring for the Rear Seat Entertainment System.