Mercedes-Benz V-Class review

Prices start from £74,670 for the (not very) basic V-Class seven-seater, and climb all the way to £90,010 for the most opulent family hauler. Yowzers.

Adding the extra chair is a no-cost option, but one that can only be had with the base trim. Upgrading to the more powerful diesel will set you back £5,280; there's only a grand in it between 'Long' and 'Extra Long'.

For comparison, a VW Multivan starts just shy of £50k, a Ford Tourneo Custom around £55k, and the incoming Lexus LM around £90k.

What’s the difference between trims?

For the standard Premium trim (now there's an oxymoron), you're looking at 19in alloys, automatic folding and heated wing mirrors, an electric tailgate, fancy LED headlights with high beam assistance and styling that includes a rear spoiler and tinted rear windows.

Inside, there's a leather steering wheel, a winter package (including heated seats and wheel), dual 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display, Merc's parking package (including reversing cameras, thank god), and wireless charging/pairing.

The AMG Line pack – which tacks four grand onto the Premium’s price – adds various AMG bits including wheels and bodykit, while you also get an LED light strip, chrome star patterned grille, carbon fibre trim, sports pedals, plus a few other bits. Bit overkill, no? You don’t need it.

Top-spec Exclusive trim sees the twin-spoke alloy wheels, wing mirror puddle lights, panoramic sunroof and a horizontal louvered grille crowned by that upright badge. Inside, the V-Class gains a camera-mirror, plenty of fake cow upholstery, a Burmester surround sound system and the full bells and whistles safety kit.

The luxury six-seats package (massaging, reclining seats etc) will set you back a whopping… £10k. If towing is your vibe, prepare to stump up a further £875.

Let’s say I had the money… what would you recommend?

It’s an eye-watering amount of money whatever spec you go for, but we’d be tempted by Premium trim with the bigger engine. All in you’re looking at £79,850 for the standard ‘Long’ version, or £80,960 for the ‘Extra Long’. With that little difference between the two, we’d go bigger for the extra space it offers.