Mercedes Viano
Ratings
1 stars
Summary
Avoid. Mercedes' weakest link - a thinly disguised van that pretends to be a people carrier. Crude and laughably overpriced.
Review
It's hard to find anything to like about the Viano, a real anomaly in Mercedes' line-up of prestige machinery. The official spin is that it's a seriously spacious rival to full-sized people carriers. The reality is that it's nothing more than a van with windows, leather seats and a ridiculously high pricetag.
Apart from its popularity among executive minicab companies it's hard to see who will be attracted to the Viano. Its commercial underpinnings mean that it's tough and built to last over longer distances, but it really lacks refinement and the driving experience is very crude compared to "proper" MPV rivals.
At least the Viano's design isn't trying to pretend it's anything that it isn't - nobody can be in any doubt about its commercial underpinnings. The cabin is predictably spacious, with loads of room for all occupants in six-seat configuration and generous luggage space as well. But the interior feels very low rent compared to the rest of the Mercedes range, with cheap-feeling plastics and low-rent materials.
On the road the Viano is dreadful at anything more than urban speeds. Refinement is poor, the ride is harsh and handling is utterly insipid with lots of body roll and limited grip. It's not the sort of vehicle you'd ever choose to drive quickly. Which is just as well, the basic 2.0 litre CDI diesel engine is woefully slow and crude. At least it makes more sense than the thirsty 3.5 litre petrol version.
Priced above conventional full-size MPVs from mainstream manufacturers, we can't see any attraction in the Viano at all.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
If you want to put a van with windows on the drive then it's perfect.
Handling
1 star
Limited grip, poor steering feel and lots of roll under cornering. Dreadful.
Comfort
2 star
Occupants enjoy loads of space but the ride is harsh and refinement is poor at motorway speeds.
Quality & Reliability
2 star
Tough commercial construction means it should last the distance, but the cabin has nothing like the quality feel you'd expect from something wearing a Mercedes badge.
Performance
2 star
CDI diesel engine is loud, crude and slow - but at least it makes more sense than the thirsty petrol version.
Roominess
4 star
Van underpinnings mean there's loads of space - but only for six occupants. The rear seats can't be removed either, limiting practicality.
Running Costs
3 star
Diesel turns in respectable fuel economy for something so big and servicing is cheap by Merc standards. Depreciation is reasonable for a vehicle of this type.
Value for money
2 star
Expensive compared to mainstream MPV rivals and the range-topping versions look very expensive considering how crude they are.
