Mercedes-Benz South Africa has quietly expanded its V-Class range, adding a new V300d powertrain option as well as a fresh flagship Exclusive trim level.

When the facelifted V-Class line-up touched down on local shores in August 2019, it comprised five variants, each powered by Benz's old 2,1-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (offered in three states of tune; 100 kW/330 N.m V200d, 120 kW/380 N.m V220d and 140 kW/440 N.m V250d). Those models remain but three new V300d variants have slotted in at the summit of the line-up.

Of course, we drove the V300d in Spain in April 2019 and were left suitably impressed. As a reminder, the new 2,0-litre OM654 unit makes 176 kW and 500 N.m, delivered to the rear axle via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The oil-burner furthermore liberates an additional 30 N.m under hard acceleration (an "overtorque" function, as Mercedes calls it), facilitating a zero to 100 km/h sprint in a claimed 7,9 seconds (before topping out at 220 km/h).

So, how much are you looking at? Well, thanks to our friends over at duoporta.com, we've learnt the new V300d is priced from R1 440 203 in Avantgarde trim, while specifying the AMG Line package pushes the starting price to R1 515 183. Interestingly, a new flagship Exclusive specification also joins the range, starting at R1 645 880.

The V300d Exclusive boasts standard features such as a panoramic sliding roof, the brand's Active Distance-Assist Distronic system, a 360-degree camera package, a centre console refrigerator, 19-inch light alloys and electrically adjustable (and heated/cooled) driver and front passenger seats, among other items.

Original article from Car