In the minds of many, luxury class saloons such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and even the Maybach are perfectly suited to their role. They offer comfort, luxury and excellent connectivity – with the latter increasingly regarded as essential in recent times. Over the course of the last decade, however, a vehicle type that had been underestimated and, in some cases, even derided due to its origins as a utility vehicle has broken through. Taking into consideration the space they offer passengers, these vehicles at least match – and perhaps even surpass – the classic notchback saloons that provide the design basis for modern executive cars. We are talking, of course, about people carriers, also known as minivans.
The specimen shown here, from the current generation of Mercedes-Benz V-Class (447), boasted all manner of premium comfort and assistance features even on leaving the factory. Take, for instance, the electrically adjustable seats and electric sliding door, complemented by features including LED headlamps, a COMAND head unit and Distronic distance assist system, plus lane and blind spot assist systems. However, following a lavish transformation from the experts at SCHAWE Car Design – a workshop specialized in premium upgrades – the long-wheelbase V 250 d 4MATIC now offers a standard of comfort and connectivity rivaled only by luxury business jets.
Upgraded by SCHAWE Car Design, the cockpit in this spacious model now enjoys an utterly premium look. Like the door panels, the opulent, upgraded rear section and all interior furnishings, the dashboard has been fitted with a two-tone combination of nappa leather comprising black Mercedes-Benz leather and exquisite Bentley leather in a bright shade of magnolia. The seating surfaces, backrests and headrests of the contoured driver and passenger seats have been stitched with perforated leather in a diamond pattern. Alcantara and leather finishes now replace all formerly plastic elements, such as the armrests. Bright stitching, which contrasts with the dark seats, can also be found on the steering wheel rim and airbag as well as on the dashboard, door panels and even the pillars and headliner. The latter has been covered with black Alcantara, again with diamond stitching in places. The trims on the dashboard and door panels now also feature smooth, luxurious Alcantara finishes. As elegant as that all might sound, the spacious rear section in this V-Class oozes even greater sophistication.
The business lounge provides ample space for up to four passengers to travel and work, separated from the driver by an electrically adjustable privacy screen if they wish. The four heated leather seats – which feature an identical design to those in the cockpit – are angled to face each other and offer more than generous legroom.
Jet black curtains, which pair wonderfully with the Alcantara headliner, shield passengers from intrusive sunlight and curious eyes. The cool white dome light can serve as an artificial sun, filling the lounge with bright light to help passengers work. If desired, an electrically controlled console table can be summoned from the side panel, appearing as if by magic and folding out in front of passengers, providing the perfect desk for documents or a laptop. What’s more, because there is more to life than work, the SCHAWE V-Class also transforms into the perfect recreation zone after a long day or closing a major deal. The cool white dome light is replaced by more subdued, polychromatic ambient lighting; with the laptops away, two crystal carafes filled with single-malt whisky from the on-board bar grace the tables. The privacy screen, table, light, seat heating and sliding door are all controlled via the switches integrated in the two central consoles.
The multimedia and communication systems in the V 250 d can be used just as well for work or leisure. Even discerning ears will be more than satisfied with the high-quality sound system with amplifiers and subwoofers, which can be controlled via an iPad app. SCHAWE Car Design has integrated an iPad conveniently in the central console for just this purpose. The two high-resolution ceiling-mounted monitors can display videos and presentations from a Blu-ray/DVD player, while online and TV streaming is also possible via Google Chromecast. The central console also features a 230 V power supply; a booster battery ensures a stable supply, even when the vehicle is stationary without the motor running for extended periods. Externally, there is little sign of the extensive upgrades within. The only additions to the Mercedes’ exterior are the bumpers from the AMG Styling package and the 19" 7-double-spoke rims from the portfolio of the in-house sports department, which ensure the exterior lives up to the vehicle’s premium character. The obsidian black metallic paintwork has also been conditioned and sealed.
The entire project to overhaul the V 250 d – which is now for sale – is detailed in short episodes on the SCHAWE Car Design YouTube channel.