Mercedes-Benz presented its Viano VISION DIAMOND superlative show car.
This chauffeured vehicle makes a big impression right from the start with its black radiator grille, chromed grille louvers, and two-tone exterior paint job. A fine, shimmering gold line painted by hand separates the two body colors of black and diamond white, and a painted diamond adorns the B-pillar. The two-tone effect is repeated in the rims of the five-spoke wheels, and the brakes feature the words “Mercedes-Benz” in gold.
The interior underscores the extravagant nature of the model as well. Luxurious appointments in the rear include a special innovative multimedia unit that allows passengers to choose between a business setting or a comfortable ambience for relaxing.- Exclusive exterior paint in black and diamond white
- An interior divided into chauffeur and passenger compartments
- Extravagant appointments down to the last detail
- Sound and light control with iPad2 or iPhone4
Regulation of sunlight intensity in the interior
The windows of the passenger compartment, as well as the rear window and the glass partition between the chauffeur and the passenger compartment, are all equipped with the Magic Sky Control system, which enables passengers to change the interior lighting conditions with just the push of a button.
This changes the color of the windows, an effect that is made possible by a liquid in the window glass that reacts to differences in electric current. The chauffeur’s area is completely black in color, the seats and door paneling are covered in the finest nappa leather, and leather also covers the instrument panel, the steering wheel, the gearshift, and the A- and B-pillars. The passenger compartment is entirely in porcelain white, from the carpet and the seats to the safety belts and the ceiling.Champagne glass holders and an automatic Champagne bottle cooling unit
The passenger compartment features two top-of-the-line seating accommodations equipped with heating, cooling, and massage features as well as calf benches and footrests. Between the seats are cup holders and Champagne glass holders for the model’s silver Champagne flutes, which appear at the push of a button. The side paneling has five bottle holders as well. The Champagne bottle retainer is equipped with a cooling system. Eight diamonds embedded in the interior trim refer to the lucky Chinese number eight and underscore the vehicle’s luxurious atmosphere. Additional equipment features include the Bang & Olufsen “BeoLiving Viano” high-end sound system, which can be conveniently operated via two iPad2 or iPhone4 devices. The mobile communication devices can also regulate the interior lighting and control the sound system for the model’s 40-inch screen, which can be used for everything from watching television to surfing the Internet and participating in video conferences.A special app was developed exclusively for this control feature; the devices are secured in a docking station in the center console.
The screen itself has a black aluminum frame and is situated behind the chauffeur area. The push of a button is all it takes to lower the screen and the partition. An intercom is available for communication between the cockpit and the passenger compartment. The vehicle is equipped with a W-LAN system that enables Web videoconferencing, among other things.
- Drive system: environmentally friendly engines featuring BlueEFFICIENCY technology
- Chassis: the very highest standard of ride comfort and driving safety
- Interior: upgraded appointments, ultra-quiet travel
- Exterior: the Viano’s new look at front and rear
The Mercedes-Benz Viano leads its class, defining the new benchmark for large-capacity vehicles. New engines and new transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption while enhancing performance. The new chassis offers the ultimate in ride comfort and driving safety. The cockpit and passenger compartment are more user-friendly and attractively appointed than ever. The Viano is instantly recognisable by its “face”, featuring the Mercedes star in the style of the current passenger cars, and a newly designed rear section.
Drive system: environmentally friendly engines featuring BlueEFFICIENCY technology
The central innovation featuring in the latest Viano is a completely new drive offering particularly environmentally friendly operation. All engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard. Fuel consumption has been reduced once again, accompanied by cuts of up to 15 percent in CO2 emissions, depending on the engine variant. In addition to the new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission, the BlueEFFICIENCY technology with ECO start/stop which comes as standard also plays a special role here. This innovative package is not to be found in any other large-capacity vehicle. The new four-cylinder engines with variable turbine geometry generate a power output of 100 kW (136 hp) in the Viano CDI 2.0 and 120 kW (163 hp) in the Viano CDI 2.2, with balancer shafts ensuring extremely smooth running.
All diesel engines are equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. The new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission for all four-cylinder models offers a broad gear ratio spread for optimum performance and enables low fuel consumption and emission levels.
Top of the range among the diesel engines is the V6 in the Viano CDI 3.0, which combines smooth running with impressive output and high tractive power. With a power output of 165 kW (224 hp), it now offers even better performance, while combining economy with environment-friendliness. The Viano 3.5 and its V6 petrol engine rated at 190 kW (258 hp) offer superior power and comfort.
Chassis: the very highest standard of ride comfort and driving safety
The rear-wheel drive has benefited the Mercedes-Benz Viano’s driving dynamics and handling ever since the model series was first introduced. The new Viano impresses with a completely new chassis concept. Both the front and rear axles have only their basic construction in common with the previous models. The new chassis defines a new standard in ride comfort and driving safety in the Viano’s class. The Viano continues to lead the way, offering an unparalleled high standard of safety and an unmatched scope of assistance systems as part of the standard scope of equipment.
Interior: upgraded appointments, ultra-quiet travel
The list of innovations featuring in the interior of the new Viano is long, including such special treats such as ambient lighting or ingenious details such as an additional power socket. The host of new features all boil down to added comfort and an even more stylish overall character.
The Viano’s cockpit is more attractive than ever, sporting a new shift lever, pushbuttons in the upper control panel of the centre console and an overhead control unit, for example. Numerous new items of equipment enhance the Viano, offering added scope for individualisation and assistance first and foremost for the driver. The standard scope of equipment for the Viano Trend and all models higher in the range now includes a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with new control buttons and matt chromed spoke trims. The steering wheel and shift lever knob are covered in a nappa leather which is particularly pleasant to the touch. A new generation of radios is being introduced into all Viano variants. The optional pre-installation for the Rear Seat Entertainment system provides the basis for information and entertainment for rear passengers. The Viano covers the full spectrum of media wishes, from an entertaining film for the kids to an informative presentation for business associates.
New interior panelling is available as standard in the Viano Trend and Ambiente and as an option in the Viano Fun to enhance the interior’s appearance and further enhance the great functionality which is integral to the Viano. High-quality nappa leather, chrome applications and new surface finishes conjure up a congenial atmosphere on board. The well-conceived ambient lighting system featuring six light sources in the footwell and fibre-optic cables in the handle recesses at the rear forms the core element of the new lighting concept in the Viano.
Noise levels have also come in for close attention. Extensive computer simulations and ongoing monitoring of the results on the actual vehicle have enabled a marked reduction in interior noise levels. The various measures such as additional absorbers, specific reinforcement of the body structure, improved insulation and modified seals provide for ultra-quiet travel.
Exterior: the Viano’s new look at front and rear
The exterior of the new Viano also features numerous new highlights, from the radiator grille to the tail lights. The new “face” of the Viano features a yet more striking and distinctive look, in keeping with the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz. New reflector headlamps offset the radiator grille. The daytime driving lights which come as standard are integrated with their own light source in the headlamp housings, together with the fog lamps. The new-generation Viano is optionally available with a combination of Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime driving lights, cornering lights, Add-Light system and a headlamp washer system.
The Viano’s bumpers also come in a new, upgraded design featuring a honeycomb look at the front, for example. The smooth surface is painted in the vehicle’s exterior colour. The new tail lights are positioned on the right and left above the rear bumper. The one-piece lights with an integrated black cover in glass look flank the Viano’s rear end.