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.