So you’re looking at getting something bigger than a 7-seater? Maybe you need 8 seats in your family car or just really need more space than something with 7 seats. You might think: "a Mercedes Viano is bound to meet my needs and do everything that I would expect a premium marque like Mercedes to do". Think again.
- Looks: The Viano strikes you right away as being, as the name might suggest, like a van. That’s because it is. Nul points for looks, I’m afraid.
- Practicality: You would think with such a big bus that you’d be spoiled for practical features, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. If you actually need eight seats, you’ll need to upgrade the second and third row of seats to 3 wide benches, and although they are on rails, they are really, really heavy to remove or slide. Forget about moving them without some help.
- Storage: This is probably the only plus point of this vehicle. Particulatly if you go for a long wheelbase option, there is loads of space.
- Safety: NCAP tested this is in 2008. Adults got a respectable 4 stars out of 5 for safety. Children got 3 stars out of 5. Simply not good enough in this day and age.
- Running Costs: You are not going to run a vehicle as big as this and expect low running costs (fuel and tax). However, given the size we found that the 2.2 diesel version didn’t exactly drink juice. Motor tax is not low though – check it out before buying.
- Peace of mind: Industry sources indicate that you’re unlikely to have a problem with the engine, but some consumer reports have indicated inadequate build quality. Our model had more sqeaks and noise that you might expect these days. Not what you might expect from a Mercedes-Benz.
- Kids' verdict: They thought they were on a bus. In a sense, they were.
- MummyPages verdict: Don’t do it – look at a Seat Alhambra or Peugeot 5008 first.
See our 7 seater options here.
