Differing subtly from the model it replaces, the exterior changes are made up of a redesigned front bumper with wider cooling vents, a diamond pattern for the restyled grille, optional chrome detailing, newly designed alloy wheels with sizes ranging from 17 to 19-inches and four new colour options; Steel Blue, Selenite Grey Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic and Hyacinth Red Metallic.

Offered in three spec levels; Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG Line that brings a unique assortment of exterior add-ons, the V-class’ interior changes are just as subtle and includes the turbine-styled air vents, new instrument cluster dials and a selection of new upholstery colours and trim options such as brushed aluminium, ebony wood, piano lacquer and carbon fibre.

As before, the V-class comes with reclining, massaging and heated rear seats can accommodate four in a lounge-styled setup with a foldable table integrated between as an option, or space for up to six seats arranged in a traditional setup.

While no spec details were revealed, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a number of new driver assistance systems, such as High Beam Assist Plus, Traffic Sign Recognition, Active Parking Assist and Active Brake Assist, the latter part of the optional Active Distance Assist Distronic as well as the Driving Assistance Packages.

Up front lies the biggest change with the entry-level V220d now receiving Benz’s OM 654 oil-burner that, despite not being fully detailed, will likely be the same 2.0-litre unit powering the E220d with outputs of 143kW/400Nm, a jump of 23kW/20Nm over the 2.1-litre that previously powered this model.

Now serving as the mid-range variant, the V250d carries on with the 2.1-litre OM 651 motor that makes 140kW/440Nm, while the new V300d utilises the same OM 654 four-pot as the V220d, but with an output of 176kW/500Nm with an overboost function raising the latter by 30Nm for short bursts. Top speed for the V300d is a claimed 220km/h with the 0-100km/h sprint taking 7.9 seconds.

A further new addition to the drivetrain is the fitment of the 9G Tronic automatic gearbox in place of the 7G Tronic ‘box on all models, while the 4Matic all-wheel drive system is optional on some models. In its normal guise, the V-class continues to be rear-wheel drive.

Aside from the V-class, the same series of updates will be applied to the Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon range of campervans, while an all-electric model, the EQV, will be unveiled in Geneva as the second EQ model after the EQC SUV that bowed in September last year.

In Europe, sales of the V-class will commence in March soon after its world unveiling in Geneva with pricing in Germany from €36 990 (R567 021). Expect the updated V-class to arrive in South Africa later this year.