The V-Class, which used to be the Viano, has gained more than a smart name, it’s gained all the latest tech and materials from Mercedes. Inside there are seven individual seats, with three in the third row, and they get leather as standard. The dash and infotainment system are more like those of a Mercedes luxury saloon than a van, and the whole interior feels classier than in say the Ford Tourneo Custom or the VW T6 Caravelle.

Our SE vehicle has a 7.0in colour screen for the infotainment system, and it has bright graphics with a three-layer menu system which is easy to follow.

The driver sits high, with good visibility, and the front seats have good adjustment, like the second row. The second row seats get reclining backrests, armrests and even a folding picnic table. The seats can move forward or back, and give access to the third row. That can take three adults in reasonable comfort although none of the seats are tremendously comfortable.

Luggage space with seven people on board is limited although you can shove the third row forward to improve matters. To liberate a huge cargo area you actually have to take the seats out and they’re heavy and cumbersome.

The driving position is good but the A-pillars are pretty thick and the third row of seats obscure rearward visibility. Luckily parking sensors and a rear-view camera come as standard.

The grille at the front gets the latest two-blade grille with the big star, and behind it in our test vehicle is the 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine carried over from the last model. Upgrades mean it can manage 44.8mph on the official combined cycle, and has 166g/km of CO2.

The engine is a bit rattly at start-up, but is otherwise pleasantly quiet and vibe-free even when pushed hard. There’s plenty of torque and it usually feels relaxed with more to come even when pressing on. The seven-speed dual-clutch auto box is equally smooth and unfussed in operation.

Niggles include a bit of rattling from the parcel shelf, a lack of feedback from the steering, and the ride can become bouncy and unsettled over rough road surfaces. It’s an expensive vehicle if you just need a seven-seater van, but you do get a lot of kit as standard and good build quality too. On the other hand, the Ford Tourneo Custom may not be as well equipped or classy but it’s equally as practical and costs £10,000 less.

Mercedes-Benz V250 Bluetec SE

Price £43,250

Engine 4 cyls, 2143cc, turbodiesel

Power 187bhp at 3800rpm

Torque 325lb ft at 1400-2400rpm

Kerb weight 2105kg

Gearbox 7-spd automatic

0-62mph 9.1sec

Top speed 129mph

Economy 44.8mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band 166g/km, 31%