VS
At a Glance
Power
174 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
500 Nm
250Nm@1900
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
11.58
Towing
2000 Kg
1925
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
18.6
Engine
1950 cc
2461
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class delivers 174 kW while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the V-Class returns 7.0 l/100km while the Caravelle uses 11.58 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 301 578 for the V-Class and R394 850 for the Caravelle. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
174 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
500 Nm
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
7.8 s
18.6
Top Speed
220 Km/h
155.2
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
2461
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
4
5
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
9
5
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
11.58
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.34
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.88
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
80
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
4789
Width
1928-2249 mm
1840
Height
1880 mm
1940
Wheelbase
3200 mm
2920
Ground Clearance
—
180
Kerb Weight
2145 Kg
1925
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear swing
4
Seats
7 (opt 6 / opt 8)
8
Load Volume
542 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1925
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
V-Class
Fuel Economy
V-Class
Value
Caravelle
Practicality
V-Class
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caravelle
Lower starting price (R394 850)
Higher fuel consumption (11.58)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the V-Class or Caravelle?
The V-Class uses 7.0 l/100km and the Caravelle uses 11.58 on the combined cycle. The V-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the V-Class or Caravelle?
The V-Class produces 174 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Caravelle delivers 75kW@3500 and 250Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the V-Class and Caravelle?
The V-Class starts from R2 301 578 and the Caravelle from R394 850. The Caravelle is cheaper by R1 906 728 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the V-Class or Caravelle?
The V-Class has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Caravelle can tow 1925. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the V-Class or the Caravelle?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.