VS
At a Glance
Power
174 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
500 Nm
250Nm@1900
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
11.39L/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1925kg
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
18.6s
Engine
1950 cc
2461cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa 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 11.39L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 301 578 for the V-Class and R340 340 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.
Specification
Mercedes-Benz V-ClassV300d Exclusive 2024 - From R2 301 578
Volkswagen Caravelle2.5tdi Syncro Trendline 2003 - From R340 340
Performance
Power Output
174 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
500 Nm
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
7.8 s
18.6s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
155.2km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
2461cc
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
11.39L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.07L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.73L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
80L
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
4789mm
Width
1928-2249 mm
1840mm
Height
1880 mm
1940mm
Wheelbase
3200 mm
2920mm
Ground Clearance
—
180mm
Kerb Weight
2145 Kg
1925kg
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
1925kg
Load Capacity
—
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
Optional
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
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
120000km
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 (R340 340)
Higher fuel consumption (11.39L/100km)
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 11.39L/100km on the combined cycle. The V-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual 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. The V-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the V-Class and Caravelle?
The V-Class starts from R2 301 578 and the Caravelle from R340 340. The Caravelle is cheaper by R1 961 238 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 1925kg. 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.