Review: Mercedes-Benz W639.I Viano (2005-11)

Overview

Released in July 2005, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series I (W639.I) Viano was a luxury people mover with seven seats (in a 2-2-3 configuration), although six and eight seat configurations were also available as options. The Viano was available with either a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (the 2.1 CDI variant) or a 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit (3.7 V6). The rear-wheel drive Viano was also fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission – with a sequential shift function – as standard.

Manufactured in Spain, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano had two large sliding doors on each side of the vehicle which could be independently locked or unlocked by remote control. Inside, the second- and third-row seats were anchored to guide rails and had quick-release locks that enabled them to be positioned at 25 mm increments throughout the cabin. Furthermore, each seat had armrests, an integrated three-point seatbelt and four-position headrest.

Mercedes-Benz W639.I Viano specifications
Variant	Years	Editions	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.1 CDI	2005-11	Trend, Ambiente	2.1-litre turbo-diesel I4	5sp auto	110 kW at 3800 rpm	330 Nm at 1800-2400 rpm
3.7 V6	2005-09	Trend, Ambiente	3.7-litre petrol V6	5sp auto	170 kW at 5600 rpm	345 Nm at 2500-4500 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The Viano Ambiente editions were further equipped with front side airbags.

In April 2006, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz Viano was extended to include front side airbags and the Ambiente was fitted with front curtain airbags (i.e. for the driver and front passenger).

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano 2.2 CDI Trend – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.66. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

For post-2006 Ambiente variants fitted with curtain airbags, ANCAP awarded a five star adult occupant protection rating due to an additional pole test in which an additional two points were conferred.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Trend

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Trend included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tinted windows, roof rails, a trip computer and immobiliser; the 3.7 V6 variants were also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Viano Ambiente was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling rear air suspension, a six-disc CD changer, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, courtesy lights and burr walnut interior trim.

In April 2006, standard features for the W639 Viano were extended to include an Audio 20 sound system, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Review: Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano (2011-14)