Report - Next-gen Mercedes Viano to be called 'V-Class', debuts in July 2014

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz Viano has been caught testing in Europe recently. Sketches highlighting the van's design, which are believed to be official sketches that were leaked, have also found their way on the internet.

Now our friends at Mercedes Passion Blog, have uncovered some new details about the future Viano. Sources have told them that the market launch of the new Viano will be held in July 2014. Also, Mercedes may no longer use the 'Viano' name, instead calling it the 'V-Class'.

Earlier reports indicating that the new Viano would sport a more luxurious cabin with telematics and equipment on par with a Mercedes luxury sedan, still hold good. However, Passion Blog reports that an earlier rumored V6 petrol engine will not be offered. Three diesel engines and a four-cylinder petrol are the likely engine options for the van. The automatic transmission Vianos will use the Mercedes 7G-Tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Another detail brought to light earlier was that the new Viano will be sold through Mercedes-Benz's passenger car showrooms, sharing space with the lineup that includes the compact A-Class and the luxurious S-Class. This is being done to attract more customers, who may have earlier had apprehensions on purchasing their Viano from a commercial vehicle dealership, which sells trucks and busses apart from the Daimler Sprinter van.

The next-generation Viano will also be a replacement for the R-Class MPV, which has been selling in disastrous numbers worldwide. The R-Class was recently discontinued in India.