7 Seater Cars 2012 
Mercedes Benz Viano – 8 Seater Car
Being based on the Mercedes commercial van platform, the Viano is a questionable effort on a cross-over to a people carrier. It is one of the only vehicles available that has space for eight passengers, although the final two seats are cramped. The interior is huge but strangely for a Mercedes, there isn't much in the way of standard equipment. Prices start at just over £28,000. Second Hand Mercedes-Benz Viano’s are available from under £10,000.
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Mercedes Benz Viano – Car Tax Band (VED)
With only diesel engines being available, the car tax band is the same across all three models in the Viano line-up and that is car tax band L. As it is essentially a commercial van with seats, the running costs are similar to the Mercedes Sprinter; an out and out commercial van.
Mercedes Benz Viano – C02 emissions
Despite a fairly frugal 2.0CDI diesel engine, the Mercedes Benz Viano pumps out a lot of CO2, with 238g/km, but oddly the faster eight-seater 'Trend' model only emits 192g/km. The 116bhp model, which is sandwiched between the other two, emits 215g/km of CO2.
Mercedes Benz Viano – Safety Features
The Viano received a four-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests, which is very good for a vehicle that weighs more than two tonnes. It has driver and passenger airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes as standard. There is the option to have stability control, which might be handy if the weather is poor.
Mercedes Benz Viano – Miles Per Gallon
The smaller engined diesel needs to be wrung out a little more and only returns 31.7mpg while the faster 136bhp engine returns 38.7mpg. The insurance group is very high at 28D, which is mainly due to the fact there is the potential to have more passengers on board during a crash and that will affect the premiums.
Mercedes Benz Viano – Comfort
It's not the most comfortable of cars and that's surprising for a Mercedes. The rear seats are basic and almost bench-like, which is fine for short school runs and trips to the shops, but long distances can be tiresome. The front seats offer more in the way of comfort but they don't quite match the rest of the Mercedes line-up for quality.
Mercedes Benz Viano – Commercial Use
The quality of the greasy parts, such as the engine and the suspension, are all high but the interior is lacking in capturing the usual Mercedes flair. It is fairly basic inside - not swathed with gadgets and gizmos found in the S-class cars. The trim and fitment is average and it's apparent that the interior has been adjusted for public use from a commercial background.
Mercedes Benz Viano – Performance
Typically van-like, the performance of a Mercedes-Benz Viano is poor and lacklustre. The lower-powered engines take 17.6 seconds to get to 60mph, while the 'faster' 136bhp diesel reaches the benchmark figure in 14.1 seconds. That extra grunt is needed, especially if you're carrying eight passengers and luggage.
Mercedes Benz Viano – Disabled User Access
Practicality is the one reason why most people purchase a Viano. It has the ability to carry eight or six people very comfortably, and has space for each person's items. The seats can be removed too, which is handy for access for a disabled-person's wheelchair, for instance.
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Mercedes Benz Viano – Handling
With the engine and weight of the front passengers all over the front end, the suspension has lots to deal with. The long wheelbase also gives a slow response for corners and it is bus-like in the handling department.
