Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, or a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or your next WAV.

Mercedes Benz V-Class mid wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

A short or long lowered floor wheelchair accessible conversion of the Mercedes V-Class with a rear ramp is quite simply a pleasure to be in as a wheelchair user. The driver and passengers too are well catered for and quite spoiled. Why? Because it is a Mercedes Benz is the simple answer.

The V-Class comes in many variations, with the die-hard Mercedes fans loving the larger engines. These large capacity engines aren’t as sought after these days, but petrolheads would probably disagree, and who doesn’t like a little power under their right foot. A purist may argue that the underfoot pedal power on offer can be a lifesaver when required, but no one wants to put that to the test.

Newer versions tend to have smaller engines, although the power they give the engine build quality is remarkable. If well-maintained, the long life expectancy of a larger motor means you are looking at a lifetime WAV that should retain its residual value. And, why not spoil yourself in a lovely WAV, especially when they aren’t prolific in the marketplace.

The beauty of a high-specification WAV model is that the comfort level gets tweaked right up, making all the difference for wheelchair users. Apart from the increased comfort level, the captain’s seats in the second row mean wheelchair passengers can face their travelling companions, and carers can easily access their charge if needed.

In a lowered floor WAV, it does mean wheelchair users are entering via a ramp instead of a lift, but they will be sitting and travelling on a level floor which is often preferred. Our advice is to check the height with us on any specific WAV, and we will establish the compatibility with the wheelchair user in question.

The ride in a luxury WAV makes all the difference to all the occupants. Often, the wheelchair passenger can get a raw deal in vehicles converted to accommodate wheelchair passengers, but this is not so in the V-Class. The smoothing of the road and the low road noise because of build quality will always make that tangible difference to all who travel in a Mercedes V-Class.

The Mercedes Benz V-Class superseded the much-loved Viano, and it is easy to see the heritage and how it is revered in the WAV industry in much the same way as they are loved in its unconverted form. The level of luxury which spills across for wheelchair users is often lost in many other wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions. Of course, the V-Class’s origins lie in the Viano, but who’d know when you are inside enjoying the upgraded experience on offer for all occupants.

The V-Class is available in both rear and four-wheel drive, three lengths, two wheelbases, four petrol and diesel engines and now, of course, as an electric vehicle. Add to this the possibility of two much rarer in the WAV industry tuned versions, all of which are coupled to a six-speed manual or five-speed TouchShift automatic transmission.

SMV conclusion: The V-Class has low road-noise, front or rear-facing row two seats depending on specification. A quality ride plus easy access via the low incline rear ramp makes for a robust all-around combination of pleasurable features often lacking in many WAVs. A sizeable engine will please the minority but with vehicles sometimes criticised for being a little bland, what’s not to like for the individual seeking something they can love.

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you. We are independent WAV advisors, so you will get the best of all worlds, whatever your wheelchair access needs are. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, a short-term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs.