The list of innovations in the interior of the new Viano is long, including such special treats such as ambient lighting or ingenious details such as an additional power socket. The host of new features all boil down to added comfort and an even more stylish overall character.

The clear layout of the instrument panel and the clearly legible instruments have been retained – there are some things which simply defy improvement. The shift lever is new, however, featuring a high-gloss badge and chrome surround. In the upper control panel on the centre console, pushbuttons have replaced the previous rocker switches to facilitate intuitive operation while at the same time providing a more attractive appearance. The seat heating is now more finely adjustable, offering three levels as opposed to the previous two. The overhead control unit has been upgraded with two reading lamps and a polished finish. On vehicles equipped with rear air conditioning, corresponding new controls are also incorporated together with a display.

Numerous new items of equipment enhance the Viano, offering scope for individualisation and assistance above all for the driver. The front-passenger seat base now incorporates an additional 12 V socket to supply power to electronic devices. Alternatively, the Viano is available with a lockable valuables compartment (standard in Viano Marco Polo). A rearview camera is optionally available as a practical reversing aid in conjunction with the COMAND system. Its lens is integrated in the licence plate panel on the tailgate. When reverse gear is engaged, the camera picture is displayed on the COMAND screen, with superimposed lines providing additional assistance for the driver.

The standard scope of equipment for the Viano Trend and all models higher in the range now includes a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with new control buttons and matt chromed spoke trims, similar to the steering wheel of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

A new generation of radios is being introduced into all Viano variants, guaranteeing the best in information and entertainment. A Bluetooth hands-free system and a CD/DVD drive come as standard throughout the range, as does an Aux connection for separate devices. The top-of-the-range audio systems feature the new generation of voice control which goes by the name of Lingatronic, for radio, CD player/CD changer and navigation system. The new convenience telephony system is available as an alternative to the Bluetooth hands-free system, featuring a fixed telephone console, roof antenna and optimum voice quality.

The optional pre-installation for the Rear Seat Entertainment system provides the basis for keeping rear passengers informed and entertained. The Viano covers the full spectrum of media wishes, from an entertaining film for the kids to an informative presentation for business associates. On request, it can be fitted at the factory with the corresponding wiring and mountings for devices in the roof liner. Hinged roof liner systems, monitors, DVD players and infrared headphones are available through Mercedes-Benz Accessories and can be fitted by authorised Mercedes-Benz workshops.

The Viano offers seat covers in a new design for the driver and passengers. In addition to the attractive fabrics and stylish nappa leather covers in various colours, the new nappa leather upholstery in the Viano which goes by the name of Lugano is deserving of special mention. Available in three colours, its grain finish and piping design provide for a consummately stylish appearance. This upholstery is complemented by decorative trims in fine burr walnut finish. The Lugano nappa leather upholstery comes as standard in the Viano Ambiente and is optionally available for the Viano Trend. In the Viano Fun and Marco Polo the leather is available in orion grey.

New, high-quality interior panelling and trims are available as standard in the Viano Trend and Ambiente and as an option in the Viano Fun to embellish the interior's appearance and further enhance the great functionality which is integral to the Viano. The scope of appointments includes optimised stowage facilities and carpeting. In addition to providing for a comfortable appearance, the high-quality carpeting also prevents scratches and knocks when the vehicle comes in for tough use – also in the load compartment. Side wall panelling and carpeting come in anthracite, while the middle sections sport the colour of the interior appointments.

The well-conceived ambient lighting system forms the core of the new lighting concept in the Viano Trend and Ambiente (optional in Viano Fun). A total of six light sources in the footwell illuminate the floor of the Viano. This lighting is dimmed while the vehicle is in motion. Additional new interior lights are installed in the handle recesses at the rear. Fibre-optic cables also make up part of the ambient lighting. These discreetly illuminate the handle recesses while the vehicle is in motion and combine with the footwell lighting to conjure up a stylish and cosy atmosphere on board. The familiar interior lighting is also integrated in the handle recesses, together with new reading lights which can be operated individually. The latter present an elegant appearance in modern clear-glass look with a chrome ring.

The Viano's interior designers have paid close attention to every last detail, as revealed by apparently minor features such as the new inside handle for the sliding door, whose new position renders it more accessible and markedly reduces the level of effort required to open the door. The rails to which the rear seats are fitted have been provided with rubber lips. In addition to lending the floor a more elegant appearance, these also facilitate installation and removal of the seats.

Mercedes-Benz has also redefined the established lines and equipment packages in some areas. The Viano Ambiente, which has always featured a particularly broad scope of equipment, now additionally features Bi-Xenon headlamps as standard, for example, together with cornering lights, LED daytime driving lights, headlamp washer system and light-alloy wheels in size 7J x 17.

The previous Comfort Plus package for the Viano Fun has now been succeeded by the COMFORT FUN package. The otherwise unaltered scope of equipment including such treats as electric rear vent windows and an additional heat exchanger has now been extended to include a new multifunction steering wheel with trip computer.

Viano Marco Polo: innovative features for the yacht on wheels

The new generation of the compact Viano Marco Polo recreational vehicle and camper van also benefits from a number of new features. The established layout incorporating a generously sized kitchenette and cupboard unit on the left-hand side in the direction of travel with practical roller shutters has been retained, along with the unique movable seating system featuring electrically adjustable individual seats and electropneumatically inflatable side bolsters. New surface finishes and trims lend the living area in the Viano Marco Polo a quality feel and appearance.

Optional flooring in wood look, similar to the flooring on an exclusive yacht, further embellishes the Viano Marco Polo at the rear. In addition to its homely yet stylish appearance, this floor covering is also hard-wearing and requires little care.

Two bright and particularly efficient LED lamps in the rear of the Viano Marco Polo and the Viano Fun are an additional new feature, replacing the previous fluorescent lamp. The new lamps provide bright light as soon as they are switched on, illuminate the interior more effectively and consume markedly less power – an important factor when mains power remains out of reach for prolonged periods. The bed extension forming a head section over the luggage compartment of the Viano Marco Polo can now be raised in stages with the aid of a strap and a support. This additional feature provides an additional noticeable enhancement to the good standard of sleeping comfort.

A second reading lamp now comes as standard in the Viano Marco Polo fitted with the optional roof bed and in the Viano Fun with pop-up roof. This provides for added comfort by enabling more individual lighting arrangements when the roof bed is in use by two people.

The new key featuring a stylish chrome clasp symbolises the high-quality interior and provides drivers with a subtle foretaste of the numerous innovations which await them inside the Mercedes-Benz Viano.