VAN PEOPLE TEND to come in one of two varieties - both of them not very flattering. In the UK, you are presented with the traditional 'white van man', often depicted as a boorish lout, hanging out the driver's seat window, monopolising the road with less than salubrious driving. In the US, you have the minivan driver.

This person, laden with far too many children, is pictured wide-eyed and frazzled with a lack of sleep; all traces of personal pride in their appearance long-gone. Thankfully there is one van, or Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which tends not to mutate the owner into one of these two stereotypes. It could be a result of its price-tag (Mercs don't come cheap), but it also stems from the joyful experience that is getting behind the wheel. Far from being a bus for the kids, or in any way a commercial vehicle, the Mercedes V-Class is a fantastically engineered, beautiful car to drive. Here's why...

It is the size of a house, but feels as light as a hatchback

Seriously, we don't know how they do it. We're not that technically-minded, so we're guessing wizardry? It is seriously extraordinary how something so large can be whipped around corners and parked into your everyday spaces. The lack of a substantial bonnet helps. Sit down in your cockpit armchair and it is as if you are perched ahead of the front wheels. You can survey everything, meaning even the tightest turns with obstacles ahead are easily navigable. We're talking with far greater ease than a saloon. You may have to try it yourself to really feel the impact the featherweight steering, sports suspension and well-proportioned body creates.

It looks like a van, but then it also doesn't, right?

We don't know how they have continued to do it, but Mercedes have done the impossible with the V-Class and even the Viano before it. They have taken what should be a functional box and made it beautiful. Taking their cue from executive jets, the car is delightful to look at outside and in. Okay, we can admit, we'd go for the Italian sports car styling if given the choice, but in reality you're not going to find a more attractive van.

Is it just nice to run your eye over inside?

Absolutely not. It is also supremely comfortable. It would have to be, wouldn't it? With great space comes great opportunity to pamper and the V-Class takes full advantage. Leather armchairs all-round: two up front, four that recline in the back; fold away tables, carpeted floors, drinks holders everywhere and optional TVs, have we used the business class metaphor already? All this vehicle needs is cabin crew and a drinks trolley.

What about the power?

You're never going to buy one of these to be blisteringly quick, but the V-Class provides ample power to get you on your way. The V6 is out the window and has been replaced with a 211hp M274 turbocharged engine. It's all you're going to need - supremely quiet, efficient and effective. We didn't bother with a 0-100km/h speed because if you're worried about that, this isn't the car for you.

Anything else of note?

Tech-wise, we're always impressed when the onboard system is easy to use and intuitive, which it is here. You receive everything you'd expect from a top-end Merc, plus we loved the amount of light let in by those huge windows.

SPECS

Engine: M274 turbocharged

Power: 211hp

Top speed: 210km/h

Torque: 350Nm