A compact, chic and discreet van
The star sits in the middle of the grille. There is no possible ambiguity, the Westfalia Jules Verne is indeed on a Mercedes base, in this case the Vito. Obviously, this star gives it a statutory side confirmed by its base price of €71,900. A price which does not take into account the carrier or cell options which are legion. And some of which are almost unavoidable. With the roof closed, this van is a model of discretion. With less than 2 meters high, it will be considered as a normal car at motorway tolls with “standard” pricing. Its compactness is confirmed when we look at its other measurements: 5.14 m long, 2.24 m wide, we are indeed in the presence of a compact leisure vehicle.
From 136 hp to 190 hp and ADAS as standard
In its basic version, so to speak, the Westfalia van Jules Verne is offered with a 136 hp engine (330 Nm of torque) coupled to a manual gearbox. For an additional €3,000,The 163 hp (380 Nm) version is available. Those who are ready to “let go” (additional cost of €8,800) can go with the 190 hp (440 Nm) engine.. In this last configuration, the van, and its occupants, will swallow the kilometers effortlessly. Regardless of the engine chosen, the standard equipment of the Vito is interesting. Note for example the Drive Pack and its numerous electronic driving aids: tire pressure display, intelligent speed limit assistance with sign reading, active lane departure warning, reversing camera, drowsiness detection, active emergency brakingcruise control and crosswind stabilization system. THE Jules Verne play it safe. The swivel, height-adjustable cabin seats with lumbar support are also part of the standard equipment, as is the MBUX multimedia system: 5x speaker car radio, “hey Mercedes” voice command, 10.25″ touch screen with Bluetooth interface, USB-C port.
Top location, comfort and equipment
When you buy a van, the “road” part is certainly important. But so is the quality of the location, living spaces and equipment. What about aboard the Westfalia campervan? Jules Verne ? In terms of layout, this van is “classic” and efficient: a four-seater dinette at the front including a rectangular table, a kitchen unit arranged laterally (right side in the direction of travel), WC fixed on the other side and a shower tray in the central part at the very rear. The kitchen unit (51 liter refrigerator) is very spacious, which is a good point. And it’s rather rare in a van. Many will appreciate the fixed toilets, the 2000 W Webasto heating running on engine fuel as well as the hot water production system. We will be able to face the cold without any problem. The 50 liters of clean water (36 liters for waste water), the 92 Ah auxiliary battery and the LED lighting are also worth highlighting. THE Jules Verne aims for the high-end category and easily passes the entrance exam.
2+2 places for the night
We saw above that this van highlighted its autonomy. The reserve of clean water will, however, require refilling relatively often.. Especially if you’re traveling as a group of four. The Westfalia campervan Jules Verne clearly displays its 2+2 night spots. Suffice it to say right away that fans of maxi-berths or “king size” beds, as can be found in certain converted vans, will be in for a treat. The high bed, integrated into the lifting roof, has a modest size of 190 x 117 cm. As for the low bed, designed from the bench, it is even less spacious: 172 x 120 cm. We would rather use it for children. In both cases, the beds are not the strong point of the Jules Verne. Let us recognize, in his defense, that this is the case in the majority of vans.
Options galore
Certain cell options seem unavoidable. This is for example the case of the roof insulation kit (€516), the mattress topper for the low bed or the Fiamma blind. For more autonomy, you can check the extra-flat 200 W solar panel. To personalize the atmosphere, it will be possible to choose leather or two-tone upholstery. On the carrier side, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive is on the menu. Just like the 9G Tronic gearbox. But by adding the engine and cell options, we quickly peak around €100,000. This is the price to pay to go on vacation or getaway aboard a van that has the trappings of a flagship.
