Tristar Worldwide has become one of the first private hire companies in the UK to have the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class on its fleet.

The chauffeur services company has taken delivery of five of the models already and plans to take on a total of 40 by early 2016.

It has selected the range-topping V250 Bluetec Sport extra long) for its greater engine power and extra seating capacity: they can carry up to eight passengers.

Janusz Kozlowski, Tristar’s fleet manager, said: "When Mercedes-Benz announced the new model, we knew that the generous capacity would provide much greater comfort and flexibility for our travellers.

"Its separate opening rear tailgate, for example, makes loading luggage particularly easy. However, just as importantly, we knew that the vehicle’s BlueTec emissions reduction, LED headlamps and driver assistance systems would meet our rigorous safety and environmental standards.”

Joining Tristar’s UK fleet at their global headquarters in West Drayton, the new models will replace the company’s current Viano vehicles.