Inspired by the growing market of shuttle-vans available at other car-makers, Mercedes-Benz made its move in 1996 and launched the V-Class.
Volkswagen Transporter was one of the key players in the MPV market since the introduction of the first generation. Over time, it evolved into a range of vehicles from utility panel-vans to VIP-shuttle vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, it had the MB100, but it was too small.

In 1996, at the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz uncovered the Viano. It was part of its new, V-Class, which was formed by Vito and Viano models. Both were based on a utility vehicle transformed from panel-vans into passenger vehicles. The square-look of the bodywork was a tribute to the utilitarian purpose of the car. The front side was raked and the designers tried to give it a car-like front end, with the grille and the headlights inspired by the E-Class sedan (W124).

Inside, depending on configuration, it was available with up to 9 seats, three on each row. As a luxury-VIP shuttle, it was available with captain seats in front and middle rows. The front-engine front-wheel-drive allowed a roomier interior, with the lowered floor when compared with a regular chassis-based vehicle. Options such as stationary heating system, climate control, or various audio systems including a video-player were available as a custom order.

The car was offered with either diesel or gasoline engines and the most powerful version was a Volkswagen 2.8-lite VR6 unit.