Is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 10,687 MOT tests, around 86% of Mercedes-Benz V-Classes still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 5% are likely to be charged. For the remaining 9%, it depends on the exact Euro standard or month of registration.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 98% diesel. Diesel V-Classes are generally compliant from 2016, while diesel cars from 2003 or earlier are likely to be charged.
- Likely compliant
- 86%
- Likely charged
- 5%
- Depends on the car
- 9%
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,687
Check a specific V-Class
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
V-Class ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many V-Classes of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Diesel | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Likely compliant274 tested | – |
| 2019 | Likely compliant2,533 tested | – |
| 2018 | Likely compliant2,469 tested | Likely compliant1 tested |
| 2017 | Likely compliant2,251 tested | – |
| 2016 | Likely compliant1,528 tested | – |
| 2015 | Check exact car928 tested | – |
| 2003 | Likely charged76 tested | Check Euro standard10 tested |
| 2002 | Likely charged111 tested | Check Euro standard17 tested |
| 2001 | Likely charged62 tested | Check Euro standard15 tested |
| 2000 | Likely charged35 tested | Likely charged21 tested |
| 1999 | Likely charged46 tested | Likely charged26 tested |
| 1998 | Likely charged1 tested | Likely charged58 tested |
How ULEZ rules apply to the V-Class
Cars that miss the standard pay £12.50 for each day they're driven in the zone. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006), while diesels need Euro 6 (most from September 2015).
- Diesel (98% of V-Classes tested): likely compliant from 2016; 2003 and earlier are likely to be charged.
- Petrol (2% of V-Classes tested): likely compliant from 2018; 2000 and earlier are likely to be charged.
V-Classes from 2015 sit on the boundary (9% of those tested): some were built to the required standard before it became compulsory. The Euro standard is sometimes on the V5C logbook, or Mercedes-Benz can confirm it. Our ULEZ calculator can help.
Thinking of buying one? Check how V-Classes fare at the MOT too: see the Mercedes-Benz V-Class MOT failure rate.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz V-Class for London: what the MOT data shows
The Mercedes-Benz V-Classes in this data were first registered between 1998 and 2020. 2019 was the most common year, with 2,533 tests (24% of the total), and half were registered in 2018 or later.
V-Classes from likely-compliant years passed their MOT first time 83% of the time, at an average of 83,737 miles. Older ones likely to be charged passed 56% of the time with 123,334 miles on average, so a compliant car is usually the more reliable buy as well as the cheaper one to drive in London.
On a budget, the oldest diesel V-Classes likely to comply are from 2016. 1,528 of them were tested; 2016 cars passed first time 81% of the time and averaged 112,444 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
Whichever year you choose, check the V-Class's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were suspension: "fractured or broken" (2.5% of tests); tyres: "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" (2.3%); visibility: "does not clear the windscreen effectively" (2.2%). The most frequent advisory was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 14.9% of tests.
Overall, 82% of V-Classes passed first time, well above the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 88,797 miles on average, more than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other Mercedes-Benz models
About this data
Based on 10,687 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
ULEZ results are estimates from fuel type and year of first registration. Transport for London makes the final decision.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
What 10,687 MOT tests say about the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and London's ULEZ.
Is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 86% of V-Classes on the road are likely compliant and 5% likely to be charged. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006), while diesels need Euro 6 (most from September 2015).
Which petrol V-Class years are ULEZ compliant?
Petrol V-Classes first registered from 2018 are likely compliant. Some earlier cars meet Euro 4 too, so check the exact vehicle.
Is a diesel V-Class ULEZ compliant?
Only if it meets Euro 6, which generally means first registered from September 2015. Diesel V-Classes from 2003 or earlier are likely to be charged.
How can I check if a specific V-Class is ULEZ compliant?
Enter its registration in our free ULEZ check, which uses the vehicle's DVLA record. Always confirm with TfL before relying on it.
Related guides
- ULEZ · 6 min readULEZ explained: which cars are compliant and what it costsSince August 2023 the ULEZ covers every London borough. Which cars comply, what the daily charge costs if yours doesn't, and what you can do about it.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 5 min readMOT retest rules: when it's free, partial or full priceFix a failed MOT within a day or two and the retest is often free; wait too long and you pay for a full test again. The three retest types explained.Read the guide
Is your V-Class ULEZ compliant?
Enter the registration for a check based on that car's own DVLA record.