JB Group unveils 'Benz-based luxury limo

Melbourne's JB Group isn't content with building a wide range of caravans, hybrids, campers and motorhomes, with the rapidly expanding Aussie manufacturer lifting the covers on a new range of 'first class' deluxe people movers.

Taking advantage of the new Motorhomes division at its Melbourne factory, the JB Group has taken the upmarket Mercedes-Benz V-Class people mover and transformed it into a five-star loungeroom on wheels, aimed at corporate titans, luxury limo drivers and families seeking the ultimate ride.

Key exterior modifications include a new raised roof section with rear spoiler, to create more interior space, and a flashy new front grille with multiple LED inserts to boost the evening drop-off wow-factor.

JB has also gone to town inside, with a full leather re-trim of the front seats, inner doors and tailgate liner, a new premium floor covering and LED-lit alloy side steps. There's also a fancy new centre console with double-side opening lid and both refrigerated and heating compartments to help keep your refreshments at the right temperature.

However, the biggest changes are in the rear seating and luggage area up back, with the option of either two-seat or five-seat rear passenger configurations, depending on your business or personal wants.

Both rear layouts get plush new leather-lined recliner seats with heating, cooling, massaging and memory functions, controlled by touchpads on the arm-rests. The five-seater also gets a power-folding third row bench with contoured outboard seats.

The two middle-row lounge chairs are fully reclinable, and together with thick new block-out curtains on both sides, should make 20 minute (or two hour) roadside power naps a very pleasant experience.

The Gold Class cinema-like experience also extends to a big screen entertainment and online communications set-up, with the two-seat rear layout boasting both a wide high-mounted screen and another TV and speakers that pop up from a compartment behind the front seats.

You can also get the party started with the dazzling crystal ceiling lights, and other LED light patterns in the roof liner that are programmed to flash with different colours, and controlled by two digital devices mounted on the C-pillars.

Adding to the first-class travel feel are footrests and drop-down tables positioned behind the front seats, and multiple wireless phone charging pads throughout the cabin.

There's a lot more room for luggage and gear in the four-seater set-up, with just a small rear cargo space in the seven-seater, along with a coat hook.

The conversions we saw were based on the rear-drive Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300 D platform, which comes from the factory with powered sliding side doors and lift-up tailgate, MBUX infotainment and a plethora of driver and safety aids, plus a silky smooth 174kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with nine-speed auto.

It's believed some of the disassembled parts of the vehicle are sent to China for packaging before being shipped back to Australia for final fit-out at JB's Melbourne facility.

There's no doubt the JB Group got some inspiration for its head-turning new luxury limo from similar-style executive chariots created in the past like the Brabus Business Lounge V-Class.

The new Mercedes JB V300 Luxury model is yet to be officially launched, or any pricing announced.

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