When you’re looking to explore Australia’s diverse creative community, The Design Files should always be your first stop.

Founded by Melbourne stylist Lucy Feagins in 2008, the site covers picture-perfect architecture, houses, gardens and holiday destinations – as well as the artists, designers, musicians, writers and other creatives who call these places home.

In celebration of our ongoing partnership – including being part of their recent TDF Kids Art Awards – we gave The Design Files a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, so they could take a road trip to their annual team retreat.

Best of all, Lucy was kind enough to give us her thoughts on the vehicle and shared some incredible pictures with us.

Hi Lucy, can you tell us about the day the van arrived? What was your first impression of the V-Class?

That it was surprisingly easy to drive! I thought it might be hard to maneuver or park, being such a big vehicle. But it really was such a breeze to drive – it felt like being behind the wheel of a family-sized car or four wheel drive.

So, what about when you hit the road? Tell us about the trip you took for your company getaway…

We took the whole team to South Gippsland for our annual retreat. It was so awesome to be able to take almost everyone in just one vehicle – including eight people’s bags and suitcases!

I was the designated driver, and the team all piled in. We had a wonderful time staying together, cooking together and planning for the year ahead.

We also took the V-Class for a well earned beach day at Wilsons Prom, and we even had a few singalongs in the car on the way home!

Sounds like a blast. As designated driver, what features of the V-Class really stood out to you and the team

When we were packing up to go, the boot space was the star attraction – especially the shelf in the boot which makes it so easy to stack and access luggage and other items.

Then, when we hit the road, it was all about the super spacious and comfortable interiors. Transporting eight people in comfort and style is no mean feat!

Last but not least, you’ve spent nearly a decade covering the very best in Aussie design. In three words, how would you sum up the design of the V-Class?

Functional, comfortable and (a little bit) fancy!

Thanks Lucy! Visit the designfiles.net to check out the site for yourself and explore some amazing Australian homes, interiors, art, architecture and more.

Content commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd.