Merc Viano in the snow

[footsoldier]

ETA: Title should say Viano if anyone can change!

Does anyone have any experience of a Merc Viano in the snow - as in proper snow, but with proper snow tyres? (And sometimes chains)

I am thinking of getting one for winter transport, ferrying people around (alps), but it's not 4WD, and needs to be useable without having to put chains on every time there's a decent snowfall. I know from time to time they might be necessary.

Alternative is something like a Merc GL, but that is not so good for access and throwing kit into.

Thanks in advance.