Mercedes-Benz has unveiled significant upgrades to its Vito van range, including both the diesel-powered Vito and the electric eVito models. These enhanced vehicles are set to elevate the standards in the commercial van sector, offering improved styling, advanced infotainment systems, and enhanced driver assistance technologies. The diesel Vito is available for order in Europe immediately, while the battery-electric eVito will be available for ordering this summer.
Image: The Mercedes-Benz Vito van, now with upgraded features and styling. (Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans)
These upgrades mirror those announced for the 2021 model year Metris, the U.S. version of the Mercedes Benz Vito Van, although the official U.S. announcement will come later in the year. The Metris has seen considerable success in the US market, with a sales increase of 18% in 2019, reaching 46,000 units. This growth highlights the strong demand and market potential for vans like the Mercedes Benz Vito van and its variants globally.
Mercedes-Benz produces the Vito van in Vitoria, Spain, and Fuzhou, China, through a joint venture. The Metris is manufactured in Charleston, South Carolina, demonstrating the brand’s global production and reach. In 2019, Mercedes-Benz Vans achieved a record seventh consecutive year of sales growth, delivering 440,000 units worldwide. The Mercedes Benz Vito van has contributed significantly to this success, with 530,000 units sold since its 2014 introduction. Its versatility caters particularly to small and medium-sized businesses, which account for 70% of Vito van customers, often operating fleets of up to five vehicles.
The updated Mercedes Benz Vito van and Metris models share several key standard feature upgrades designed to enhance performance, comfort, and safety. These include:
- 9G-Tronic Automatic Transmission: Provides smoother gear changes and improved fuel efficiency, now with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel for enhanced driver control.
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Offers modern connectivity and user-friendly interface for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle information.
- Crosswind Assist: Enhances vehicle stability in strong crosswinds, improving safety and driver confidence.
- Hill-Start Assist: Prevents rollback when starting on inclines, making driving in hilly areas easier and safer.
- Rearview Camera: Improves visibility and safety when reversing, crucial for maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Extended Maintenance Interval: Now set at 15,000 miles, reducing service frequency and downtime.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Continuously monitors tire pressure, alerting drivers to potential issues for safety and optimal tire wear.
Image: The upgraded Mercedes Benz Vito van boasts new styling, infotainment, and driver assistance systems, contributing to Mercedes-Benz Vans’ record sales in 2019. (Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans)
In addition to these standard upgrades, the Mercedes Benz Vito van offers a range of optional features to further customize the vehicle to specific business needs. These options include:
- Anti-theft Alarm System: Enhances vehicle security and protects against theft.
- Blind Spot Assist: Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, reducing the risk of lane-changing accidents.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps drivers stay within their lane, especially useful on long journeys and inattentive driving situations.
- Active Parking Assist: Simplifies parking maneuvers, especially in urban environments and tight parking spaces.
- Electric Sliding Doors: Provides convenient and easy access to the cargo area, particularly useful in delivery and passenger transport applications.
- Digital Mirror: Offers enhanced rear visibility, especially beneficial when the cargo area is fully loaded.
The new eVito model takes the Mercedes Benz Vito van into the electric vehicle market, setting new benchmarks for usability and everyday practicality in its segment. Benjamin Kaehler, head of eDrive@Vans at Mercedes-Benz AG, emphasized the eVito’s capabilities, stating it “sets benchmarks in its segment with regard to everyday suitability and usability,” and “underscores our idea of a locally emission-free van.”
The eVito’s rapid charging function allows charging from 10% to 80% in under 45 minutes at rapid charging stations. Its enhanced battery capacity of 90 kWh provides a range of up to 262 miles, significantly improving its operational range compared to its predecessor. The strategic placement of the lithium-ion battery in the vehicle’s underbody contributes to optimized handling and driving dynamics.
With these comprehensive upgrades, the Mercedes Benz Vito van and eVito are poised to continue their success in the commercial van market, offering businesses reliable, versatile, and technologically advanced transportation solutions.
