On location in Germany, we had the opportunity to test drive both the regular Vito and the fully electric variant called eVito.
A discreet rascal
In typical German fashion, the Vito has been given a very conservative facelift. At the front you are met by a new grill, while at the back you find darker taillights than before, as well as a slightly updated bumper.
Instead, it is in the interior, as well as under the shell, that the biggest updates emerge.
Many buttons and controls are taken from passenger cars – Photo: Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes has taken a lot of inspiration from its passenger car division, and has more or less plucked the interior directly from the brand’s more traditional models.
It is noticeable in the form of a new steering wheel and the brand’s latest infotainment system, called MBUX.
The Germans have chosen to stick to physical buttons, which is a thank you in a time when many choose touch. It is significantly more efficient and means that you can use the buttons even if you are wearing work gloves.
The interior of the new Vito is pleasant – Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The brand with the star on the front boasts that they do want to offer the most premium-oriented vans in the segment when it comes to comfort and design.
You are greeted by a high quality feeling with robust features, even if some cheap surfaces are present. The storage spaces in the cabin are somewhat limited, but this can be revised to some extent by ticking the right boxes in the options list.
Read also: It will soon be more expensive to get a driver’s license: Here are the new prices
Electrification for a large part of the money
Mercedes-Benz aims for 50 percent of the brand’s vans to be electrified by 2030, a transition that will take place gradually with clear goals for each year.
The idea is for the brand’s all-electric transporters to be smoothly integrated into various logistics chains and fleets.
50 percent of Mercedes vans will be electric by 2030 – Photo: Mercedes-Benz
It is a question of making the step over to electric operation as easy as possible. In the case of eVito (and for that matter eSprinter) it is thus not only about individual products but about entire ecosystems.
Already in 2010, an electric variant of the Vito was shown for the first time, then with the name Vito eCell. The model had a range of only 130 kilometers, which limited its range of use.
The new and updated eVito is instead created to increasingly replace alternatives with more traditional propulsion.
The eVito has the same cargo volume as the diesel version – Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The updated electric van offers a range of up to 319 kilometers in transporter design. In the passenger car version Tourer, you get up to 381 kilometers instead, thanks to a larger battery.
A strength of the eVito is that the load space is as large as in the diesel variant, as the batteries have been placed under the floor. The electric transporter can therefore hold up to 6.6 cubic meters of cargo with a load capacity of 950 kilograms, compared to 1,354 for the diesel variant.
Read also: BMW scraps classic model names – after more than 50 years
Slowly worse
The new Mercedes-Benz eVito can only be had with front-wheel drive. You have to make do with just 116 horsepower, which – despite the electric drive – means that the new electric transport vehicle is perceived as sluggish.
Behind the wheel, you are greeted by an ergonomic layout and a high level of comfort. The Mercedes eVito is very easy to drive and feels smooth. The car is best suited for city driving, not least as the top speed in the standard version is only 80 km/h.
As an option, the speed limit can be raised to 100 or 120 km/h, but longer trips on the motorway are not recommended. The level of comfort is relatively high, although the eVito is the only variant of the Vito not offered with air suspension.
Read also: The car giant is turning: Rebuilding electric cars for gasoline operation
The art of striking a blow for the diesel
I also had the opportunity to test drive the Vito in a pure diesel version. We drove the 190-horsepower variant in both rear and all-wheel drive, which is the most powerful variant of the van.
We drove the new Vito with both diesel and electric drive – Photo: Mercedes-Benz
In Sweden, the four-wheel-drive Vito is expected to account for around 25 percent of sales. Vito with 190 horsepower appears lively and has speed resources so it’s enough and it’s over. The load capacity is the highest in the segment with its 1,354 kilograms.
The air suspension, which is optional, ensures a high level of comfort and performs well at higher speeds on the German autobahn. The suspension pares bumps well and makes the Vito feel solid.
Read also: The world’s most expensive car – top list 2024
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a van to be reckoned with
The updated Mercedes-Benz Vito offers a higher premium feel than before, while at the same time it has received more car-like elements. The Germans have also invested more heavily in electrification.
As an electric car, the eVito offers limited range and performance. Having said that, the cargo space is impressive and the car feels well packaged. Mercedes has tried to make the transition to electric operation as smooth as possible.’
The new Vito has a more premium feel than before – Photo: Mercedes-Benz
With a diesel piece under the hood, the Vito is a true workhorse both in terms of load capacity and refinement. The comfort level is high, especially with the air suspension, and you are met with a high dose of practicality and pleasant driving characteristics.
Updated Vito offers a good variety in terms of powertrains and superstructures. The latter is important as 50 percent of Mercedes vans are modified, and 80 percent are sold to companies. The new Vito plays on the van’s strengths and continues to be an attractive choice in the segment
First impressions of the new Mercedes Vito: 4/5
TECHNICAL DATA: Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel Van L2 (2024)
Engine: An electric motor in the back, 116 horsepower, 362 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive
Top speed: Up to 120 km/h (80 km/h, 100 km/h, 120 km/h)
Battery Size: 60 kWh
Electrical range: 319 km
Weight: 2,558 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 5140/1928/1941 mm
Award: From SEK 582,400 (ex. VAT)
TECHNICAL DATA: Mercedes-Benz Vito Panel Van diesel AWD L2 (2024)
Engine: 2.0-liter I4, diesel, 190 horsepower, 440 newton meters
Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 9.5 seconds
Top speed: 201 km/h
Weight: 2,273 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 5140/1928/1910 mm
Award: From SEK 572,600 (ex. VAT)