Mercedes-Benz Vito

The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a mid-sized light commercial vehicle made by Mercedes-Benz. You can find it as a panel van, a chassis cab, or a multi-purpose vehicle that can carry goods or up to eight people. In the Mercedes-Benz van family, it sits between the bigger Sprinter and the smaller Citan.

When the Vito is changed to carry passengers instead of cargo, it is called the Vito Traveliner, V-Class, or Viano. The first version of this vehicle came out in 1996. A new version arrived in 2004, and in 2010, it got some updates to its front and back, along with a nicer inside. The latest version launched in 2014 and was named V-Class again.

The Vito and Viano can have either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. They come in three different lengths and two wheelbase sizes. You can choose from four petrol or diesel engines, plus two special tuned models. The vehicle can have a six-speed manual or a five-speed TouchShift automatic transmission.

First generation (W638; 1996)

The first generation Mercedes-Benz Vito was made from 1996 to 2003. It could have a diesel engine with up to 120 bhp or a gasoline engine with up to 140 bhp, and it used front-wheel drive. The gasoline engines came from Mercedes and Volkswagen. For diesel, there were both older and newer engine choices.

This design was also sold as the V-Klasse, which was a more expensive and fancy version. Later, it was called the Viano. The Viano had fewer seats up front and could hold more people. At first, many people who wanted a small, spacious van chose the Vito microbus, which was very similar to the Viano but looked more like a van. The Viano was a more car-like choice.

A special battery-electric version called the Vito 108 E was shown in July 1996. It had an electric motor and a special battery that gave it a range of up to 170 km. This version was made in small numbers and was very expensive.

Second generation (W639; 2003)

Six or seven seats come as standard in most markets. The Viano can be turned into an eight-seat people carrier by fitting two three-seater benches in the rear. All rear seats slide in 1 in (2.5 cm) increments, recline and can be turned to face one other. They can also be folded down or removed completely to increase the load capacity. A rear folding table is standard in six- and seven-seat layouts. The rear seats cannot be folded into the floor like on some rivals.

With all the seats removed the Viano Extra-Long can accommodate up to 4,610 litres (163 ft³) of cargo with a payload of 930 kg (2,050 lb). It can tow a 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) braked trailer and a 750 kg (1,653 lb) unbraked trailer. An adjustable self-levelling rear suspension is included on higher specification models.

Rear-wheel drive allows the Viano to have a smaller turning circle than front-wheel drive rivals; Compact and Long models have a turning circle of 11.8 m (39 ft) whereas the Extra-Long model turns in 12.5 m (41 ft).

Japan passenger models were sold as the V-Class, as the V 350. Early models included V 350 Trend (RHD), V 350 Ambiente (RHD), V 350 Ambiente long (RHD).

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz released the Valente model in Australia to sit beneath the Viano as the entry-level passenger van.

Initial release

Vito

The Vito was launched in China in April 2010. Engine choices consisted of the 2.1 litre OM646 turbo diesel four-cylinder, the 2.5 litre M272 diesel V6 and the 3 litre diesel V6 which also uses the M272 name. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard for four cylinder diesel variants while V6 diesel variants are equipped to a 5 speed automatic gearbox. Trims levels are available known as the 2.1T Diesel Elite. 2.1T Diesel Service, 2.5L Elite, 2.5L Service, 3.0L Service and 3.0L Business. Pricing ranges from 316,000 yuan to 389,000 yuan (46,000 to US$55,830 - March 2020 exchange rate). For actual car badging, the 2.1 litre Diesel models were known as the 115 CDI, the 119 for 2.5 litre V6 models and the 122 for 3 litre V6 models. The W639 Vito was then succeeded by the W447 in 2016 although most Vitos of the W639 variant are still in use for the Chinese market as of 2020 as ambulance vans in Beijing.

The second generation Mercedes-Benz Vito design that is more streamlined than its predecessor, powered by a new range of engines, and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain.

The angle of the windshield and A-pillar is closer to horizontal; the dashboard is bigger and the bonnet (hood) smaller. The new Vito is available in three different lengths and four diesel engine versions: the 109 CDI, 111 CDI, 115 CDI (all powered by a 4-cylinder 2.2-litre engine) and the 120 CDI (featuring the 3.0-litre V6 unit). The model numerics relate to their engine power output: currently the 109 has 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp), the 111 has 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp), the 115 has 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), and the 120 has 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp). Blue-efficiency technology is optional. The vehicles have a new 6-speed manual gearbox gear ratios designed for fuel economy. The second generation Vitos are Euro 3 compliant (additionally Euro 4 compliant as of November 2006) and exempt from the Low Emission Zone in London, which requires commercial vehicles (vans) to reach at least Euro 3 standard from October 2010.

Vito London Taxi

See also: Mercedes-Benz taxi

In August 2008, a variant of the Vito was approved by the Public Carriage Office for use as a licensed London 'black cab'. The Vito taxicab includes electric sliding doors, electric steps and seating for six people. The Vito's rear-wheel steering enables it to meet the PCO's strict Conditions of Fitness requirements including a 25 ft (7.6 m) turning circle and wheelchair accessibility. The vehicle, a variation of the 'Traveliner' model, is built by Penso in Coventry. The rear wheel steer system is licensed from one80, and it is distributed through Eco City Vehicles subsidiary KPM-UK Taxis.

The new Taxi does not perform the famous U-turn in the same way as the TX and Metro models,^{[clarification needed]} instead it incorporates an electrically operated rear wheel system, activated by a button adjacent to the steering wheel. This turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus allowing the Taxi to perform the same tight turning circle as the TX and Metro models. This system is only possible when the vehicle is traveling at less than 5 mph (8.0 km/h), and if the vehicle goes over this speed while the LSM is active, it is deactivated, and the wheels straighten up.

It is longer and wider than the TX models, but travelling through tight spaces is aided by the electric folding wing mirrors, which as of 2009 are standard.

Viano Marco Polo

In some countries a camping derivative is available - known as the Marco Polo - equipped with a galley (including gas stove, sink, 40 L fridge, and storage), multi-function wardrobe and a sliding bench seat in the rear which can be turned into a large air-sprung bed. A pop-up roof is also standard (electric assist is optional) providing standing height inside. An additional bed can be fitted in the pop-up roof area to increase sleeping capacity to four individuals. Fresh water and waste water tanks are accessible from outside the vehicle, while the gas-cylinder bay is hidden inside an interior cupboard. An auxiliary battery is included under the front passenger seat. Up to six optional individual seats can be fitted for maximum MPV flexibility, but only four seats (including the two-seater bench mentioned above) can be used when in camping mode.

The Marco Polo was designed and created in partnership with Westfalia just like Volkswagen camper vans were until 1999, when Daimler AG bought a controlling stake in the conversion company meaning Volkswagen had to continue converting their commercial vehicles into camper vans alone.^{[citation needed]} This is a rival for the Volkswagen California as they both have similar layouts.

Viano X-Clusive (2008–2010)

This edition was only available in European markets from 2008 to 2010 with either a petrol or diesel V6 engine. It was available in either Brilliant Silver or Obsidian Black metallic paint, and featured a redesigned radiator grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust tailpipe, side skirts, and unique front and rear bumpers. The interior had pebble or anthracite coloured 'Twin' leather seats and a choice of grey or brown burr walnut wood accents.

Engines

Environmental impact

EcoTest analysed the emissions from the EU4-compliant 2.0 CDI 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) and 2.2 CDI 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) manuals and the EU5-compliant 2.2 CDI 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) TouchShift; the results are below:

Next Green Car - an expert environmental organisation that analyses official vehicle emissions data rated the Viano. These Green Ratings (from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest)) are listed below:

2010 facelift

Viano

Changes to the Viano range include standard BlueEFFICIENCY technology, new interior trim materials, new ambient lighting system with dimmable individual LED reading lamps and fibre optic units, optional rear seat entertainment system, redesigned cockpit, new suspension with front and rear axles revised and specially tuned to match each specific model and EU 5 emission standards compliance.

The facelifted range included four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines rated at 100 kW (134 hp; 136 PS) to 190 kW (255 hp; 258 PS) (CDI 2.0, CDI 2.2, CDI 3.0, 3.5).

A four-wheel drive (4MATIC) is optional on models with 4-cylinder diesel engines. In normal operation the system transfers driving power in a 35:65 split between the front and rear axles. The 4MATIC system does not have mechanical differential locks, but an electronic traction system (4ETS). If one or more wheels loses traction on a slippery surface, the system applies brief pulses of brake pressure to the spinning wheels thus increasing torque to wheels with good grip. Vehicles with four-wheel drive have a higher ride height, which increases approach, departure and breakover angles (20°/28°/19° respectively, versus 14°/22°/14° in conventional rear-wheel-drive models). The all-wheel drive adds 80 kg (176 lb) to the total weight of the vehicle.

Pre-facelift

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  Front (short)

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  Rear (short)

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  Rear (long, still SWB)

Facelift

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  Front (Viano long, still SWB)

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  Rear (Viano long, still SWB)

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  Rear (Viano short)

Vito

The facelifted version of the Vito began from September 2010, and features restyled front and rear lights, restyled front bumpers, and more-efficient diesel engines adapted from the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range. The Vito's suspension, instrumentation, steering wheel, and overall quality of materials was also improved.

Early models included Vito 110 CDI, Vito 113 CDI, Vito 116 CDI, Vito 122 CDI, Vito 126, with 3 body lengths (compact, long, extra-long).

Pre-facelift

Front (Vito)

Rear (Vito)

Facelift

Front (Vito)

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  Rear (Vito)

Vito E-CELL (2010–2012)

Overview

Earlier limited-production and prototype Mercedes-Benz efforts to provide battery-electric delivery vans included the 1972 LE 306; the T1-based 307 E (1980) and 308 E (1988); the MB100 E (1992); the Sprinter 308 E (1995); and the Vito 108 E (1996).

The E-Cell was unveiled in 2010 Post Expo, powered by a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the underfloor unit, electric motor rated 81 PS (60 kW; 80 hp) and 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) of torque. In 2012 a seven-seater Vito E-Cell was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with the same powertrain. The Vito E-Cell was discontinued in 2012, with Mercedes-Benz citing low demand.

Production

The Vito E-Cell is the first electric vehicle mass-produced in Spain. It will be fabricated by Mercedes-Benz Spain, in the Vitoria-Gasteiz factory. Mercedes-Benz has chosen Vitoria as the exclusive fabrication site for the electric van; the E-Cell will be assembled alongside conventionally-powered Vito and Viano vans.

Mercedes-Benz expected 100 E-Cell vehicles to be produced by the end of 2010 and a further 2,000 by the end of 2011. The UK market was allocated 50 vehicles for the first year. All customers are to be vetted to ensure suitability and must return the van after four years to Mercedes. The first manufactured units (91 already) were presented on 7 February 2011. The goal is to produce 474 units by the end of the year. Most of them will be sold to foreign companies (mainly in Germany; Berlin and Stuttgart), though the Basque supermarket gamble Eroski has got four vans for distribution duties. Last year, the government made a plan in order to encourage this kind of cars. 590 million € will be funded, from which 7 have gone to the 'E-Cell' project. This project will also be supported by the Basque and German governments.

Drivetrain

The Vito E-Cell utilizes a unique front-wheel drive setup to save installation space for the 36-kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed underneath the van's cargo area. The electric traction motor is a permanent synchronous magnet drive with a constant power of 60 kW (80 hp; 82 PS) and a maximum power of 70 kW (94 hp; 95 PS). The top speed is limited to 80 km/h (50 mph), and it has a maximum torque of 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) instantly available, which gives the van a similar dynamic performance to one equipped with a modern diesel engine.

Energy to move the van is stored in an electric battery. This battery is placed under the chassis (where the petrol tank and the prop-shaft are normally), while the electric traction motor, the transformer, and the charger are located in the engine's usual position, under the hood. The traction battery is split into 16 modules with 192 cells in all, with high energy density and a rated voltage of 360 volts. Gross battery capacity is 36 kWh, 32 kWh of which are available for the vehicle operation. The batteries weigh 550 kg (1,213 lb); their life is unknown. They are supplied by the company Magna, and they give the Vito E-Cell an estimated maximum range of 130 km (81 mi), but this can be reduced by the weather conditions, the ground's topography or even the cargo volume. It is considered that a range between 90 and 100 km (56 and 62 mi) could be more realistic. Either way, it is intended to be enough for a workday in urban delivery.

The E-Cell is equipped with an onboard charger that has a maximum power input rate of 6.1 kW (AC); the total charge time is six hours through a high voltage connection (380 or 400 volts), but with a domestic 230 volt supply, the total charge time is double, about 12 hours. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz offers the vehicle as a lease (4 years / 80,000 km (50,000 mi)), making the manufacturer responsible for battery maintenance and replacement when necessary.

Chassis and capacities

The Vito E-Cell is based on the long-wheelbase version of the van, with a wheelbase of 3.2 m (10 ft), so that there is enough space for the batteries. With this aim of saving space, only the front-drive version is offered, unlike in the previous model, so a long development was needed, although some suspension components of the all-wheel drive version were adapted for the E-Cell.

The vehicle has a payload capacity of 900 kg (1,984 lb), and a permissible gross vehicle weight rating of 3,050 kg (6,720 lb).

Externally, the Vito E-Cell does not show external changes with the other versions, aside from the decorative elements: the body has not been modified, and both the double side door and the helpful back 'gate' remain as before. The refueling port has been reused for the vehicle charging inlet port.

The Vito E-Cell is equipped with complete and modern features, including a special heater connected to the high voltage network and to the basic heating system, which ensures pleasant conditions even in the coldest months. In terms of safety, the new Mercedes keeps the same level as the other Vito models. The vehicle has many of the electric drivetrain components carried under the front bonnet, so, if a collision occurs, the batteries are protected by a shock element. The active safety also makes that the high-technology voltage network turns off when the airbag control unit activates. The Vito E-Cell comes standard with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and dual airbags.

Engines

Transmissions

Performance

All Viano and Vito engines conformed to Euro 5 emission standards.

Security

The Viano was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:

Environmental impact

EcoTest analysed the emissions from the EU4-compliant 2.0 CDI 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) and 2.2 CDI 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) manuals and the EU5-compliant 2.2 CDI 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) TouchShift; the results are below:

Next Green Car - an expert environmental organisation that analyses official vehicle emissions data rated the Viano. These Green Ratings (from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest)) are listed below:

2013 update

During 2013 a number of special editions were launched; including the Grand Edition Viano launched at the Geneva Motor Show. Two special version for the Japanese markets were launched the V350 White Edition (50 units) and Black Edition (170 units) with additional equipment, large alloy wheels and leather interior.

Two updated camper vans were launched at the 2013 Caravan Salon; the Fun and Marco Polo.

Engines

Transmissions

Production

As of 14 November 2013, Daimler's van joint venture Fujian Benz Automotive Co. (FBAC) has secured an order by the Dalian Wanda Group comprising 85 Mercedes-Benz Viano 3.0L vans.

Safety

Two head-on airbags and (on higher trim levels) front side airbags are fitted as standard, with front window airbags available as an option. Electronic stability control (ESP), traction control system (ASR), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and brake assist (BAS) are all fitted as standard. If BAS is activated, the hazard lights flash to warn following motorists that the Viano driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre.

Each seat is fitted with a three-point seatbelt with belt tensioner and force limiter and an adjustable head restraint.

The Viano underwent the Euro NCAP car safety tests in 2008 and achieved the following ratings:

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) also tested the Viano and gave it a score of 32.66 points out of 37. It is the only van in Australasia to achieve the maximum five-star rating.

Third generation (W447; 2014)

Models

V-Class (W447)

The third generation V-Class started in 2014 as a larger passenger vehicle to replace the R-Class. It also replaced the Mercedes-Benz Viano. Sales began in Germany in May 2014 and in Europe in June.

The V-Class first came with a longer wheelbase, with shorter and extra-long versions coming later. A special version called Edition 1 based on the V 250 BlueTEC included extra features like leather seats, a Burmester sound system, large alloy wheels, and an Agility Control suspension system.

Vito (W447)

The Vito panel van also launched in 2014. It included standard Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist, plus optional Intelligent Light System with LED lights and a cornering light feature. It was shown at the 2014 International Commercial Vehicles show.

An updated version appeared in 2020 with slight styling changes.

Metris (North America)

Metris (North America)

2017 Metris

Metris USPS post van

The Metris has been sold in the United States and Canada since 2015 as a 2016 model. It was the least expensive new Mercedes-Benz model in the U.S. at launch. The Metris is made alongside the North American Sprinter at the Mercedes-Benz Vans plant in Ladson, South Carolina. It comes in passenger and cargo versions, but the passenger version is for taxi and shuttle use, not as a luxury vehicle like the V-Class. It uses a 2.0 L turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The United States Postal Service planned to buy up to 30,000 right-hand drive Metris vehicles starting in 2018 to update its delivery fleet.

The Mercedes-Benz Metris stopped being made after the 2023 model year in the U.S. and Canada due to low sales and the end of the gasoline engine used only in the North American Metris. The Vito continues in other markets, and the larger Sprinter remains in the U.S. and Canada with diesel and electric options.

EQV / eVito

Electric cargo van

The eVito, an electric panel van using the W447 chassis, began in November 2017. It had more energy storage (41.4 kWh) and range (150 km or 93 mi) than the older W639 Vito E-CELL, with a net capacity later increased to 60 or 66 kWh. It offered two longer wheelbase lengths and, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,200 kg (7,100 lb), could carry more than the regular Vito (2,800 kg or 6,200 lb).

The eVito had an 84 kW (113 hp) electric motor with 300 N⋅m (220 lbf⋅ft) of torque, and a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), unlockable to 120 km/h (75 mph). It could take up to 7.4 kW of charging power.

In March 2025, Mercedes-Benz added a 90 kWh eVito with a range of 480 km (300 mi), up from the 35 kWh battery’s 150 km (93 mi) and the 60 kWh battery’s 260 km (160 mi).

Front (eVito)

Rear (eVito)

Electric passenger vans

There are two passenger van versions: the eVito Tourer and the more upscale Mercedes-Benz EQV (an electric version of the V-Class). The EQV was shown as a concept at the March 2019 Geneva Motor Show with a stronger drivetrain and bigger battery than the eVito at the time. A production version appeared that August. The EQV has a 100/90 kW-hr battery and can accept up to 11 kW (AC) of charging. Its 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor produces 362 N⋅m (267 lbf⋅ft) of torque, with a tested range of 350 km (220 mi) on the WLTP cycle.

An updated eVito Tourer debuted in 2020 with the same drivetrain as the EQV. Both use a 90 kWh battery, giving the eVito Tourer a range of 421 km (262 mi) and a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

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  Front (eVito Tourer)

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  Rear (eVito Tourer)

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  Front (EQV)

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  Rear (EQV)

Production

Production of the V-Class began at the Vitoria, Spain plant in March 2014, followed by the Mercedes-Benz Vito in autumn 2014. It was also made in Argentina and at the Fujian Daimler plant in Fuzhou, China starting in March 2016.

The petrol engine is only sold in certain markets: the USA and Canada as the Metris, and in China and Indonesia as the Mercedes-Benz V260.

Facelift

The updated W447 V-Class was shown on 27 July 2023. For 2024, it has a larger radiator grille with an LED light band, multi-beam headlights, and the Mercedes-Benz logo on the hood. New wheel designs and colour options are available. The interior has a new instrument panel and touchscreen with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system. The EQV and V-Class now have sliding doors on both sides, and models with automatic transmissions include an electronic parking brake as standard. Features like KEYLESS-GO, wireless smartphone charging, and ambient lighting are available. The MBUX system includes music streaming, navigation with augmented reality, and the “Hey Mercedes” assistant. Safety features include driver drowsiness detection, automatic headlights, active cruise control, updated autonomous emergency braking with cross traffic assist, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, a reversing camera, and Intelligent Speed assist. The V-Class has semi-autonomous cruise and an auto-park function with a 360-degree camera.

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz V-Class (facelift)

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz V-Class (facelift)

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz EQV (facelift)

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz EQV (facelift)

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz eVito (facelift)

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz eVito (facelift)

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  2024 Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo (facelift)

Engines

The BlueEFFICIENCY package is standard on all V-Class versions with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and optional for those with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Blue Efficiency package is available for Vito models with the OM 651 engine and rear-wheel drive, and standard for all Vito models with automatic transmission and a car registration.

Overboost is available for vehicles with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission and AGILITY SELECT, with transmission mode set to "Comfort" (C), "Sport" (S), or "Manual" (M).

Transmissions

The V-Class with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission can include an optional AGILITY SELECT system with four modes: "ECO" (E), "Comfort" (C), "Sport" (S), and "Manual" (M).

Dimensions