Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG, has unveiled significant enhancements to its celebrated Daimler Benz Vito van, along with its electric counterpart, the eVito. These updated models, available for order in Europe now and with the eVito following this summer, showcase advancements in styling, infotainment, driver assistance technology, and extended electric range.
This refresh promises to elevate the Daimler Benz Vito’s position in the competitive commercial vehicle market. A parallel update for the 2021 model year Metris, the Vito’s North American sibling, is anticipated later in the year, according to a company spokesperson. The Metris has already demonstrated strong market performance, with a notable 18% surge in sales to 46,000 units in 2019, marking the largest sales growth within Mercedes-Benz’s van division.
The Mercedes-Benz diesel-powered Vito van, a versatile and reliable choice for businesses.
The Daimler Benz Vito is manufactured in Vitoria, Spain, and Fuzhou, China, through a joint venture. The Metris for the US market is produced in Charleston, South Carolina. Globally, Mercedes-Benz Vans achieved a record-breaking year in 2019, selling 440,000 vehicles for the seventh consecutive year of sales growth. The Vito model alone, since its 2014 introduction, has reached 530,000 units sold worldwide, highlighting its global appeal and success. Mercedes-Benz emphasizes the Vito’s versatility, noting that a significant 70% of Vito vans are utilized by small to medium-sized enterprises, particularly those operating fleets of up to five vehicles.
Both the Daimler Benz Vito and Metris models share a suite of upgraded standard features designed to enhance driver experience and vehicle performance. These include the smooth and efficient 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, now equipped with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel for more engaging driving. A user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is also standard, providing modern connectivity and control. Safety and convenience are boosted by features like crosswind assist, hill-start assist, and a rearview camera, all now standard. Furthermore, extended 15,000-mile maintenance intervals and tire pressure monitoring systems contribute to reduced running costs and increased vehicle uptime.
Visually, the updated Daimler Benz Vito features a redesigned radiator grille, giving it a refreshed and modern appearance. New gross vehicle weight (GVW) variants of 6,834 pounds and 6,393 pounds have been introduced, positioning the Vito and Metris firmly within the Class 2 vehicle segment, expanding their applicability for various commercial needs.
The Daimler Benz Vito van boasts new styling, enhanced infotainment, and advanced driver assistance systems for improved performance and usability.
Customers can further customize their Daimler Benz Vito with a range of optional features, including an anti-theft alarm system for enhanced security, blind spot assist and lane keeping assist to improve safety on the road, and active parking assist for easier maneuvering in urban environments. Electric sliding doors add convenience, while a digital mirror option provides enhanced rear visibility.
The new eVito, while not currently slated for the U.S. market, represents a significant step forward in electric commercial vehicles. Weighing 7,716 pounds, the eVito excels in daily usability thanks to its rapid charging capabilities and extended range compared to its predecessor. According to Benjamin Kaehler, head of eDrive@Vans at Mercedes-Benz AG, the eVito “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 for charging from 10% to 80% in under 45 minutes at a rapid charging station, minimizing downtime. Its 90-kilowatt-hour usable battery capacity delivers an impressive range of 262 miles, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. The strategic placement of the lithium-ion battery in the vehicle’s underbody, low and centrally located, optimizes the eVito’s handling and driving dynamics.
In conclusion, the upgrades to the Daimler Benz Vito and eVito demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the commercial van market. With enhanced features, improved performance, and a growing focus on electric mobility, the Daimler Benz Vito is poised to continue its success and solidify its position as a leading choice for businesses worldwide.
