Mercedes Vito review
Category: Medium Van
The Vito is pricey but if brand and image are your thing it's head and shoulders above the rest
Introduction
What Car? says...
You have to feel for the Mercedes Vito. Here it is, working away to earn itself buyers in the face of strong competition in the medium van sector, while at the same time it's slightly overshadowed by a larger Mercedes stablemate.
Indeed, the Vito arguably has a tougher job than the bigger Mercedes Sprinter – which tends to get all the glory – because it goes up against big-selling rivals. They include heavyweights including the Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter.
The Vito has a reputation for being expensive to buy and run, and its model line-up isn’t quite as wide-ranging as rivals'.
You do get the choice between panel and crew van body styles, as well as three body lengths, but there’s only one body height, and only two equipment levels – entry-level Progressive and more upmarket Premium.
So, is the Mercedes Vito a worthy rival to the best medium vans? Read on to find out...
Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
The Mercedes Vito is not available with front-wheel drive – you’ll have to go for rear-wheel drive. That might not suit buyers who prize the added efficiency and increased payload you usually get with front-driven vans.
You do at least get a choice of four, four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engines, ranging in power output from 99bhp right up to 184bhp.
The more affordable 99bhp (badged 110) and 132bhp (114) versions come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is available as an option on the 114, and comes as standard on the 158bhp (116) and 184bhp (119) models.
Whichever engine you go for, the suspension is on the firm side for a medium van that's related to the Mercedes V-Class people mover. It stops short of being uncomfortable though, and the firmness makes it feel sportier than some rivals.
The Ford Transit Custom remains more rounded, but the Vito's handling is sharp and the extra weight over the front axle adds more directness to the steering.
On higher trim levels, the grille incorporates Mercedes' Multibeam LED headlights with adaptive main beams, and the latest Vito also has redesigned rear LED lights.
Driving overview
Strengths Good choice of diesel engines; sharp handling
Weaknesses No front-wheel-drive option
Interior
The interior layout, fit and finish
Inside, the Vito borrows heavily from the Mercedes V-Class MPV in appearance and feel, so it’s very well put together, but there’s greater differentiation.
The V-Class has headed into the stratosphere for its new levels of refinement, while the Vito is more practical and usable. It’s still a bit pared back, but there’s more to like in the Vito than there is in a VW Transporter.
The Vito doesn't have the ergonomic charm of a Ford Transit Custom, but it leads the medium-van pack for overall quality.
There are three open storage areas beneath the windscreen, and two cupholders, while a small tray beneath the gear lever is ideal for phones, keys, papers or notebooks. It’s just a pity the door pockets are narrow and there’s no overhead storage, because this means keeping things out of sight can be an issue.
The seats are firm and supportive, but it’s worth considering the optional and highly adjustable Comfort seats if you'll be doing big journeys regularly. A steering wheel that’s adjustable for reach and rake is also an option.
There’s also a been a huge update with the infotainment. The Vito gets the same 10.25-inch touchscreen and MBUX system found in the Mercedes eSprinter van. There’s also a full-colour 5.5-inch trip display for the instrument cluster.
The new centre console gets the option of wireless charging for smartphones and keyless start as well as a heated steering wheel. Other changes include new air vents and a new generation of capacitive hands-off recognition steering wheels that will help lead the way for a degree of autonomous driving.
Interior overview
Strengths Impressive quality; updated infotainment system
Weaknesses Lack of concealed storage space
Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
Buying a van at the right operating weight to suit your needs is very important, and the Mercedes Vito has an operating weight of up to 3.2 tonnes, with a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,369kg.
The three body lengths of Compact, Long and Extra Long mean the Vito can measure 4,895mm, 5,140mm or 5,370mm, and carry maximum load lengths of 2,586mm, 2,831mm and 3,061mm respectively.
Despite now being 140mm longer than the previous-generation model, the Vito’s load space remains unchanged, with load volumes of between 5.8m3 and 6.9m3.
Sadly, the lack of a high-roof option limits practicality compared with rivals. For example, the largest VW Transporter can move 9.3m3 but still carry 1061kg, so anyone considering a Vito should carefully consider the type and weight of loads they are going to carry.
Twin sliding side doors are standard, and there’s the option of either 180-degree twin doors or a hatched rear opening.
Practicality overview
Strengths Competitive payload limit; choice of three lengths
Weaknesses No high-roof version
Buying & owning
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Potential buyers of the Mercedes Vito will find that it's at the very top end of the medium van segment for price.
Parts can be expensive too, but running costs are some of the most reasonable around. The 116 CDI model is the most economical option, with official fuel consumption of 49.6mpg, while the 111 CDI we recommend returns a still highly commendable 45.6mpg.
Generous standard equipment also helps compensate for the high prices, with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Crosswind Assist, Hill Start Assist, a speed limiter and 10in colour display for the infotainment system and 5.5in digital instrument cluster all included.
There’s new additional safety systems with a driving assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras and active speed-limit assist. A parking package includes park assist, trailer assist and pedestrian alert.
Other big safety improvements also include auto lights and wipers, intelligent speed assist, brake assist with cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, active lane assist, speed limit detection and a reversing camera.
The Vito doesn’t have quite such a shining record for reliability as its bigger stablemate, the Mercedes Sprinter. However, its reputation is still pretty decent, and it frequently finishes in the top 10 of industry reliability surveys.
Costs overview
Strengths Well equipped; lots of safety kit
Weaknesses High price
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FAQs
Naturally, it depends which version you choose, but to give you an idea, unladen weights range from 1,999kg for the 110 L1 Progressive panel van, right up to 2,215kg for the 119 L3 Premium crew van.
No – all modern Vitos come with a timing chain, which should last the life of the van.
As standard, you get three seats in the Vito panel van, with a single driver’s seat and a dual passenger seat. You can upgrade to two single seats, and by opting for the Crew Van variant, you can also add a row of three seats behind the driver and passenger.
