Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG, has announced significant upgrades to its popular diesel-powered Vito van, now available for order across Europe. Simultaneously, the all-electric eVito model is set to become orderable this summer, marking a substantial leap forward for the Mercedes-Benz minivan range. These enhancements encompass refreshed styling, cutting-edge infotainment and driver assistance systems, and an extended battery range for the eVito, reinforcing the Vito’s position as a leading choice in the commercial minivan sector.
While the U.S. market knows this vehicle as the Metris, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that similar upgrades, mirroring those of the 2021 diesel-powered Metris, are in the pipeline for a later announcement this year. The Metris has seen considerable success in the US, with sales figures rising by 18% in 2019 to 46,000 units, demonstrating the strong appeal of this versatile van in the North American market. This surge represented the largest percentage increase in sales within the company’s entire van segment, highlighting the Metris/Vito’s global importance.
The newly upgraded Mercedes-Benz Vito minivan, showcasing its modern design and robust features. (Image: Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans)
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is manufactured in Vitoria, Spain, and also in Fuzhou, China, through a joint venture with Fujian. The Metris, tailored for the U.S. market, is produced in Charleston, South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz’s global van strategy has proven remarkably effective, with the company achieving its seventh consecutive record sales year in 2019, selling 440,000 vans worldwide. Since its introduction in autumn 2014, the Vito model alone has reached 530,000 sales globally, underscoring its widespread popularity. Mercedes-Benz emphasizes the Vito’s versatility, noting that a significant 70% are utilized by small to medium-sized commercial enterprises, especially those operating fleets of up to five vehicles. This highlights the Vito minivan’s critical role in supporting small businesses and commercial operations.
Both the upgraded Vito and its U.S. counterpart, the Metris, will share a suite of enhanced standard features designed to improve performance, safety, and driver experience. These common upgrades include the smooth and responsive 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, complete with steering wheel gearshift paddles for more engaging driving. A user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now standard, providing modern connectivity and control. Safety and convenience are boosted by crosswind assist, hill-start assist, and a rearview camera, making driving in varied conditions safer and easier. Practicality is further enhanced with an extended 15,000-mile maintenance interval and a tire pressure monitoring system, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for businesses.
The exterior of the Vito minivan receives a fresh look with a redesigned radiator grille, enhancing its visual appeal and aligning it with Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary design language. Furthermore, new gross vehicle weight (GVW) variants of 6,834 pounds and 6,393 pounds are introduced, positioning the Vito and Metris firmly within the Class 2 vehicle segment, expanding their applicability for different commercial needs.
Interior view of the updated Mercedes-Benz Vito minivan, highlighting the new infotainment and driver assistance technologies. Mercedes-Benz achieved record van sales in 2019, demonstrating the brand’s strength in the commercial vehicle market. (Image: Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans)
For businesses seeking even more customization, a range of optional features are available for the Vito minivan. These include an anti-theft alarm system to enhance vehicle security, blind spot assist and lane keeping assist to further improve driver safety, and active parking assist to simplify maneuvering in tight urban environments. Electric sliding doors add convenience for loading and unloading, while a digital mirror option brings advanced technology to everyday usability.
The new eVito electric minivan is a particularly noteworthy addition, weighing in at 7,716 pounds and setting new benchmarks within its class, although currently not slated for the U.S. market. Benjamin Kaehler, head of eDrive@Vans for Mercedes-Benz AG, emphasizes the eVito’s strengths: “Thanks to the rapid charging function and to a higher range, compared with its predecessor, it can be used in a myriad of ways. It underscores our idea of a locally emission-free van.” The eVito’s rapid charging capability allows it to charge from 10% to 80% in under 45 minutes at a rapid charging station, minimizing downtime for businesses. Equipped with a 90-kilowatt-hour usable capacity battery, the eVito boasts an impressive range of 262 miles, making it a practical and efficient choice for a wide range of commercial applications. The strategic placement of the lithium-ion battery in the vehicle’s underbody, configured low and centrally, not only optimizes space but also positively influences the eVito’s handling and driving dynamics.
These comprehensive upgrades to the Mercedes-Benz Vito minivan and the introduction of the advanced eVito model demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in the commercial vehicle sector, providing businesses with versatile, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions for their transportation needs.
