Between 1996 and 2003, Mercedes-Benz produced the Vito of the first generation.

As a more opulent and upmarket variant, the body style was also offered under the V-Klasse brand (the V-Klasse name was dropped for the second generation of the Vito). In November 2017, the eVito, an electric panel van variation utilising the W447 chassis, was released.

The EQV, with a more potent drivetrain and a larger battery than the eVito, was shown as a concept at the March 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It is an electric version of the V-Class that uses the same Vito W447 chassis.

This year, Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced its refreshed medium-sized series with a new exterior and interior design. The series consists of the new EQV, V-Class and V-Class Marco Polo, the new eVito and Vito.

The new front design is distinguished by a new bumper and an eye-catching radiator grille in various shapes. The Vito and eVito are designed to look more modern and dynamic.

Depending on the equipment, the radiator grille of the EQV, V-Class, and V-Class Marco Polo is encircled by an LED light band. For the first time, the hood of the top-of-the-line V-Class Exclusive has an upright Mercedes star. All models receive the adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, which can be included as a standard feature or as an optional feature depending on the equipment line.

The rear bumper and freshly designed LED lights provide a signature appearance. The rear lights’ outline has been darkened. There is also a new chrome trim strip with Mercedes-Benz branding on the back of the EQV, V-Class, and V-Class Marco Polo.

New light alloy wheels with an aerodynamically improved design in 17, 18, and 19-inch formats and five new paint colours complete the improved look. The colours are Kalahari gold metallic, hightech silver metallic, sodalite blue metallic. alpine grey and vintage blue.

The latest generation of steering wheels with capacitive hands-off recognition, a revised instrument panel with a touchscreen, and new fashionable air vents make up the cockpit of the new Mercedes-Benz midsize vans. The EQV, V-Class, and V-Class Marco Polo have two 12.3-inch widescreen displays for the first time.

The Vito and eVito come with a redesigned instrument cluster with a 5.5-inch colour display and a 10.25-inch central display. The redesigned central console offers wireless smartphone charging as an option. The heated steering wheel, dimmed rear illumination, and keyless start are a few further new convenience features, some of which are optional.

The updated privately positioned MPVs and the V-Class Marco Polo’s ambient lighting, which comes in 64 colours, provide an even more unique and cosy ambience. The V-Class and EQV now come standard with a sliding door on the left side of the car for easier access to the back.

Depending on the configuration, all commercial vehicles with automatic transmissions now come equipped with an electronic parking brake as well.

For the first time ever for the Vito and eVito, the new Mercedes-Benz midsize van portfolio comes standard with the most recent version of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. Drivers of the V-Class Marco Polo, V-Class, and EQV may make use of potential new features like music streaming, Energizing comfort control, and navigation with augmented reality thanks to the redesigned MBUX.

Free services like maintenance, accident and breakdown management, as well as remote services like locking and unlocking the doors and opening and closing the windows via the Mercedes me app, are some additional extras from Mercedes-Benz. Navigation with Live Traffic Information, Car-to-X communication, and the enhanced MBUX features with the “Hey Mercedes” language assistance are additional helpful features.

With the addition of the intersection feature, Active Brake Assist can now warn of oncoming traffic, cars approaching from the side, and potentially dangerous overtaking moves. It can also intervene to apply the brakes in an emergency and offer assistance while turning. The comprehensive standard equipment includes:

• V-Class, EQV and V-Class Marco Polo: Attention Assist, Headlamp Assist including rain sensor, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Park Package.
• Vito and eVito: Attention Assit, Headlight Assist including rain sensor, cruise control, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and reversing camera.

For the first time, adaptive Multibeam LED headlights with Highbeam Assist Plus are offered. 84 independently adjustable LEDs on each.

Upgraded Equipment

The Style V-Class already has features like a comfort seat for the front passenger, a leather steering wheel, the mirror package, the Tempmatic air conditioning system in the back, and the smartphone integration package.

Customers can also anticipate features like Thermotronic air conditioning, wireless phone charging, front seats with 4-way lumbar support and adjustable seat cushion depth, adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, navigation, Live Traffic Information and 17-inch alloy wheels starting with the Avantgarde line.

For both lines, a package with additional useful equipment is provided. Other standout features of the top-of-the-line V-Class Exclusive include sports suspension, a Nappa leather steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, tinted rear windows, electrically operated sliding doors, the electric Easy-Pack tailgate, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Vito Base already has the semi-automatic tempmatic air conditioning system with a new temperature control panel, the headlamp assistance with a rain sensor, and a lockable glove box in addition to the new multi-function steering wheel, MBUX, and keyless start. Customers who choose the Pro equipment line also get a 70-litre tank and comfort front seats with 4-way lumbar support and adjustable seat cushion depth.

The new midsize van lineup from Mercedes will continue to provide buyers with the choice of internal combustion engines (V-Class / Vito) or totally electric powertrains (EQV / eVito).

Although no significant engine changes are anticipated for the internal combustion or electric models, Mercedes-Benz has not yet released detailed information. Previously, the EQV is based on the standard V-Class people mover and is propelled by a single front-mounted electric motor that generates 201hp and 365 Nm of torque. The Mercedes-Benz Vito comes with turbocharged four-cylinder engines ranging in capacity from 1.6L to 2.0L.