The Vito is essentially a cargo-carrying version of the luxurious passenger-focused V-Class that was introduced last March at the Geneva Motor Show. Like the V-Class, the Vito features a dynamic exterior design inspired by recent members of Mercedes’ passenger car lineup like the CLA-Class and the E-Class. It is offered in three overall lengths ranging from 192 to 211 inches.
Inside, the Vito is decidedly less upmarket than the V-Class. The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel remains but it features a simper, more drab dashboard with a smaller touch screen, a less advanced instrument cluster and more basic seats.
Buyers can choose from two turbodiesel engines available in five power ratings. The smaller 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel is available with either 88 or 114 horsepower, and the larger 2.1-liter mill can be ordered with 136, 163 or 190 ponies. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on most models, while select engines can be paired with Mercedes’ ubiquitous seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Interestingly, the Vito is offered with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive model can haul over 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The new Mercedes-Benz Vito will go on sale across Germany in the coming weeks with a base price of €17,990 (about $24,000) excluding sales tax. Mercedes has all but the confirmed the Vito will not be sold on these shores.
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