New Mercedes-Benz Vito debuts in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new generation Vito van in Germany. Described as a mid-sized van in the context of the European market, the Vito is rated with permissible gross weight between 2.5 and 3.2 tonnes.

A total of three bodily configurations are available; Mercedes gives them interesting names, but they essentially boil down to being panel, semi-panel, and window vans. The panel van is being called what it is, but the semi-panel and window variants are officially known as the Mixto and Tourer respectively.

Of great interest to the engineering-inclined amongst us is the availability of three drivelines – FWD, RWD, and AWD – to power the Vito. The range consists of two four-cylinder turbodiesel engines offered in five different power ratings.

First of the two engines is the new 1.6-litre OM622 mounted transversely in the FWD model. Available in power ratings of 88hp/230Nm and 114hp/270Nm, the Vito FWD is engineered to cater for predominantly light duty, a condition in which Mercedes claims FWD offers best traction. In this configuration, the Vito has three gross weight ratings – 2.5, 2.8, and 3.05 tonnes.

Unsurprising for a vehicle with commercial inclinations, operating costs is a major consideration of the Vito, particularly for the FWD models in which the downsized engine already offer fuel consumption and taxation benefits. The absence of a lengthy propshaft further helps to minimize driveline losses. The robust engine requires periodic maintenance at 2-year / 40,000km intervals.

The needs of users with greater demand for outright performance and superior dynamics are catered by the 2.1-litre OM651 engine that is widely used in the company’s passenger car range. Like in Mercedes passenger cars, the engine sits in a north-south orientation and is offered in three power ratings – 136hp/330Nm, 163hp/380Nm, and 190hp/440Nm. These engines power the Vito in its RWD format, with AWD paired exclusively with the 190hp version.

All versions of the Mercedes Vito, except the 190hp OM651 version, come fitted with 6-speed manual transmissions as standard. The range-topping model comes with a 7-speed torque converter auto that is optionally available in the two lower versions of the OM651 engine.

Designed for service in the most demanding conditions, the Vito 4×4’s AWD system is electronically controlled, operating pre-dominantly on a 55% rear-biased torque split. Its centre differential is integrated within the transmission casing for more compact packaging and light weight – adding only 70kg to the comparable RWD model.

Owing to the different engine orientations, the Vito is unsurprisingly fitted with different front subframe designs, although both are basically MacPherson strut layouts. Rear suspension is independent on all variants, although two different settings are on offer – the panel van and Mixto semi-panel van use a stiffer set-up designed for high loads, whilst the Tourer window van has a more comfort-oriented setting.

KON

Pictures: Official Mercedes-Benz release.