Mercedes Vito Crew Cab
Mercedes Vito Crew Cab
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab stands out as a versatile and reliable choice for businesses seeking to enhance their fleet. This innovative vehicle combines the practicality of a van with the comfort of a passenger car, making it an ideal solution for companies that need to transport both people and cargo efficiently. With its spacious interior and adaptable design, the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab has become a popular option for those looking to buy or lease a crew van that meets diverse operational needs.
Businesses considering the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab will find it offers numerous advantages. Its powerful and efficient engines ensure strong performance while keeping fuel costs in check. Advanced safety features provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The vehicle's premium comfort and cutting-edge technology create a pleasant working environment. Additionally, its low total cost of ownership and customisation options allow companies to tailor the van to their specific requirements. These qualities make the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab a smart investment for businesses aiming to boost their fleet's capabilities. See all Mercedes Vans
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Versatility and Practicality
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab stands out as a highly versatile and practical vehicle, designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses and fleet operators. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from transporting work crews to hauling cargo.
Spacious Cabin Design Mercedes Vito Crew Cab
The Vito Crew Cab offers a practical and spacious interior that caters to both commercial and personal use. With six well-distributed seats, it ensures that every passenger experiences comfort during their journey. The cabin provides ample headroom and legroom, making it ideal for long trips or daily commutes.
However, it's worth noting that compared to some competitors like the Transit Custom and Transporter, the Vito's cab can feel somewhat cramped. The relatively narrow windscreen and low ceiling contribute to this perception. Despite this, the vehicle makes efficient use of its available space.
Storage options are plentiful, with three slots on the top of the dash being a particularly welcome feature. These provide convenient spaces for storing small items, although they are uncovered.
Flexible Seating Options
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab offers remarkable flexibility in its seating arrangements, catering to various needs:
Standard Configuration: The vehicle typically seats 5-6 people, with a fixed 3-seat bench in the second row.
Expandable Capacity: Some models can accommodate up to 9 passengers, making it suitable for larger groups or shuttle services.
Removable Seats: Many configurations feature removable seats, allowing for easy transformation between passenger and cargo transport.
Comfort Features: Options such as reclining backrests, folding seat bases, armrests, and ISOfix points are available, enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
The middle seat, while not exceptionally spacious, provides adequate room for most passengers. Automatic models offer slightly more knee space due to the absence of a gear lever.
Large Cargo Capacity Mercedes Vito Crew Cab
The Vito Crew Cab excels in its ability to balance passenger comfort with substantial cargo capacity:
Loading Space: The vehicle offers up to 4.1 cubic metres of loading capacity, making it suitable for a variety of commercial needs.
Payload Capacity: With a maximum payload of 1369kg, it can handle heavy loads with ease.
Vehicle Sizes: Available in three lengths ranging from 4895mm to 5370mm, businesses can choose the size that best suits their requirements.
Gross Vehicle Weight: The maximum permitted gross vehicle weight reaches up to 3200kg for rear-wheel drive models, enhancing its capability for heavier loads.
For crew van configurations, cargo volumes range from 3.6 to 4.1 cubic metres. While the fixed rear bench in some models may limit versatility compared to rivals, removing the seats entirely creates more space, albeit through a somewhat cumbersome process.
The Vito's load space is well-designed with a flat floor and robust tie-down points, enhancing its practicality for cargo transport. Optional windows for the side doors and bulkhead can improve visibility, a useful feature for drivers navigating tight spaces or busy urban environments.
Overall, the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab's versatility and practicality make it a strong contender in the mid-size van segment. While it may not revolutionise the market, it covers the essentials well and offers configurations to suit a wide range of business needs.
Powerful and Efficient Engines
Advanced Safety Features
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab is equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to protect both occupants and other road users. These features encompass driver assistance systems, passive safety equipment, and have contributed to the vehicle's Euro NCAP safety rating.
Driver Assistance Systems
The Vito Crew Cab offers several driver assistance systems to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. One of the key features is the radar-based Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which is standard in the UK and optional in most other countries. This system combines AEB with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and is capable of detecting not only vehicles but also vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
In tests, the AEB system performed well at low speeds when the target vehicle was directly ahead or slightly offset. However, its performance decreased at higher speeds and with larger offsets. The system's response to pedestrians and cyclists was deemed adequate, with collisions either avoided or mitigated in most test scenarios.
The vehicle also offers an optional Lane Support System (LSS) that meets Euro NCAP's requirements for lane departure warning. However, it's worth noting that lane keep assist, which actively steers the vehicle back into its lane, is not available on the Vito Crew Cab.
To further enhance safety, a blind-spot information system is available as an option. This system uses sensors to monitor both sides of the vehicle and alerts the driver to objects that may not be visible in their mirrors.
A driver-set speed limiter is included to help prevent over-speeding, although the speed limit information function is only available as an option.
Passive Safety Equipment
In terms of passive safety, the Vito Crew Cab is equipped with a standard-fit seatbelt reminder system for both the driver and passenger seats. This feature helps ensure that occupants are properly restrained, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
While specific information about the Vito Crew Cab's passive safety equipment is limited in the provided keypoints, it's worth noting that Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) like the Vito fall under the same legislation as cars. This means they are more frequently fitted with improved safety features such as airbags and crumple zones, which are designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating Mercedes Vito Crew Cab
The Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) has recently updated its testing and assessment protocols for commercial vans, applying more detailed criteria from 2023 onwards. It's important to note that these new ratings should not be compared directly with those from previous years due to the changes in assessment methods.
For the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab specifically, the available information doesn't provide a detailed Euro NCAP safety rating. However, the vehicle's safety features have been evaluated in various tests:
The electronic stability control system met Euro NCAP's test requirements.
The seatbelt reminder system for the driver and passenger seats was assessed and rewarded.
The optional speed limitation device met Euro NCAP's requirements for this type of system.
It's worth noting that Euro NCAP's commercial van ratings focus heavily on Safety Assist (ADAS) technologies. These ratings provide valuable information for fleet operators and businesses looking to enhance the safety of their vehicle fleets.
In conclusion, the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab offers a range of advanced safety features that contribute to its overall safety performance. While there's room for improvement in some areas, such as the AEB system's performance at higher speeds and larger offsets, the vehicle demonstrates a commitment to occupant and road user safety through its combination of driver assistance systems and passive safety equipment.
Premium Comfort and Technology
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab sets a high standard for comfort and technology in the commercial vehicle sector, offering a blend of practicality and sophistication that caters to both business and personal needs.
High-Quality Interior Materials
The interior of the Vito Crew Cab borrows heavily from the Mercedes V-Class MPV, resulting in a well-constructed and refined cabin. While it may not reach the luxurious heights of the V-Class, it surpasses many competitors in terms of overall quality. The materials used prioritise durability over tactility, which is typical for vans, but they still manage to create an upscale atmosphere compared to rivals in the commercial vehicle sector.
The seats are firm and supportive, providing comfort for long journeys. For those who frequently undertake extended trips, the optional Comfort seats with enhanced adjustability are worth considering. Additionally, a steering wheel adjustable for both reach and rake is available as an option, allowing drivers to find their ideal driving position.
Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. Three open storage areas beneath the windscreen and two cupholders provide easy access to frequently used items. A small tray beneath the gear lever serves as an ideal spot for phones, keys, papers, or notebooks. However, the narrow door pockets and lack of overhead storage may pose challenges for keeping items out of sight.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab has received a significant update in its infotainment system, bringing it in line with modern expectations. The centrepiece is a 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, similar to that found in the Mercedes eSprinter van. This system offers broad functionality and good ease of use, contributing to the van's overall feeling of sophistication.
Complementing the main display is a full-colour 5.5-inch trip display in the instrument cluster, providing essential information at a glance. The new centre console offers optional wireless charging for smartphones and keyless start, enhancing convenience for drivers and passengers alike.
The MBUX system, while a more basic version compared to Mercedes' passenger cars, still delivers impressive features. It includes advanced speech recognition with natural language understanding, allowing users to communicate with their van using voice commands. The system also supports internet radio, giving access to over 70,000 live radio stations from around the globe, searchable by artist, song, or genre.
For those who prefer physical controls, most switches on the dashboard serve as shortcut buttons for the infotainment system. Notably, a row of physical buttons and switches for the ventilation system allows for quick adjustments without navigating through on-screen menus.
Climate Control Options
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab offers a sophisticated dual-zone automatic climate control system, designed to keep both driver and passengers comfortable throughout the year. The system features separate temperature controls for the driver and passenger sides, with the passenger-side setting also controlling the rear passenger area.
Key features of the climate control system include:
Max cool button for rapid interior cooling
A/C button to toggle the dehumidifier function
Curved windshield max button for quick defrosting
Recirculation button to prevent outside odours from entering the cabin
Rear defrost button for the rear window
Fan speed controls to adjust airflow
Air distribution button to direct airflow to specific areas
For added comfort, the Vito Crew Cab offers the option of a heated steering wheel, perfect for cold mornings or long winter drives.
Low Total Cost of Ownership
Competitive Pricing
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab offers a compelling proposition for businesses looking to balance performance with cost-effectiveness. Despite its higher initial purchase price, the Vito proves to be an economical choice in the long run. The diesel models, particularly the 114 CDI with a manual transmission, demonstrate impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 38.7 mpg (combined). This fuel economy contributes significantly to reducing operational costs over time.
For businesses aiming to minimise their carbon footprint and fuel expenses, the eVito presents an attractive alternative. With its electric powertrain, the eVito boasts a range of 162 miles on a single charge. This capability makes it an ideal choice for companies operating primarily in urban environments or those with predictable daily routes.
Long Service Intervals
One of the key factors contributing to the Vito's low total cost of ownership is its extended service intervals. Mercedes-Benz has designed the Vito to require maintenance less frequently than many of its competitors. Service intervals for the Vito can extend up to 25,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. This extended period between services helps to minimise maintenance expenses and reduce vehicle downtime, allowing businesses to maximise their operational efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz has implemented an innovative system called ASSYST (Active Service System) to optimise service intervals further. This intelligent technology monitors various factors such as oil quantity and quality, engine load, temperature, and speed to determine the optimal time for servicing. The system uses a dashboard indicator to alert drivers when a service is required:
A single spanner icon indicates the need for a lubrication service
Two spanner icons signify that a maintenance service is necessary
This approach ensures that each van receives service precisely when needed, avoiding unnecessary maintenance while maintaining optimal performance.
Strong Residual Values
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab's strong residual value is another crucial factor in its low total cost of ownership. Residual value refers to the estimated worth of the vehicle at the end of a lease period or at the time of resale. Several factors influence the Vito's residual value:
Brand reputation: Mercedes-Benz's reputation for quality and reliability contributes to higher resale values.
Vehicle condition: Regular servicing and maintenance help preserve the van's value over time.
Mileage: Lower mileage generally results in higher residual values.
Market demand: The Vito's versatility and practicality ensure consistent demand in the used vehicle market.
To maximise residual value, businesses should adhere to the recommended service schedule and maintain the vehicle in good condition. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has established 'Fair Wear & Tear' guidelines to assess vehicle condition at the end of a lease period. Adhering to these guidelines can help avoid excess damage charges and maintain the van's value.
For businesses opting for leasing arrangements, understanding residual value is crucial as it directly impacts monthly payments. A higher residual value typically results in lower monthly lease payments, further contributing to the Vito's cost-effectiveness.
In conclusion, the Mercedes Vito Crew Cab's competitive pricing, long service intervals, and strong residual values combine to offer businesses a low total cost of ownership. These factors, along with the vehicle's versatility and performance, make it an attractive option for companies looking to optimise their fleet expenses while maintaining high-quality transportation solutions.
Customisation Options for Business Needs
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab offers a range of customisation options to meet diverse business requirements. From various body lengths to payload capacities and accessories, businesses can tailor the vehicle to their specific needs.
Various Body Lengths
Mercedes-Benz provides the Vito panel van in two wheelbases and two body lengths, though only one roof height is available. Initially, three body lengths were offered, but the shortest option has been discontinued. The body lengths were originally labelled as Compact, Long, and Extra Long, but in January 2019, Mercedes revised these designations to L1, L2, and L3.
The L2 and L3 models offer different load capacities:
Specification
L2
L3
Maximum load length
3,016mm
3,016mm
Maximum load height
1,252mm
1,252mm
Maximum load width
1,709mm
1,709mm
Width between wheelarches
1,270mm
1,270mm
Load volume
6.0m³
6.6m³
Loading height
558mm
558mm
The overall dimensions of the Vito range from 4,895mm to 5,370mm in length, with a consistent overall height of 1,910mm and width of 2,249mm, including mirrors.
Payload Capacities
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab offers varying payload capacities depending on the model and configuration:
The Vito L2 has a maximum payload rating of 978kg.
The Vito L3 offers a maximum payload rating of 951kg.
To achieve the maximum payload, businesses should opt for the lowest trim level (Pro) and the highest gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 3,000kg (3.0 tonnes). It's important to note that any additional extras will reduce the available payload capacity.
The Vito's maximum payload rating is approximately 400kg less than some of its top medium van competitors. Therefore, it may not be the ideal choice for businesses with heavy hauling requirements.
For towing needs, the maximum capacity across the Vito range is 2,500kg with a braked trailer, but this is limited to rear-wheel drive models with the upgraded towing pack. Without this upgrade, the maximum towing capacity is 2,000kg.
Accessories and Upgrades
Mercedes-Benz offers a wide array of accessories and upgrades to enhance the functionality and comfort of the Vito Crew Cab:
Styling and aftermarket upgrades: These include bull bars, roof racks, alloy wheels, seat covers, tow bars, body kits, wind deflectors, sun visors, side steps, and light bars.
Roof racks and bars: UK-manufactured van roof racks and bars are available from Rhino Products and Van Guard Accessories. Options include TUV-approved Delta Bars and Modular Rack, as well as crash-tested ULTI Bars and ULTI Rack.
Interior comfort: Upgrades such as "comfort seats," tinted rear windows, and DVD players in the front headrests are available for enhanced passenger comfort.
Professional fitting service: A professional fitting service is offered at two locations for businesses requiring assistance with installation.
These customisation options allow businesses to tailor their Mercedes Vito Crew Cab to specific operational needs, whether it's increasing cargo capacity, improving comfort for passengers, or enhancing the vehicle's functionality for specialised tasks.
Conclusion
The Mercedes Vito Crew Cab proves to be a game-changer for businesses looking to boost their fleet capabilities. Its blend of versatility, powerful engines, advanced safety features, and premium comfort makes it a standout choice in the commercial vehicle market. The van's ability to balance passenger transport with cargo capacity, coupled with its low total cost of ownership, gives it an edge over competitors.
For companies aiming to tailor their vehicles to specific needs, the Vito Crew Cab offers a range of customisation options. From various body lengths to payload capacities and accessories, businesses can fine-tune their vans to match their operational requirements. This flexibility, combined with Mercedes-Benz's reputation for quality and reliability, positions the Vito Crew Cab as a smart investment for businesses looking to enhance their fleet's efficiency and effectiveness.
FAQs
Is the Mercedes Vito a worthwhile investment for a vehicle?
The Mercedes Vito is indeed a high-quality vehicle. However, it commands a premium price primarily due to the Mercedes badge. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent option for those who value comfort, refinement, advanced technology, and a touch of elegance.
How dependable is the Mercedes Vito?
The Mercedes Vito boasts an impressive reliability score of 809 out of 999, indicating it is highly reliable.
Can the Vito be effectively used as a camper van?
Absolutely, the Mercedes-Benz Vito excels both as an everyday vehicle and as a camper van. It is perfect for comfortable travel, whether you choose to convert a Vito into a camper van yourself or opt for a ready-made camper like the Mercedes Marco Polo.
Is the Mercedes Vito classified as a goods vehicle?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz Vito is a mid-sized light commercial vehicle (LCV). It is versatile, available in configurations such as a panel van, chassis cab, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), suitable for carrying cargo or accommodating up to eight passengers.