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Mercedes-Benz Vans: one vision and three successful models

HANNOVER – With the Vision Van Mercedes-Benz Vans shows a revolutionary van study for the urban environment at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016. As an integrated system, the vehicle incorporates a number of innovative technologies for last-mile delivery operations and thus sets the standard of performance requirements and solutions for future generations of vans.

  • Van as an integrated concept in a completely digitally connected supply chain on the last mile of the delivery process
  • Cloud-based control software meets optimum cargo hardware
  • Vehicle communicates with the driver and its surroundings

Van as an integrated concept in a completely digitally connected supply chain on the last mile of the delivery process

The Vision Van evolved as part of the strategic future initiative adVANce. With adVANce, Mercedes-Benz Vans is developing from a mere van manufacturer into a supplier of holistic system solutions. The company is underscoring this strategy with the Vision Van as a visible manifestation of its innovative strength. The Vision Van boasts an unprecedented level of connectivity of information and technologies. It is the first van worldwide to serve as an integrated concept for a completely digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee.

The Vision Van features a fully automated cargo space, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries and a state-of-the-art joystick control. Powered by a 75 kW electric drive system with a range of up to 270 km, deliveries with the Vision Van are locally emission-free. The electric drive system additionally guarantees that it will remain possible to operate the Vision Van in inner-city zones where the introduction of bans on vehicles with internal combustion engines is planned. The virtually silent electric drive system facilitates late deliveries in residential areas for the purposes of same-day delivery.

“With the Vision Van we are presenting the intelligent, clean and fully interconnected van of the future”, says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “The Vision Van integrates many concrete concepts for future delivery operations in the urban environment, such as a fully automatic cargo space, autonomously flying delivery drones and innovative communication features.”

Cloud-based control software meets optimum cargo hardware

The Vision Van merges numerous innovative technologies and serves as the central, intelligent element in a fully connected delivery chain. Innovative algorithms control order picking, the loading of packages, the fully automated cargo space management, route planning for the vehicle and the delivery drones. They also calculate ideal delivery routes for the package deliverer. Automatic order picking takes place at the logistics centre, for example, and consignments are loaded into special racking systems.

Driverless handling vehicles load the racks by way of an automated one-shot loading process. The intelligent cargo space management system automatically transfers packages for manual delivery to the deliverer at the unloading point by means of a package dispenser on board the vehicle. At the same time, the system supplies two drones, each with a payload capacity of two kilogrammes, with consignments for autonomous delivery within a radius of 10 km.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is developing from a mere van manufacturer into a supplier of holistic system solutions

The combination of a cloud-based control software and optimum hardware yields substantial time and efficiency benefits and raises the quality and flexibility of delivery services in the urban environment to a new level.

The delivery time per package and the vehicle’s curbside time are markedly reduced, for example. The vehicle also opens up new options for same-day as well as time-definite parcel delivery. Convenience for the end customer is thus enhanced, and failed delivery attempts become an exception. One-shot loading, the automation technology in the cargo space and integration of the delivery drones all contribute to the described increases in efficiency. The technology also virtually rules out any false deliveries.

“With the Vision Van we are integrating the intelligence of a state-of-the-art logistics depot into a van”, Volker Mornhinweg points out.”We estimate that this vehicle would enable an increase in productivity of up to 50 percent in last-mile delivery services.”

Vehicle communicates with the driver and its surroundings

The futuristic design by Mercedes-Benz Vans provides a foretaste of future generations of vans. It fuses the vehicle’s intelligence, efficiency and connectivity in an unprecedented manner. The front design alone is enoughto transport the beholder into the distant future. The face is defined by the extremely wide windscreen, which curves around to the sidewalls like a high-tech visor, the Black Panel radiator grille with integrated LED matrix via which the Vision Van communicates with its surroundings and the progressively designed LED headlamps.

The sharp contours of these elements contrast with the vehicle’s smooth surfaces, engaging in a fascinating dialogue between passion/emotion and technology/functionality. The vehicle communicates with its surroundings via LED displays on the front and rear. Warnings appear when the delivery drones take off, when the vehicle stops or when the deliverer alights, for example.

Being pared down to a maximum level of functionality the interior design comes in a highly futuristic guise. The designers have done without a steering wheel, pedals and centre console in favour of drive-by-wire control by means
of a joystick, thereby creating new design options. This results in a unique interior centring on intelligent communication between driver and vehicle. It has also been possible to move the driver’s seat further forward to enlarge the vehicle’s useful floor space.

The dashboard in the shape of a broadly sweeping arc is covered with a premium textile and extends across the entire front end. The entire surface of the arc is used to provide the driver with all the information he needs for his work. When the Vision Van is in stand-by mode, the arc appears as a continuous blue surface with a black colour gradient. When the vehicle is in operation, the arc lights up and shows a tachometer, route planning information and drone flight data, for example.

The vehicle also communicates with the driver via the cabin floor. By way of a special effect LED indicators shine in the stainless steel floor, signalling to the driver whether pedestrians or cyclists are approaching, for example. At the rear wall of the driver’s cabin are the package dispenser and the driver’s info terminal providing all the relevant information on the delivery process. This terminal serves as a means of communication between the Vision Van’s autonomously functioning system environment and the driver, who is able to concentrate fully on the manual delivery task at hand. It also performs the role of a central control unit to interlink the intelligent vehicle, the automated systems and information relating to the delivery orders to be carried out.

At the same time, the interior concept also facilitates the driver’s work procedures. The omission of a steering wheel, pedals and centre console provides for freedom of movement in the driver’s cabin and ensures unimpeded entry into and exiting from the vehicle. The electric drive system does away with the need for a drive line, making it possible to provide the driver’s cab with a level floor. The on-board package dispenser spares the driver the time-consuming and strength-sapping task of searching for and
resorting consignments in the cargo space. The driver is able to take receipt of packages at the dispenser in an ergonomically ideal position.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: the benchmark in its vehicle class, now with new weight variant and more powerful engines

  • Vans for the world: six locations on three continents
  • The Sprinter’s variety is unrivalled
  • Comfortable cockpit, high level of safety
  • The Sprinter crewbus now has more seats
  • An extra variant with a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t
  • Euro 6/VI emissions level for all models, modified designations
  • More power and torque for the four-cylinder CDI

It is the benchmark in its vehicle class: large vans with a gross vehicle weight of around 3.5 t are widely called Sprinter. This flagship model from Mercedes-Benz Vans has given its name to an entire vehicle class. The first generation was unveiled 21 years ago, and today more than three million Sprinter are on the road in over 130 countries of the world. Now a variant with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t has been added to the already varied product portfolio of the successful Sprinter.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz has revised the diesel engines for the Sprinter and in Europe all variants now comply with the Euro 6/VI emissions standard. The performance of the two engines at the lower end of the range has been considerably increased too.

Vans for the world: six locations on three continents

The Sprinter is not only sold all over the world, it is also produced all over the world. The lead plant is Düsseldorf, where the closed panel van and crewbus versions of the Sprinter leave the production lines in six-figure numbers each year. Mercedes-Benz produces the chassis in Ludwigsfelde near Berlin. The other Sprinter production locations are in Buenos Aires/Argentina, Charleston in South Carolina/USA, Fuzhou/China and Nizhny Novgorod/Russia. The same, high Mercedes-Benz quality standards are applied throughout.

After Germany the USA is now the second-largest sales market for the Sprinter. Because the successful European concept also impresses American customers, the number of outlets selling and servicing the vehicle has grown to 280 nationwide. The plan is to build on this success: to service the North American market even better, a full production plant is presently being constructed for the Sprinter in Charleston, South Carolina. Construction began this summer.

Mercedes-Benz Vans: the Vision van

The Sprinter’s variety is unrivalled

Key factors in the success of the Sprinter include its tailor-made concept and continuous further development – the Sprinter never stands still. Panel van, crewbus, pickup, chassis – this roughly sums up the range of Sprinter models. The closely tiered line-up meets practically all requirements and is unrivalled in this segment: there are three wheelbase, four length and three height variants, rear axles with single, twin or super-single tyres, gross weights now ranging from 3.0 t to 5.5 t plus numerous body, equipment and drive system variants ex factory. The portfolio is rounded out by an effective management of external body and conversion solutions. These are produced by certified body specialists and converters.

The Sprinter is also perfect for special-purpose bodies. The chassis is available with a cab, with a crewcab and as a chassis with cowl, i.e. without a cab. There is also the low frame chassis, unique for vans with rear-wheel drive: in this case the frame is lowered by 205 mm behind the cab.

Comfortable cockpit, high level of safety

Another of the Sprinter’s outstanding attributes is its spacious, comfortably appointed cab. Mercedes-Benz has continuously improved and refined the cab over the years, and also constantly upgraded the standard equipment.

The Sprinter is not only comfortable, its driver and passengers also feel safe when on board. Safety is priority number one for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This encompasses the whole range from driver-fitness safety thanks to outstanding ergonomics to car-like handling characteristics and passive safety features. Avoiding accidents is paramount: the first generation already set standards for active safety back in 1995. Since then the Sprinter has been the uninterrupted trailblazer in this discipline – most recently with five new assistance systems in the new Sprinter launched in 2013. With the Sprinter, safety technology has also become a sales argument in the van sector.

Solutions range from Crosswind Assist to COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist through to High Beam Assist.

The Sprinter crewbus now has more seats

13c511_008_880x500For share taxis, school transport, sports clubs and regular rural bus services, the number of seats in the classic Sprinter crewbus sometimes proved to be inadequate. A Sprinter crewbus with extra seats now closes the gap. At 7.3 m in length and with a high roof, it is based on the extra-long version of the panel van.

There is a model available with 16 passenger seats (Sprinter Tourer 16+1, 4.6 t permissible gross vehicle weight) and another with 19 passenger seats (Sprinter Tourer 19+1, 5.0 t permissible gross vehicle weight). From the interior trim and ceiling to the seat covers, the interior corresponds to that of the familiar Sprinter crewbus. Passengers enter the Sprinter through the sliding door, which is supplemented by an electrically-powered step.

Depending on the field of application, the Sprinter can be supplied either with seats only or with a separate luggage compartment as an option. The seats have adjustable backrests as standard. They are optionally available with a rugged artificial leather cover instead of fabric. What is more, the Sprinter can be equipped with air conditioning in the passenger compartment as well as luggage racks including air ducts, ventilation nozzles and reading lamps. The Sprinter is suitably powered by the four-cylinder CDI engine rated at 120 kW (163 hp). As an alternative to the standard six-speed manual transmission, there is an automatic transmission with torque converter. Sales and service are provided through the Mercedes-Benz Vans network.

An extra variant with a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t

Sometimes a little more is needed. Courier, express and parcel services, logistics, the trades, service providers, construction companies, local authorities, fire and rescue services or bus companies – they all require maximum payload in order to master their given tasks as effectively as possible. The previous maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of 5.0 t for the Sprinter could therefore prove a little tight in these and other sectors.

Till recently the solution was load uprating. Following individual examination of the body solution by Mercedes-Benz Vans, an increase in the permissible gross vehicle weight from 5.0 t to a maximum of 5.3 t was possible with a certificate of non-objection. The new solution for maximum payload is the Sprinter with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t.

This new weight variant from Mercedes-Benz Vans closes the gap between the brand’s vans and its light-duty trucks. The Sprinter with a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t offers the payload of a light-duty truck. At the same time, it benefits from the convenient entrance, seat positioning and driving dynamics of a van. As such, the new version of the Sprinter is ideal for small and medium-sized companies in the trades and for industrial use, for fleet customers in the areas of parcel services, car rental, trade and commerce, and for the emergency services.

5.5 t variant: the Sprinter with a gross vehicle weight of 5.0 t provides the technical basis

The Sprinter with a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t is based on the components employed to date for the 5.0 t variant. In view of the Sprinter’s robust basic design, there was no need for the engineers to develop a new chassis or a new frame. Rather, they exploited the potential offered by the existing self-supporting integral frame.

Modifications to the bodyshell are restricted to the front end. These primarily concern stiffening, new consoles bolted onto the damper struts, reinforcements and additional welding spots on the strike plates of the longitudinal frame members.

In adapting the chassis and suspension to the higher permissible gross vehicle weight, the Mercedes-Benz engineers had recourse to an excellent stock of Sprinter components, comprising springs, shock absorbers and stabilisers for high weights and loads.

The higher permissible gross vehicle weight is accompanied by a rise in permissible axle loads. The maximum permissible front axle load on the Sprinter rises from 2000 kg for the previous reinforced variant to a level of 2100 kg. The maximum rear axle load increases from 3500 kg to 3600 kg. This provides the Sprinter with adequate axle load reserves, even in the event of uneven weight distribution.

5.5 t variant: payload rises by around 450 kg

The increase in permissible gross vehicle weight from 5.0 t to 5.5 t benefits the vehicle’s payload which rises by around 450 kg on all variants, thereby attaining a record level in certain vehicle configurations.

The Sprinter as a chassis with cab achieves a very substantial load-bearing capacity of around 3460 kg. As a panel van with standard wheelbase, the Sprinter with four-cylinder diesel engine attains a payload of up to 3150 kg – no other panel van in this weight class is able to carry a higher load.

With a permissible gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t, the Sprinter as a chassis is more than ever the prime choice for bodybuilders who place great emphasis on payload. As a chassis with cab and a long wheelbase of 4325 mm, for example, the Sprinter is able to carry conversion solutions of up to 5023 mm in length and 2488 mm in width when making full use of the permissible overhang of 2200 mm.

5.5 t variant: low cargo space sill, convenient entrance, high comfort

In contrast to light-duty trucks, the Sprinter with a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 t is also available from Mercedes-Benz as a panel van in numerous lengths and heights. In unladen state, the panel van’s cargo space is only around 700 mm above road level, making it easily accessible for loading and unloading. The same applies to the pickup which is available ex factory. The pickup’s load area in empty state is only 1012 mm above the road. Bodybuilders benefit from a favourable level for the top edge of the frame, approximately 780 mm above road level. This firmly sets the Sprinter apart from light-duty trucks as well as other vans with a conventional frame design.

The Sprinter additionally benefits from its design as a short-nosed vehicle. This results in a convenient, low entrance behind the front axle and a comfortable cab with a passenger-car feel and unhindered through-cab access. Additional merits are dynamic handling akin to a passenger car and high ride comfort thanks to the seat positioning behind the front axle. With a body width of only 1933 mm, the Sprinter panel van as a 5.5 t variant is as agile as its lighter counterparts and slips effortlessly through narrow spots.

There is also news on the Sprinter’s core segment: the variants with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t are now optionally available with springs made of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic on the rear axle in place of steel springs. This choice reduces the weight by up to 12 kg and increases the payload accordingly, depending on the chosen equipment. A glass-fibre-reinforced plastic transverse leaf spring has been deployed on the front axle of the Sprinter since the first generation.

Euro 6/VI emissions level for all models, modified designations

As a world first in the van segment, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has optionally been available with diesel engines complying with the Euro VI emissions level from the summer of 2013, the V6 even featuring this Euro VI technology as standard. Mercedes-Benz has now switched the entire Sprinter range in Europe to Euro 6/VI. This means to minimise emissions all diesel engines now feature SCR technology with AdBlue injection. This is an effective form of exhaust gas cleaning.

To coincide with this change, Mercedes-Benz has modified the model designations. The previously employed BlueTEC designation for the Sprinter with diesel engines complying with emissions level Euro 6/VI has been replaced by the familiar CDI designation.

More power and torque for the four-cylinder CDI

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Vans has adapted the Sprinter’s power variants to its customers’ changing requirements. The changes concern the two lowest engine variants of the four-cylinder OM 651 with a displacement of 2.15 l.

The new entry-level engine variant now has an output rating of 84 kW (114 hp). This represents a substantial 20 percent increase in output and torque compared with the previous entry-level engine. At 300 Nm, the pulling power, which is important in daily traffic, approaches the level attained by the previously next-highest rated engine variant. This mid-range variant of the four-cylinder CDI engines has also undergone a marked upgrade, with output and torque both rising by around 10 percent to 105 kW (143 hp) and 330 Nm.

As a result, the Sprinter boasts high torque in these two newly defined power levels. Peak torque is on tap from both engines at an engine speed of 1200 rpm, providing for high flexibility and tractive power even at very low revs. In combination with an unchanged rated speed of 3800 rpm, the Sprinter offers exceptionally good driveability and an unusually large usable engine speed range in both engine variants.

These features also characterise the most powerful four-cylinder engine rated at 120 kW (163 hp). This engine remains on offer unchanged, as does the V6 CDI, which is without parallel in the van segment. The broad engine range results in a clear and logical constellation of four CDI engine variants complying with the Euro 6/VI emissions level.

As previously, all of the engine variants are paired with the ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission as standard. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with torque converter is available as an option. As an alternative to the high-traction rear-wheel drive, Mercedes-Benz offers the Sprinter 4×4 with manually selectable all-wheel drive and optionally with gear reduction in the permissible gross vehicle weight range from 3.5 t to 5.0 t.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: diesel engines

Vehicle model

 

Cylinders/
displacement
Output Torque
211/311/511 CDI 4 in-line/2143 cc 84 kW (114 hp)
at 3800 rpm
300 Nm
at 1200-2200 rpm
214/314/414/514 CDI 4 in-line/2143 cc 105 kW (143 hp)
at 3800 rpm
330 Nm
at 1200-2400 rpm
216/316/416/516 CDI 4 in-line/2143 cc 120 kW (163 hp)
at 3800 rpm
360 Nm
at 1400-2400 rpm
219/319/519 CDI V6/2987 cc 140 kW (190 hp)
at 3800 rpm
440 Nm
at 1400-2400 rpm

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: petrol and natural gas engines

The Sprinter also remains optionally available in one petrol and one natural gas variant (choice of monovalent/bivalent). These are both based on a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.8 l. Output (115 kW/156 hp) and torque (240 Nm) are identical.

Vehicle model Cylinders/
displacement
Output Torque

 

216/316/516 4 in-line/1796 cc 115 kW (156 hp)
at 5000 rpm
240 Nm
at 3000-4000 rpm
316/516 NGT 4 in-line/1796 cc 115 kW (156 hp)
at 5000 rpm
240 Nm
at 3000-4000 rpm

No matter which transmission customers choose, the advantages are a wide ratio spread and dynamic starting with a high ratio in top gear for fuel-efficient, quiet, low-emission driving at high speeds. Maximum economy also means extremely long, wear-dependent service intervals of up to 60 000 km.

Whether it is the engine, transmission, driven rear axle or the all-wheel drive, all components of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bear the Mercedes star – they are provided from a single source and are perfectly co-ordinated with one another.

Mercedes-Benz Vito: versatile all-rounder with three drive system variants and new items of interior equipment

  • One van, three drive systems
  • The Vito’s broad model range
  • Wide choice of length and weight variants
  • Safety first: numerous assistance systems
  • Engines complying with the Euro 6 emissions level, SCR technology for exhaust gas cleaning
  • Interior now comes with additional equipment items

One van, two engines, three lengths and three drive systems – the Vito is the versatile all-rounder among mid-size vans with a permissible gross vehicle weight of around 3.0 t. Particularly outstanding it the powertrain engineering: the Vito is the only van in its class to be available with a choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. At the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 the Vito is appearing with numerous new equipment variants.

One van, three drive systems

The Vito is the first and only vehicle in its class to be available with a choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. As such, the Mercedes-Benz among mid-size vans perfectly accommodates a whole range of different requirements. The selection criteria are logical: the front-wheel drive is very light, and when the vehicle is unladen or carrying only a low load, it offers better traction. It has a very high payload of around 1300 kg, but its procurement price and maintenance costs are low. Rear-wheel drive is the right solution for all applications involving heavy weights, high towing capacities and, if required, exceptional driving dynamics. All-wheel drive is the answer to the request for maximum traction.

The Vito’s broad model range

From skilled crafts and trades to retail, service providers, shuttle services and taxis – the Vito is truly one vehicle for all. For example, the Vito panel van is available in a choice of three lengths. There is also the particularly favourably priced WORKER panel van for cost-conscious buyers. The Vito Mixto combines the advantages of a panel van and crewbus.

The Vito Tourer is available as the functional Vito Tourer BASE, the versatile Vito Tourer PRO and the premium Vito Tourer SELECT. By virtue of this complete model family, the Tourer can accommodate all types of passenger transport.

Wide choice of length and weight variants

With three lengths spanning the compact (4.90 m), long (5.14 m) and extra-long (5.37 m) variants, the Vito offers plenty of choice. The Vito is also available in various weight variants up to a gross vehicle weight of 3.2 t.

The optional equipment for the Vito covers an unusually diverse range offering broad scope for commercial applications. There are, for example, numerous door and window variants or roof rails with a rack. A highly functional range of optional equipment is also available for the cargo space, comprising wood flooring, a rail system for securing loads and also tie-down rails on the side wall and the interior panelling. Roof attachments and carrier systems as well as luggage compartment tubs are available either ex factory or as accessories.

Customers opting for a Vito Tourer are spoilt for choice when it comes to fitting out the passenger compartment and installing seating: two and three-passenger bench seats, bunk and table packages are available, for example. The seats can be installed on wood or plastic flooring, or on a floor with fine carpeting for use as an exclusive shuttle. Whether as a panel van, Mixto or Tourer, different heating and climate control systems make the time spent on board a pleasant one.

Safety first: numerous assistance systems

The Vito panel van was the first van to provide airbags and a seat belt reminder for both the driver and passengers as standard. The Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer SELECT models also impress with windowbags and thorax/pelvis sidebags in the front. It is possible to get windowbags in the rear for the Vito Tourer. With up to eight airbags in total, it is the benchmark.

ATTENTION ASSIST and Crosswind Assist are part of the standard equipment. Crosswind Assist virtually eliminates the effects of wind gusts acting on the vehicle. Tyre pressure monitoring is another item of standard equipment on the Vito Tourer. In addition, the Vito may be equipped with numerous other assistance systems to suit individual needs. Examples include the only Active Parking Assist system for vans, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

An optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) provides an alternative in the Vito to the powerful halogen headlamps. This technology consists of LED indicators, LED daytime running lamps, as well as LED low-beam headlamps and main beam with cornering light function. Depending on the road speed, the headlamps adapt for driving on motorways or country roads by varying the light distribution.

Engines complying with the Euro 6 emissions level, SCR technology for exhaust gas cleaning

Ever since it was presented in 2014 the Vito has been available in Europe with diesel engines that comply with Euro 6. Now Mercedes-Benz has switched the entire Vito range in Europe over to the most stringent emissions level. This means that all models feature an effective form of exhaust gas cleaning with SCR technology and AdBlue injection. Furthermore, the additional CDI designation has replaced the previous BlueTEC designation. The standard version of the AdBlue tank has a capacity of 11.5 l. A larger 25 l version is available as an option.

Switching to Euro 6 has involved no change to the basic engine data. For the Vito with front-wheel drive there is a horizontally installed compact four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.6 l available in two output categories: the Vito 109 CDI rated at 65 kW (88 hp) and the Vito 111 CDI at 84 kW (114 hp). In the Vito with rear-wheel drive, a four-cylinder model with a displacement of 2.15 l works at three output levels: the Vito 114 CDI rated at 100 kW (136 hp), the Vito 116 CDI at 120 kW (163 hp) and the Vito 119 CDI at 140 kW (190 hp).

Power transmission in the Vito is taken care of by a six-speed manual transmission and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission – the world’s only automatic transmission with torque converter offering seven levels for vans. It forms part of the standard equipment for the Vito 4×4.

Interior now comes with additional equipment items

New equipment items for the interior are unveiled at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016. These include the new combination of a comfort driver’s seat with folding armrests and a double co-driver’s seat. Drivers working for courier, express and parcel services now in turn benefit from a new seat with modified contours: the less strongly shaped sitting surface makes it easier for the driver when getting in and out of the vehicle frequently.

It is now possible to obtain the particularly versatile Vito Mixto and Tourer models with sliding windows in the centre. As an option, Mercedes-Benz now supplies the Tourer with a 2-2-3 seating arrangement in the passenger compartment, i.e. with three seat rows for the rear passengers. The long variant of the Tourer is also optionally available with an attractive panoramic roof. For the Vito Tourer categorised as an M1 passenger car, the permissible gross vehicle weight rises from 3.05 t to 3.1 t, which means it can carry an additional 50 kg as part of its passenger and luggage load.

As for the exterior, a Mercedes-Benz can also look particularly stylish from the outside – also when it is a commercial vehicle. Therefore, all models are now available with an optional chrome-plated radiator grille.

Last but not least, the Vito can now be equipped with numerous driving aids ex factory for drivers and passengers with restricted mobility.

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Tristan Wiggill
Special Features Editor at Business Fleet Africa
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