Mercedes announces a series of upgrades for its vans, MPVs and campers.
“We want to offer the most desirable vans and services and play a pioneering role in e-mobility – from MPVs to motor homes and commercial vans. Our new midsize van models are another step towards achieving this goal. The more mature luxury positioning of the EQV and V-Class and the sharpened premium character of the eVito and Vito will enable us to increase our focus on high-margin regions and industries,” said Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans.
You’ll spot the updated Vito and electric eVito at the front thanks to a new, deeper radiator grille and new front bumper styling. Meanwhile, the EQV, V-Class, and Marco Polo campervan, which all share their basic structure with the Vito, get the same deeper grille and an LED surround lighting strip. There’s also an extra styling trick for the upmarket V-Class Exclusive — for the first time, it gets a traditional stand-up Mercedes badge at the front of the bonnet, just as you’d find on a Mercedes saloon.
All models are optionally available with ‘Multibeam’ LED headlights, while there are also standard dark-tinted LED lights at the rear and new bumper designs. The EQV, V-Class and V‑Class Marco Polo also have a new chrome trim strip with Mercedes-Benz lettering at the back. Five new paint colours and new light-alloy wheels round off the upgraded appearance with an aerodynamically optimised design in 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes.
New interiors
All of the vans and van-based passenger vehicles are getting new interiors. The commercial van models include a new central touchscreen and air vents, including a 10.25-inch central display and a new instrument cluster with a 5.5-inch colour display. At the same time, in the EQV, V-Class and V-Class Marco Polo, there are two new 12.3-inch digital displays.
There’s a wireless phone charging pad on the centre console, and new convenience options include a keyless start function, heated steering wheel and new, dimmed rear lighting for driving at night. The MPVs and Marco Polo also get 64-colour ambient lighting, while for more convenient access to the rear, the V-Class and EQV now also have a sliding door on the left-hand side of the vehicle as standard. The Vito Tourer and Mixto versions can also now have an electric tailgate. In addition, the electric parking brake is available in all commercial models with automatic transmissions, depending on the equipment.
All new touchscreens are running the latest MBUX infotainment system, which includes the dialogue and learning language assistant “Hey Mercedes” system. You can set up seven different driver profiles for the onboard infotainment, allowing multiple users to have the van automatically recognise their preferred settings.
The new digital interiors of the Vito and its spinoffs mean that you can access systems such as maintenance, accident and breakdown management, as well as remote services such as locking and unlocking the doors and opening and closing the windows via the Mercedes me app. Other helpful services include navigation with live traffic Information and Car-to-X communication. The eVito and EQV also have electric-specific functions to help you find charging points and navigate to your destination via chargers to minimise charging downtime. In some markets, these models will have the plug-and-charge capability, meaning there’s no need for RFID or debit cards when plugging into a public charger.
Making safety a priority
Safety has also been a priority. For example, Active Brake Assist now includes the intersection function. It can also warn of vertically crossing or oncoming vehicles and dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, intervene to brake in an emergency, and provide support when turning. You can also optionally specify radar-guided cruise control, a parking assistant, and a trailer manoeuvring assistant.
Irish prices and specifications for these new models have not yet been set.