Clearest Hint of What the Next Mercedes-Benz Vito Will Look Like
Mercedes-Benz has given the clearest hint yet of what the next-generation Mercedes-Benz Vito medium van will look like following the unveiling of its passenger-carrying sibling, the VLE.
After months of teasers, Mercedes-Benz finally pulled the wraps off the vehicle that it says combines the ‘comfort and handling of a limousine’ with MPV-style versatility.
The VLE – which is all-electric – is a direct replacement for both the V-Class and its zero-emission EQV equivalent, which were converted into a multi-seat multi-purpose vehicle based on the chassis and platform of the Vito commercial vehicle.
Despite its humble van-based origins, the V-Class/EQV became major crossover hits, especially in the private hire business, and were lauded for their huge interiors and potential to lavishly spec them.
This time around, the VLE’s unveiling has been prioritised over the new Vito and while the two models will share fewer direct components than before, it does give a clear indication of how the next generation van will look.
Significantly, the new Vito is likely to set new standard in aerodynamic efficiency for a commercial vehicle. Indeed, though the external profile of the VLE suggests interior (cargo) space remains competitive, the smoother, carefully curated surfaces return a 0.25 co-efficient reading – which is less than most passenger cars.
We’ll have to wait until the Vito is revealed to find out how many of the same styling cues have made it over from the VLE but expect the two models to be clearly related.
The aerodynamic profile is no coincidence as it helps to accentuate the VLE and Vito’s electric running gear.
Though the two models are now based off differently designated platforms – VAN.EA for the VLE and VAN.CA for the Vito – they will likely share the same battery layout.
The VLE was launched with a 115kWh battery on show, but an 80kWh battery that will be added to the range later down the line is likely to be the one offered with the Vito. No range figures were released for this battery.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is set to be launched as an electric-only model initially, with conventional diesel engines being added to the range further down the line.
More will be known over the next couple of months when attention turns to the launch of the Vito, such as battery/range figures, load sizes and how much of the VLE’s the stunning, high-tech interior carries over.
For the time being at least, however, the VLE provides a tantalising glimpse of how Mercedes’ premium medium van could set bold new standards in the commercial vehicle market.
