Mercedes‑Benz Vans is marking the 30^th anniversary of its Vito, which has been working hard over three decades to meet the needs of tradespeople, services, first responders and more.

First launched in 1995, the Vito proved a best seller over three generations

The midsize van first launched in 1995 and has expanded its proposition over three generations and its first fully electric versions to meet a wide range of everyday tasks and the growing need for zero-emission mobility. It’s also played a vital role in Mercedes‑Benz Vans’ portfolio: the commercial Vito and eVito account for nearly a quarter of the brand’s sales.

Sagree Sardien, head of sales & marketing at Mercedes‑Benz Vans, said: “Over the last 30 years, the Vito has proven to be a true all-rounder for professionals. Thanks to its compact dimensions and large cargo space, it is an ideal choice for urban settings. For our customers, the Vito offers a high level of functionality and flexibility, combined with comfort and efficiency. Like our Sprinter, it has kept the world mobile for 30 years. In its electric version, the eVito stands for sustainable, locally CO2-emission-free mobility for nearly eight years.”

With the arrival of the first generation of the Vito, Mercedes-Benz introduced an entirely new van in the 2.6- to 2.8-tonne class in 1995. The front-wheel-drive van was conceived for an attractive design with compact dimensions and, with a payload of one tonne, it was also suited to carrying heavy goods. A cargo area of 3.6m2 provided a loading capacity of almost 5m3, and its manageable dimensions and a height of 1.89m meant the Vito was suitable for multistorey carparks and garages in cities.

The first editions also featured transversely mounted four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines along with an extensive safety package that included driver airbag, independent wheel suspension and disk brakes on all wheels, ABS with automatic braking differential and power steering, as standard.

The Vito’s efficiency, robustness and flexibility earned it the title of Van of the Year in 1996. An update in 1999 brought a design facelift, new colours and optimised features. By 2003, Mercedes‑Benz had sold around 473,000 first-generation vehicles.

For the second generation, the entire vehicle concept for the Vito was redesigned. All variants of the midsize van now relied on rear-wheel rather than front-wheel drive, which improved the driving dynamics and load capacity. A payload of up to 1,295kg and an all-wheel-drive variant – the first in its segment – added to the model diversity.

The more powerful engines now available ranged from efficient four-cylinder engines to powerful V6 units. With three body lengths, two roof heights, five engine choices and numerous optional equipment packages, the second generation put the Vito firmly on the path toward the diverse range of versions available today. In 2005 the European jury again voted the Mercedes‑Benz Vito Van of the Year. By 2014, the second-generation Vito surpassed its outstanding predecessor with sales of nearly 750,000 units worldwide.

The second generation also marked a milestone with regard to electrification. With the launch of the Vito E‑Cell in 2010, Mercedes‑Benz began small-series production of a battery-driven van equipped with a 95hp electric motor. It had a range of around 130km (80 miles) and was a success in such areas as courier, express and parcel services.

In 2014, the third generation of the Vito celebrated its world premiere. Designed for more versatility and economic running, plus improved safety features, the latest version was launched with a new design and three drive concepts. Customers could choose between front-, rear- and all-wheel drive. With an unchanged wheelbase, the Vito was up to 13cm longer, with a maximum length of 5.37m, offering more loading and passenger space and an increased payload of 1,369kg.

This was followed in 2018 with the launch of the eVito, the first fully electric midsize van produced in series by Mercedes‑Benz. The third generation also set new standards for safety.  The Vito panel van was the only vehicle in its class to be equipped with airbags and seatbelt reminders for both the driver and passengers as standard. The Vito Tourer offered up to eight airbags for all occupants. Unique among midsize vans at the time was the Crosswind Assistant included as a basic feature.

In 2020, a new update brought many technical advances. The new OM 654 family of four-cylinder diesel engines delivered increased power combined with lower fuel consumption. In addition, the new generation featured the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, an optional digital inside rear-view mirror, the Distronic automatic distance assist, other improved assistance systems and new comfort systems such as the Airmatic air suspension.

The next upgrade came in 2024. The MBUX multimedia system brought modern infotainment, improved connectivity and new digital extras for a further increase in comfort. As a result, the Vito and eVito are fully integrated into the brand’s digital ecosystem. The safety features were further improved and expanded, for example with the Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function and the Active Lane Keeping Assistant.

The exterior was updated with multibeam LED headlights and the interior was enhanced with such features as a new central console and the electric Easy-Pack tailgate. The standard features were extensively upgraded and the range logic was more closely adapted to customer wishes. For the first time the drive options were expanded to include a petrol engine with mild hybrid technology.

The Vito has been produced from the outset in Mercedes’ van factory in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz – to which it owes its name. As the second-largest producer of Mercedes‑Benz Vans, it is one of the most important Mercedes‑Benz Vans factories worldwide. Along with the Vito and eVito, the plant also makes the V-Class models aimed at the private market as well as the EQV.

In March 2024, the cornerstone was laid for an expansion of the plant. Starting in 2026, vans based on the fully electric VAN Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will be produced here, following ongoing investments in infrastructure, digitisation and training that make the plant a “future-ready pillar” in the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network.