Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz W447
Mercedes-Benz W447
Overview
Also called	Mercedes-Benz V-Class; Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo (camper models); Mercedes-Benz Metris (North American models); Mercedes-Benz EQV / e-Vito (electric models); Mercedes-Benz Valente
Production	2014–present
Assembly	Spain: Vitoria-Gasteiz (Mercedes-Benz Espana, S.A.); Spain: Alcobendas (CKD); USA: North Charleston, South Carolina (Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC); Mexico: Santiago Tianguistenco (Mercedes-Benz Mexico); Argentina: Virrey del Pino (Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A.); China: Fúzhōu (Fujian Daimler); India: Pune (Mercedes-Benz India); Indonesia: Bogor Regency (Mercedes-Benz Indonesia);
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van; 4-door minibus
Layout	FF Layout; Front motor, Front-wheel drive (EQV 300); FR Layout; F4 Layout
Powertrain
Engine	petrol:; 2.0 L M274 I4; diesel:; 1.6 L OM 622 DE 16 LA turbo I4; 1.7 L OM 622 DE 17 LA turbo I4; 2.0 L OM 654q turbo I4; 2.2 L OM 651 DE 22 LA turbo I4; electric:; EQV 300;
Electric motor	85kW permanent synchronous magnet electric motor (eVito 2018-2020); 150kW permanent synchronous magnet electric motor (Mercedes-Benz EQV / eVito Tourer 2020-)
Transmission	ECO Gear 6-speed manual; 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed Automatic; 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic; Single speed with fixed ratio (Mercedes-Benz EQV / eVito Tourer)
Battery	90 kWh water-cooled Li-Ion battery (EQV 300)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,200 mm (126.0 in) (SWB) ; 3,430 mm (135.0 in) (LWB)
Length	4,895 mm (192.7 in) (SWB L1) ; 5,140 mm (202.4 in) (SWB L2) ; 5,370 mm (211.4 in) (LWB)
Width	1,928 mm (75.9 in) (body only) ; 2,057 mm (81.0 in) (mirrors folded) ; 2,249 mm (88.5 in) (mirrors unfolded)
Height	1,901–1,908 mm (74.8–75.1 in)

Mercedes-Benz W639
Mercedes-Benz W639
Overview
Also called	Mercedes-Benz Viano; Mercedes-Benz Valente (Australia); Mercedes-Benz V-Class (Japan)
Production	2003–2014 (Spain); 2008–present (Mexico); 2010–2015 (China)
Assembly	Spain: Vitoria-Gasteiz (Mercedes-Benz Espana, S.A.); Spain: Alcobendas (Mercedes-Benz España, S.A.U.; CKD); Mexico: Santiago Tianguistenco (Mercedes-Benz Mexico); China: Fúzhōu (Fujian Daimler);
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van; 4-door minibus
Layout	FR Layout; F4 Layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.1 L OM646 980 L4 Turbo Diesel (China); 2.1 L OM646 DE22 LA R L4 Diesel; 2.1 L OM651 DE22 L4 Diesel; 3.0 L OM642 V6 Diesel; 2.5 L M272 924 V6 Diesel (China); 3.0 L M272 939 V6 Diesel (China); 3.2 L M112 E32 V6 Petrol (2010–); 3.5 L M272 E35 V6 Petrol; 3.7 L M112 E37 V6 Petrol; 4.3 L Brabus V6 Petrol; 6.0 L M119 Brabus V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol
Transmission	6-speed Manual; 5-speed TouchShift (Automatic)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,200 mm (126.0 in) (SWB) ; 3,430 mm (135.0 in) (LWB)
Length	4,748–5,223 mm (186.9–205.6 in)
Width	1,906 mm (75.0 in)
Height	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Curb weight	2,040–2,135 kg (4,497–4,707 lb)

Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1996–1998); DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007); Daimler AG (2007–present)
Also called	Mercedes-Benz Vito (Van); Mercedes-Benz Viano (MPV); Mercedes-Benz V-Class (MPV); Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo (Campervan); Mercedes-Benz Metris (North American Models); Mercedes-Benz EQV (electric); Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer (electric);
Production	1996–present
Assembly	Spain: Vitoria-Gasteiz (Mercedes-Benz Espana, S.A.)
Body and chassis
Class	Light commercial vehicle (M)
Body style	5-door minivan
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L OM654 I4 CDI Diesel; 2.1 L OM651 I4 CDI Diesel; 3.0 L OM642 V6 CDI Diesel
Transmission	5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual; 7-speed automatic
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz MB100 (for Vito); Mercedes-Benz R-Class (for V-Class)

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a minivan (M) produced by Mercedes-Benz. It is available as a standard panel van for cargo (called Vito), or with passenger accommodations substituted for part or all of the load area (called Vito or Viano).

The V-Class/Viano is a large MPV. The first generation went on sale in 1996. The second generation was introduced in 2004, and the vehicle received the new Viano name. In 2010, the vehicle was facelifted with revised front and rear bumpers and lights. The interior was also improved with upgraded materials and new technology. The third generation was launched in 2014 and returned to being called V-Class.

The Viano is available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations and comes in three lengths, two wheelbases and a choice of four petrol and diesel engines (as well as two specialist tuned models) coupled to either a six-speed manual or five-speed TouchShift automatic transmission.

First generation (W638; 1996–2003)[]

Mercedes-Benz V-Klasse (front)

Mercedes-Benz V-Klasse (rear)

The first generation Mercedes-Benz Vito was produced between 1996 and 2003. It is powered either by a diesel engine with up to 120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS) or a gasoline engine with up to 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) and a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The range of gasoline engines consists of two old units from Mercedes (113 and 114) and a Volkswagen 2.8 VR6 engine, designated as the M104.900. When it comes to diesel engines, old 2.3 with and without turbo and also modern CDI 2.2 engines are available.

This body design was also sold as the V-Klasse in more luxurious and expensive version (V-Klasse was replaced with the Viano-name for the second generation of Vito). The Viano also included less van like features to the Vito such as only two seats in the front and a larger and more spacious seating capacity. At first many Vito drivers who wanted a spacious, small van opted for the Vito microbus which was extremely similar to the Viano, apart from its more van like and less luxurious features. The Viano was however a good, more car like option to the Vito microbus. It was designed by Michael Mauer from 1989 to 1991, when the final design was chosen and patented in February 1993.^[1]

Second generation (W639; 2003–2014)[]

The rear of the Second generation Vito

Six or seven seats come as standard in most markets. The Viano can be turned into an eight-seat people carrier by fitting two three-seater benches in the rear. All rear seats slide in 1-inch (2.5 cm) increments, recline and can be turned to face one other. They can also be folded down or removed completely to increase the load capacity. A rear folding table is standard in six- and seven-seat layouts.^[2] The rear seats cannot be folded into the floor like on some rivals.

With all the seats removed the Viano Extra-Long can accommodate up to 4,610 litres (163 cu ft) of cargo^[3] with a payload of 930 kg (2,050 lb).^[4] It can tow a 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) braked trailer and a 750 kg (1,653 lb) unbraked trailer. An adjustable self-levelling rear suspension is included on higher specification models.^[5]

Rear-wheel drive allows the Viano to have a smaller turning circle than front-wheel drive rivals; Compact and Long models have a turning circle of 11.8 m (39 ft) whereas the Extra-Long model turns in 12.5 m (41 ft).^[6]

Japan passenger models were sold as the V-Class, as the V 350. Early models included V 350 Trend (RHD), V 350 Ambiente (RHD), V 350 Ambiente long (RHD).^[7]

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz released the Valente model in Australia to sit beneath the Viano as the entry-level passenger van.

Initial release[]

Vito[]

Mercedes-Benz Vito Ambulance in Beijing, China

The Vito was launched in China in April 2010. Engine choices consisted of the 2.1 litre OM646 turbo diesel four-cylinder, the 2.5 litre M272 diesel V6 and the 3 litre diesel V6 which also uses the M272 name. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard for four cylinder diesel variants while V6 diesel variants are equipped to a 5 speed automatic gearbox. Trims levels are available known as the 2.1T Diesel Elite. 2.1T Diesel Service, 2.5L Elite, 2.5L Service, 3.0L Service and 3.0L Business. Pricing ranges from 316,000 yuan to 389,000 yuan (46,000 to 55,830 USD - March 2020 exchange rate).^[8] ^[9] For actual car badging, the 2.1 litre Diesel models were known as the 115 CDI, the 119 for 2.5 litre V6 models and the 122 for 3 litre V6 models. The W639 Vito was then succeeded by the W447 in 2016 although most Vitos of the W639 variant are still in use for the Chinese market as of 2020 as ambulance vans in Beijing.

The second generation Mercedes-Benz Vito design that is more streamlined than its predecessor, powered by a new range of engines, and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain.

The angle of the windshield and A-pillar is closer to horizontal; the dashboard is bigger and the bonnet (hood) smaller. The new Vito is available in three different lengths and four diesel engine versions: the 109 CDI, 111 CDI, 115 CDI (all powered by a 4-cylinder 2.2-litre engine) and the 120 CDI (featuring the 3.0-litre V6 unit). The model numerics relate to their engine power output: currently the 109 has 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp), the 111 has 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp), the 115 has 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), and the 120 has 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp). Blue-efficiency technology is optional. The vehicles have a new 6-speed manual gearbox gear ratios designed for fuel economy. The second generation Vitos are Euro 3 compliant (additionally Euro 4 compliant as of November 2006) and exempt from the Low Emission Zone in London, which requires commercial vehicles (vans) to reach at least Euro 3 standard from October 2010.

Vito London Taxi[]

Vito London Taxi

In August 2008, a variant of the Vito was approved by the Public Carriage Office for use as a licensed London 'black cab'.^[10] The Vito taxicab includes electric sliding doors, electric steps and seating for six people. The Vito's rear-wheel steering enables it to meet the PCO's strict Conditions of Fitness requirements including a 25 ft (7.6 m) turning circle and wheelchair accessibility.^[11] The vehicle, a variation of the 'Traveliner' model, is built by Penso in Coventry. The rear wheel steer system is licensed from one80, and it is distributed through Eco City Vehicles subsidiary KPM-UK Taxis.^[12]

The new Taxi does not perform the famous U-turn in the same way as the TX and Metro models,^{[clarification needed]} instead it incorporates an electrically operated rear wheel system, activated by a button adjacent to the steering wheel. This turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus allowing the Taxi to perform the same tight turning circle as the TX and Metro models. This system is only possible when the vehicle is traveling at less than 5 mph (8.0 km/h), and if the vehicle goes over this speed while the LSM is active, it is deactivated, and the wheels straighten up.

It is longer and wider than the TX models, but traveling through tight spaces is aided by the electric folding wing mirrors, which as of 2009 are standard.

Viano Marco Polo[]

Viano Marco Polo camping edition

In some countries a camping derivative is available - known as the Marco Polo - equipped with a galley (including gas stove, sink, 40 L fridge, and storage), multi-function wardrobe and a sliding bench seat in the rear which can be turned into a large air-sprung bed. A pop-up roof is also standard (electric assist is optional) providing standing height inside. An additional bed can be fitted in the pop-up roof area to increase sleeping capacity to four individuals. Fresh water and waste water tanks are accessible from outside the vehicle, while the gas-cylinder bay is hidden inside an interior cupboard. An auxiliary battery is included under the front passenger seat. Up to six optional individual seats can be fitted for maximum MPV flexibility, but only four seats (including the two-seater bench mentioned above) can be used when in camping mode.

The Marco Polo was designed and created in partnership with Westfalia just like Volkswagen camper vans were until 1999, when Daimler AG bought a controlling stake in the conversion company meaning Volkswagen had to continue converting their commercial vehicles into camper vans alone.^{[citation needed]}

Viano X-Clusive (2008–2010)[]

This edition was only available in European markets from 2008 to 2010 with either a petrol or diesel V6 engine.^[13] It was available in either Brilliant Silver or Obsidian Black metallic paint, and featured a redesigned radiator grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust tailpipe, side skirts, and unique front and rear bumpers. The interior had pebble or anthracite coloured 'Twin' leather seats and a choice of grey or brown burr walnut wood accents.^[14]

Engines[]

Years	Model & Transmission	Engine	Power	Torque	Top Speed	0-62 mph (0-100 km/h)	Economy	Emissions
Diesel
2004–2007	Viano 2.0 CDI	2.2 L, 4 in-L	109 PS (80 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	99 mph (159 km/h)	17.6 s	31.7 mpg_‑imp (8.9 l/100 km)	235 g/km
2004–2007	Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift	2.2 L, 4 in-L	109 PS (80 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	98 mph (158 km/h)	17.3 s	31.7 mpg_‑imp (8.9 l/100 km)	235 g/km
2007–2010	Viano 2.0 CDI	2.2 L, 4 in-L	116 PS (85 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	99 mph (159 km/h)	17.6 s	34.9 mpg_‑imp (8.1 l/100 km)	215 g/km
2007–2010	Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift	2.2 L, 4 in-L	116 PS (85 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	98 mph (158 km/h)	17.3 s	32.8 mpg_‑imp (8.6 l/100 km)	229 g/km
2004–2010	Viano 2.2 CDI	2.2 L, 4 in-L	150 PS (110 kW)	330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft)	112 mph (180 km/h)	14.9 s	34.9 mpg_‑imp (8.1 l/100 km)	215 g/km
2004–2010	Viano 2.2 CDI TouchShift	2.2 L, 4 in-L	150 PS (110 kW)	330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft)	111 mph (179 km/h)	13.0 s	32.8 mpg_‑imp (8.6 l/100 km)	229 g/km
2006–2010	Viano 3.0 CDI TouchShift	3.0 L, 6 in-V	204 PS (150 kW)	440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft)	123 mph (198 km/h)	9.2 s	30.7 mpg_‑imp (9.2 l/100 km)	244 g/km
Petrol
	Viano 3.0 V6 TouchShift	3.2 L, 6 in-V	190 PS (140 kW)
	Viano 3.2 V6 TouchShift	3.2 L, 6 in-V	218 PS (160 kW)
2004–2007	Viano 3.7 V6 TouchShift	3.7 L, 6 in-V	231 PS (170 kW)	345 N⋅m (254 lb⋅ft)	119 mph (192 km/h)	11.0 s	23.2 mpg_‑imp (12.2 l/100 km)	294 g/km
2007-	Viano 3.5 V6 TouchShift	3.5 L, 6 in-V	258 PS (190 kW)	340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft)	127 mph (204 km/h)	9.3 s	23.7 mpg_‑imp (11.9 l/100 km)	284 g/km
n/a	Viano 4.4 Brabus TouchShift	4.3 L, 6 in-V	325 PS (239 kW)	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft)	143 mph (230 km/h)	7.2 s	n/a	n/a
2004-	Viano 6.1 Brabus TouchShift	6.0 L, 8 in-V	426 PS (313 kW)	621 N⋅m (458 lb⋅ft)	152 mph (245 km/h)	6.2 s	n/a	n/a

Safety[]

Two head-on airbags and (on higher trim levels) front side airbags are fitted as standard, with front window airbags available as an option. Electronic stability control (ESP), traction control system (ASR), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and brake assist (BAS) are all fitted as standard. If BAS is activated, the hazard lights flash to warn following motorists that the Viano driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre.^[15]

Each seat is fitted with a three-point seatbelt with belt tensioner and force limiter and an adjustable head restraint.

The Viano underwent the Euro NCAP car safety tests in 2008 and achieved the following ratings:^[16]

Euro NCAP	Rating
Adult occupant:
Child occupant:
Pedestrian:

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) also tested the Viano and gave it a score of 32.66 points out of 37.^[17] It is the only van in Australasia to achieve the maximum five-star rating.

ANCAP	Rating
Safety:

Environmental impact[]

EcoTest analysed the emissions from the EU4-compliant 2.0 CDI 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) and 2.2 CDI 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) manuals and the EU5-compliant 2.2 CDI 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) TouchShift; the results are below:

(68/100)^[18]	2006–2010	2.0 CDI Manual	116 hp	Diesel
(46/100)^[18]	2004–2010	2.2 CDI Manual	150 hp	Diesel

Next Green Car - an expert environmental organisation that analyses official vehicle emissions data rated the Viano. These Green Ratings (from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest)) are listed below:^[19]

68	2006–2010	3.0 CDI TouchShift	204 hp
70	2004–2010	2.0 CDI TouchShift	116 hp
71	2004–2010	2.0 CDI Manual	116 hp
71	2004–2010	2.2 CDI Manual	150 hp
75	2007–2010	3.5 V6 TouchShift	258 hp
79	2004–2010	2.2 CDI TouchShift	150 hp

Reviews[]

Rear 3/4 view pre-facelift

The Mercedes-Benz Viano has received mixed to positive reviews from the motoring press. The van-based design is seen as a blessing by some critics and a failing by others. As of July 2010 reviews for the facelifted Viano are not available.

AA, The ^[20]
'Image is everything in the world of business and it should come as no surprise that the Viano is the big cheese in the executive travel world.'
Autocar ^[21]
'Still more van than MPV. Airport transport.'
Parker's ^[22]
'Pros: Capable of carrying eight in comfort, massive and versatile interior, superb diesels'.
'Cons: Sheer size makes it difficult to manoeuvre, can't hide commercial vehicle origins.'
RAC ^[23]
'With its rare combination of spacious seating and generous luggage capacity, the Viano is a paragon of practicality...'
What Car? ^[24]
'For - Comes with a choice of two wheelbases and three body lengths, plus a variety of seating arrangements and plenty of space inside. The sliding rear side doors ease access.'
'Against - It's an expensive option, whose van roots show through in some areas. The engines are noisy and it's not easy to use the car's full versatility...'
Yahoo! Cars ^[25]
"Most MPVs never make that much sense because when full of people there's nowhere for the luggage to go. No such problem exists with the vast Viano."^[26]

V-Class interior

Motorsports[]

2006: The Viano was a support vehicle in the Dakar Rally for the Mercedes-Benz Service and Kwikpower team^[27] 2009: The Viano claimed victory in the SUV category in the 19th Rallye Aicha des Gazelles with Irishwoman Jeanette James as pilot and Frenchwoman Anne-Marie Ortola as navigator.^[27]

Production[]

On 16 April 2010 the assembly of the Viano W639 began at the Fujian Daimler Automotive plant in Fúzhōu, China. Forty per cent of the components and automotive parts of the Chinese model version are manufactured by local companies. The Chinese model was launched on the Chinese (Hong Kong, PRC and Republic), the South Korean and Southeast Asian market in April 2010.^[28]^[29]

2010 facelift[]

Viano[]

Post-facelift Viano, long version

Rear view of Viano, long version

Changes to the Viano range include standard BlueEFFICIENCY technology, new interior trim materials, new ambient lighting system with dimmable individual LED reading lamps and fibre optic units, optional rear seat entertainment system, redesigned cockpit, new suspension with front and rear axles revised and specially tuned to match each specific model and EU 5 emission standards compliance.^[30]

The face lifted range included four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines rated at 100 kW (134 hp; 136 PS) to 190 kW (255 hp; 258 PS) (CDI 2.0, CDI 2.2, CDI 3.0, 3.5).^[31]^[32]

A four-wheel drive (4MATIC) is optional on models with 4-cylinder diesel engines. In normal operation the system transfers driving power in a 35:65 split between the front and rear axles. The 4MATIC system does not have mechanical differential locks, but an electronic traction system (4ETS). If one or more wheels loses traction on a slippery surface, the system applies brief pulses of brake pressure to the spinning wheels thus increasing torque to wheels with good grip. Vehicles with four-wheel drive have a higher ride height, which increases approach, departure and breakover angles (20°/28°/19° respectively, versus 14°/22°/14° in conventional rear-wheel-drive models). The all-wheel drive adds 80 kg (176 lb) to the total weight of the vehicle.^[33]