The Mercedes-Benz Vito has always existed in an interesting middle ground. Not quite the luxurious V-Class that ferries executives between meetings or an entourage to Rockets, but certainly more refined than your average commercial van. This week, I had the opportunity to put the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Select range through its paces during a two-day launch event in KwaZulu-Natal, and came away impressed by how Mercedes has evolved this versatile platform.
The Journey Begins
Our adventure kicked off in Durban on Tuesday morning, where we were whisked to the Umhlanga dealership for what Mercedes calls a “product immersion.” After a light breakfast that featured perhaps too many pastries (no complaints here), the Mercedes-Benz Vans team walked us through the lineup’s positioning and the route we’d be taking over the next two days.
What became immediately clear was Mercedes’ intention to highlight the Vito’s dual personality – comfortable enough for passenger transport but robust enough for genuine work applications. This duality would be demonstrated by our drive route, which deliberately included everything from smooth highways to punishing gravel roads.
According to Beate Mey, Marketing Manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, “The launch of the Select marks a significant milestone. Previously, only our illustrious V-Class was designed specifically with private customers in mind.” While the V-Class remains positioned as the ultimate luxury van, the Select focuses on versatility and play, providing what Mercedes describes as “a dynamic, engaging, yet still premium experience at a differentiated price point.”
First Impressions: The Vito Mixto
I started day one behind the wheel of the Vito Mixto, the Swiss Army knife of the range. With a configurable second row and cargo area, it’s designed for those who need both people and cargo capacity in varying combinations.
Pulling out of the dealership, the first thing that struck me was how car-like the driving now position feels. If you’ve spent time in Mercedes’ passenger vehicles, there’s a familiar feel to the controls, though with more utilitarian materials. The steering is surprisingly precise for a vehicle of this size – lighter than expected but with enough feedback to inspire confidence.
Under the bonnet, the Select range packs a punch with its MU6 engine delivering 140 kW of output power and an impressive 440 Nm of torque available from just 1,400 rpm. This power is managed through Mercedes’ excellent 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which delivers smooth shifts and contributes to reasonable fuel efficiency through its overdrive characteristics.
Having previously spent time with both the more premium V250d and V300d, I was curious how the Vito would compare. The family resemblance is obvious in the driving dynamics, but without the luxury flourishes. The Mixto handles with much of the same composure as its upscale sibling, though with a firmer ride that reminds you of its commercial underpinnings.
Adventure Break
Our mid-morning drive took us to our first activity stop, where Mercedes had arranged options that couldn’t be more different – pottery painting for those such as myself seeking a creative and calmer outlet, or ziplining for the adrenaline junkies. This mix of refined and rugged perfectly mirrored the Vito’s character.
After working up an appetite (the pottery was more stressful than expected – who knew I’d be so concerned about staying within the lines?), we were treated to lunch at Fable restaurant. The menu was as thoughtfully prepared as our drive route, with dishes that showcased local flavours while maintaining the refinement expected from a Mercedes event.
Putting It Through Its Paces
The afternoon drive is where things got interesting. The Mercedes team had deliberately chosen back routes leading to Brahman Hills Hotel, our overnight stop. These weren’t just scenic detours – they were challenging gravel and uneven roads that would expose any weaknesses in build quality or suspension tuning.
The Mixto handled these conditions with impressive composure. The suspension, which had seemed a bit firm on smooth tarmac, now made perfect sense as it absorbed ruts and corrugations without unsettling the vehicle. Body control remained consistent, and at no point did I feel like I needed to slow to a crawl to maintain comfort.
Fuel consumption averaged 9l per 100km throughout the day – not record-breaking efficiency, but perfectly acceptable considering the vehicle’s size and the challenging conditions. For fleet managers looking at running costs, this figure should provide a realistic expectation for mixed-use scenarios.
Perhaps most telling was what didn’t happen – after hours of being shaken on gravel roads, the Vito’s interior remained silent. No dashboard rattles, no loose trim pieces, no squeaking panels. Having heard complaints about build quality in earlier iterations, it’s clear Mercedes has addressed these issues. The cabin remained as solid at the end of the day as it had been in the morning.
Day Two: The People Carrier
For the second day, I switched to the Vito Tourer, the eight-seater passenger variant. With full rows of seating and more interior amenities, this is the Vito in its people-moving element.
The additional weight of the full interior is noticeable – the Tourer doesn’t feel quite as nimble as the Mixto – but it counters with superior ride comfort. Rear passengers were noticeably more comfortable over rough patches, with better sound insulation making conversation easier at highway speeds.
What impressed me most about the Tourer wasn’t any single feature, but rather how it managed to deliver genuine passenger comfort without feeling like a compromised commercial vehicle. Mercedes has clearly put thought into making this a vehicle people would choose to travel in, not merely tolerate.
Tech and Features
The interior of the Select range has received a significant upgrade, especially in the technology department. The redesigned instrument panel now features the MBUX multimedia system with a 10.25-inch touch display and a 5.5-inch TFT display. Smartphone integration comes standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and there’s a wireless charging pad conveniently located in the center console.
The cockpit feels properly modern with its heated multi-function steering wheel and electric seat controls that include a memory function – features you’d typically expect in Mercedes’ passenger car lineup. All seats are upholstered in black faux leather, which strikes a good balance between comfort, appearance, and practicality for active lifestyles.
One standout feature that makes daily living with the Vito more convenient is the combination of electric sliding doors and an electric tailgate – no more awkward juggling of bags and keys when loading up for a trip.
The driver assistance systems impressed as well. During our drive, I had plenty of opportunity to test the Active Lane Keeping Assist, which provided gentle guidance rather than jarring interventions. The Blind Spot Assist proved particularly valuable when navigating Durban’s busy morning traffic, and the Parking Package with reversing camera made squeezing into tight spots stress-free.
Visually, the Select range has also been refined with a colour-coded bumper and chromed radiator grille that give it a more upscale appearance than its commercial siblings. The Multibeam LED headlights provide excellent illumination and add a premium touch to the front end.
After two days and hundreds of kilometers across varying conditions, the Vito Select range proved itself as a genuinely versatile platform. The Mixto offers a compelling compromise for those who need flexibility, while the Tourer provides legitimate passenger comfort without the premium price of the V-Class.
What sets these vehicles apart isn’t revolutionary technology or flashy features – it’s the solid fundamentals. The balanced chassis, refined powertrains, and improved build quality create vehicles that feel engineered rather than merely assembled. For businesses looking to make an impression while maintaining practicality, or families needing space without full-size van compromises, the Vito Select range makes a strong case for itself. It’s a Mercedes that’s not afraid to get its hands dirty, but still cleans up nicely for client meetings.
And the pricing? The Mixto Select comes in at R1,264,200 including VAT, while the Tourer Select is priced at R1,360,000 including VAT. Yes, that represents a premium over some competitors, but considering the level of standard equipment – much of which would be costly options on rival vehicles – the value proposition is stronger than the numbers might initially suggest.
Would I choose it over competitors in this segment? Based on my time behind the wheel – particularly on those punishing gravel roads – the answer is a qualified yes. The price premium over more budget-oriented options seems justified by the driving experience, build quality, and comprehensive feature set. Whether that calculation works for your specific needs will depend on how you value the three-pointed star and the engineering behind it.
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