Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz Vito Turns 30: A Legacy of Versatility and Innovation

Thirty years ago, Mercedes-Benz redefined the midsize van segment with the launch of the Vito. Designed for professionals and built with purpose, the Vito quickly became synonymous with versatility, reliability, and forward-thinking engineering. Today, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Vito remains a pillar of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ lineup — evolving across three generations while staying true to its core: serving the working world, one city block at a time.

A Van Born for Purpose

Launched in 1995, the first-generation Vito introduced an entirely new concept in the 2.6 to 2.8-tonne class. Compact yet capable, it offered a cargo volume of nearly 5 m³, a payload of up to one tonne, and an exterior height under two meters — perfect for squeezing into multistory parking garages. Powered by efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, the front-wheel-drive platform proved a hit among tradespeople and urban businesses alike, earning the prestigious “Van of the Year” award in 1996.

By 2003, Mercedes-Benz had sold nearly half a million units.

Second Generation: More Power, More Capability

The 2003 second-generation Vito marked a leap forward. Rear-wheel drive became standard across all variants, improving load capacity and road handling. An all-wheel-drive version, a first in its class, further expanded the model’s utility. Buyers could now choose from three lengths, two roof heights, five engine options, and a host of equipment packages — a sign of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to tailoring the Vito to diverse industries.

In a significant step toward sustainable transport, the Vito E-CELL debuted in 2010. This small-series battery-electric model offered a 130 km range and became a favorite among courier services, paving the way for the fully electric eVito that would follow years later.

Third Generation: Electrification and Advanced Safety

The third-generation Vito, launched in 2014, brought modern styling, more space, and a trio of drivetrain options: front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive. With increased length and a payload capacity of up to 1369 kg, it balanced utility and comfort like never before. Safety also became a standout feature — the Vito Tourer introduced up to eight airbags and innovations like Crosswind Assist, unique in the segment.

2018 saw the launch of the eVito, Mercedes-Benz’s first mass-produced fully electric midsize van. Designed with urban mobility in mind, it offered zero-emissions capability for delivery fleets and commercial shuttle operators.

By 2020, the Vito had embraced further technological enhancements: the OM 654 diesel engine family, 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, DISTRONIC distance assist, and AIRMATIC air suspension all elevated the driving experience.

Today’s Vito: Digitally Connected, Electrically Driven

In 2024, Mercedes-Benz gave the Vito a major technology and comfort update. The introduction of the MBUX infotainment system and expanded safety suite — including Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function and Lane Keeping Assist — aligned the Vito with the brand’s premium passenger car offerings.

The current eVito takes electric mobility to a new level. With a WLTP range of up to 480 km, full connectivity, and a host of digital extras, it stands ready to serve urban logistics with zero local CO₂ emissions. Pricing starts at €43,055.51 including VAT, while the combustion-engine Vito begins at €32,284.52.

Built in Vitoria: The Birthplace of a Legend

From day one, the Vito has rolled off the line at Mercedes-Benz’s historic Vitoria-Gasteiz plant in Spain. Named after its birthplace, the van is a product of craftsmanship honed over more than seven decades. With 4,800 employees and over 373,000 m² of production space, the factory is now preparing for the future. In 2026, it will begin producing next-generation electric vans based on the VAN.EA platform.

A Word from the Top

“Over the last 30 years, the Vito has proven to be a true all-rounder for professionals,” says Sagree Sardien, Head of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes‑Benz Vans. “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.”

As the Vito enters its fourth decade, it continues to evolve — cleaner, smarter, and more connected than ever. Whether as a fleet backbone or a custom upfit solution, it remains an essential partner to industries worldwide. In the ever-changing world of mobility, the Vito doesn’t just keep up — it leads.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz VLE: A Silent Revolution in Motion

In 2026, Mercedes-Benz Vans will launch what may very well become a defining benchmark in electric mobility: the all-electric VLE. More than just a new model, the VLE marks the start of a bold new era for the brand, blending the comfort of a luxury limousine with the flexibility of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

With room for up to eight passengers, the VLE portfolio promises to cater to a wide spectrum of drivers – from active families and leisure adventurers to discerning VIP shuttle operators. As always with Mercedes-Benz, customer value takes center stage. That means design, function, and usability aren’t just buzzwords; they’re guiding principles.

A New Breed of Van

What sets the VLE apart is its ability to bridge two automotive worlds: premium driving dynamics and MPV-like versatility. The result is a vehicle engineered to glide with the grace of a limousine while accommodating the practical demands of everyday life.

But this isn’t merely a vision. The VLE is already proving its mettle in rigorous real-world testing, excelling in three key areas of development.

1. Wind Tunnel Excellence

In the hallowed halls of Mercedes-Benz’s wind tunnel in Stuttgart, early VLE prototypes faced brutal aerodynamic scrutiny. Despite wearing heavy camouflage and test extensions, the all-electric van demonstrated outstanding efficiency. Credit goes to its sleek silhouette, defined by a taut roofline and gently tapering rear. The drag coefficient results were, according to engineers, “remarkably impressive” – an essential factor in both performance and range.

2. High-Speed Precision in Nardò

On the sun-baked tarmac of Nardò, Southern Italy, the VLE was pushed to its limits. Here, engineers fine-tuned the electric drivetrain at high speeds, optimised recuperation strategies, and perfected thermal management systems. The role of rear-axle steering was also put under the microscope – all in pursuit of enhancing agility and stability, even under intense dynamic conditions.

3. Real-World Range Confirmed

Perhaps the most telling test came in the form of a nearly 1,100-kilometre journey from Stuttgart to Rome. With only two brief 15-minute charging stops, the VLE underscored its practicality for long-distance travel. Whether navigating autobahns, winding mountain passes, or Italian city streets, the van handled the trip with ease – proving its value for families, adventurers, and professionals alike.

Modular Future: One Platform, Two Directions

The VLE will be the first model to debut on Mercedes-Benz Vans’ all-new, modular and scalable architecture. This platform not only supports electrification but also allows clear segmentation between luxury private models and commercial transporters.

The VLE will represent the luxurious, family- and leisure-oriented side, while its sibling – the VLS – will carry the torch for high-end MPVs. Together, they will redefine the van segment, offering tailor-made solutions for modern mobility.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz Advances Automated Driving with Real-World Data Collection

In a strategic leap toward safer and smarter roads, Mercedes-Benz has announced it will begin leveraging sensor and video data from its customer fleet starting in late July 2025. The goal is clear and ambitious: bolster the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving functions with real-world data, while upholding the highest standards of data privacy and ethics.

The initiative is part of the brand’s contribution to “Vision Zero”—the European Union’s long-term target of eliminating all road fatalities by 2050.

“We want road traffic to be safe for everyone. The prerequisite for this is high-quality data,” said Renata Jungo Brüngger, Board Member for Integrity, Governance and Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz. “Driving assistance systems and automated functions can only react reliably if they have been trained with realistic and diverse data.”

From Test Vehicles to the Real World

Historically, Mercedes-Benz has relied on data gathered through its global fleet of test vehicles. But as urban environments grow more complex, the Stuttgart-based automaker is now turning to its real-world customers to fill critical data gaps. These include atypical traffic conditions, rare road user behavior, and temporary infrastructure like pop-up cycle lanes or event-related diversions.

With user consent, customer vehicles will collect data based on specific events—such as sudden braking or unusual pedestrian movement. These recordings, stripped of identifying details, are then anonymized and processed centrally to enhance machine learning models. The result: ADAS systems that can better recognize vulnerable road users like children, cyclists, or those with limited mobility, and respond more intuitively in complex traffic scenarios.

Privacy and Consent at the Core

Mercedes-Benz is taking a proactive approach to digital ethics. The company emphasizes its commitment to “Privacy by Design” and “Privacy by Default”—principles that ensure data protection is embedded in both the hardware and software architecture from the outset. Customers will have full control over their participation, with the option to opt out at any time.

In addition, road users who may have been recorded by customer vehicles can contact the company with time and location details to request deletion of imagery, adding an extra layer of transparency and accountability.

Beyond the Vehicle: A Broader Vision of Safety

This initiative doesn’t just aim to improve safety within the vehicle—it has the potential to inform broader traffic planning and infrastructure decisions. With better data on near-miss scenarios or high-risk intersections, urban planners could redesign spaces to prevent accidents before they happen.

Real-time insights from the customer fleet will also be fed into over-the-air software updates, helping to futureproof Mercedes-Benz’s ADAS offerings without requiring physical hardware changes.

Building Digital Trust for a Connected Tomorrow

As vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous, trust becomes the bedrock of adoption. Mercedes-Benz is positioning itself as a leader in responsible innovation, bringing together engineers, legal experts, ethicists, and compliance officers to ensure new technologies are as trustworthy as they are groundbreaking.

“In the era of data-driven mobility, transparency, control, and consent are non-negotiable,” said Brüngger. “Our customers and all road users can rely on us.”

With this move, Mercedes-Benz is not just evolving its technological capabilities—it’s reshaping the social contract between carmakers and society. By treating data not only as a tool but as a responsibility, the company is steering the automotive industry toward a future where innovation and integrity go hand in hand.

Source: Mercedes-Benz