Following the launch of its all-new V-Class people carrier earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the Vito mid-size van. Both vehicles share the same bodyshell, but the commercial version is understandably less luxurious and there are some significant specification differences.

The most notable concerns the powertrain. Uniquely for this segment, buyers will be able to choose from front-, rear- or all-wheel drive configurations. However, for the time being at least, the last of those options is being denied to UK operators.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Panel Van (2015) Front Side

Powering the front-wheel drive models is a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The remaining variants meanwhile get the same 2.1 litre unit that’s used in the V-Class. In all, five different outputs are being offered:

Model	Engine	Power	Transmission
109 CDI	1.6 litre	87 bhp (65 kW / 88 PS)	6-speed manual
111 CDI	1.6 litre	113 bhp (84 kW/ 114 PS)	6-speed manual
114 CDI	2.1 litre	134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS)	6-speed manual*
116 CDI	2.1 litre	161 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS)	6-speed manual*
119 BlueTEC	2.1 litre	187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS)	7-speed automatic
* 7-speed automatic optional.

The 2015 Vito will be available in panel van, combi and minibus guises with lengths of 4,895 mm (16’ 1”), 5,140 mm (16’ 10”) or 5,370 mm (17’ 7”). Gross vehicle weights vary from 2.8 to 3.2 tonnes, giving a payload capacity of up to 1,369 kg (3,018 lbs).

A launch date and pricing for the UK have yet to be confirmed. In Germany, though, sales are due to begin in October and there the Vito will cost from €17,990 (excluding VAT).