‘Benz reveals updated mid-size van range

MERCEDES-BENZ VANS has revealed its new EQV, V-Class and V-Class Marco Polo (passenger van) range this week alongside a “sharpened” eVito and Vito (commercial range) duo.

It is the last major reveal for the mid-size Mercedes-Benz Vans range ahead of its move towards a VAN.EA electric format from 2026.

Offering renewed design, additional comfort and amenity, and even more safety and technology, the five newcomers mark “an important step” for both the business, and Mercedes-Benz Vans customers.

At this stage, however, the German manufacturer has not announced any mechanical or driveline upgrades, saying these will follow closer to the vans’ launch in Q1 next year.

Mercedes-Benz Vans says the new midsize van range marks “an important intermediate step” on its path towards electrification and says it believes some 50 per cent of the segment will be electrically powered by the end of the decade.

“We want to offer the most desirable vans and services and play a pioneering role in e-mobility – from MPVs to motorhomes and commercial vans,” explained Mercedes-Benz Vans head of sales and marketing, Klaus Rehkugler.

“Our new mid-size van models are another step towards achieving this goal. The more mature luxury positioning of the EQV and V-Class and the sharpened premium character of the eVito and Vito will enable us to increase our focus on high-margin regions and sectors.”

From the outside, the ‘V’ range is characterised by a new frontal treatment with a “striking” S-Class inspired grille and “powerfully drawn” bumper. Depending on trim, the grille is surrounded by an LED light band while the flagship V-Class Exclusive features an upright three-pointed star on the bonnet for the first time. Mutlibeam LED headlights are available through the range.

At the rear, the range includes LED tail-lights and a new bumper design. Marco Polo variants include a new chrome trim with Mercedes-Benz lettering across the tailgate. The upgraded look is finished with the introduction of aerodynamically optimised alloy wheel designs in 17-, 18- and 19-inch formats, as well as five new paint colours.

Stepping inside, the interior receives a new instrument panel with a touchscreen, new air vent design and new steering wheels with capacitive hands-off recognition. EQV, V-Class and Marco Polo variants feature dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays.

The new centre console offers wireless phone charging while, depending on variant, we find keyless start, a heated steering wheel, dimmed rear lighting and 64-colour LED ambient lighting for a “more individual and homely atmosphere”. In addition, an electric parking brake is now available on all automatic variants.

For the tech-savvy owner, the Mercedes-Benz mid-size van portfolio is now equipped as standard with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience) infotainment system – a first for eVito and Vito.

On the safety front, Mercedes-Benz Vans has extended the level of safety and assistance technology fitted to its updated range. The AEB system is enhanced with junction assist and forward cross-traffic alert is also available.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has not indicated whether its updated vans will be retested by EuroNCAP (and ANCAP Safety). Last assessed in 2014, the range achieved a five-star safety rating. However, with a six-year period of validity, the ANCAP rating for the range is now expired.

For 2024, V-Class, EQV and Marco Polo variants score Attention Assist, Headlamp Assist with rain sensor, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Park Package with 360-degree camera.

For eVito and Vito, Attention Assist, Headlamp Assist with rain sensor, cruise control, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and a reversing camera are now standard.

“The new private and commercial mid-size vans offer a significant upgrade in terms of design compared to their predecessors,” said Mercedes-Benz Group chief design officer, Gorden Wagener.

“The V-Class is the Mercedes of MPVs. Just as the S-Class defines its segment, the V-Class is the benchmark in its segment. We are now expressing this grandeur even more in our luxury variant of the V-Class EXCLUSIVE with a status-oriented limousine radiator featuring  a star on the hood.

“The entire new front design with a large radiator grille and  LED light strip, confident-looking headlights and black high-gloss connecting element is a striking statement of status and progressive luxury. Its aesthetic has a very special magic that touches emotionally and exerts a great attraction. We want to design and build the most desirable vehicles.”

Mr Wagener said the move to offer more luxury from its mid-size van range was important to both private and business customers, who seek not only a comfortable and competent package, but increasingly one with passenger car levels of safety and technology.

“Mercedes-Benz is the most valuable luxury automobile brand in the world. We want to use this radiance of our brand even more effectively for both private and commercial vans,” he said.

“The new mid-size vans show this very impressively with their design, their perceived value, their comfort, and their operating and display concept. With the style of our house, our design philosophy of sensual purity, we can create a high recognition value that is typical of Mercedes and at the same time create very individual product personalities.

“Our customers should enjoy the unique feeling of being at home – whether in a luxury limousine or in a commercial van.”

The updated Mercedes-Benz EQV, V-Class, Marco Polo, eVito and Vito will be launched in Europe in the first quarter of 2024 with Australian deliveries to take place shortly thereafter.