When Mercedes-Benz streamlined its V-Class lineup last year, leaving only the top-tier V300d, it effectively priced many buyers out of the market. At nearly R2.3 million, the luxurious family van became a dream for most rather than a driveway reality.

Contents

But Mercedes-Benz has since introduced a more budget-friendly solution — the Vito Select — a versatile and family-friendly alternative that still wears the iconic three-pointed star with pride.

A New Spin on the Vito

Traditionally known as the brand’s hardworking commercial van, the Vito has been refined into the Vito Select, a model aimed squarely at family and leisure use without losing its utilitarian DNA. The Select comes in two distinct versions:

Vito Mixto Select — a five-seater with a generous 4.1m² cargo area.
Vito Tourer Select — an eight-seater offering 1.7m² of load space at the back.

Flexibility is a key highlight, with both versions featuring configurable seating arrangements — you can slide or remove seats entirely, tailoring the interior to meet passenger or cargo needs.

Balancing Price and Prestige

At R1,264,200 for the Mixto and R1,360,000 for the Tourer, the Vito is positioned well below the V-Class but still above mainstream people-movers like the Ford Tourneo, VW Kombi, and Hyundai Staria. However, the Vito Select leans toward the premium side of the spectrum, offering a high level of standard equipment that many V-Class buyers previously had to pay extra for.

Performance and Practicality

Under the hood, both models share the same robust setup: a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine generating 140kW and 440Nm of torque, mated to Mercedes’ refined 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels, providing smooth acceleration and impressive long-haul comfort. The van also boasts service intervals of 25,000km, making ownership just as practical as the drive itself.

Stylish Yet Subtle Design

The Vito makes a strong first impression with its blacked-out trim, chrome accents, and signature multibeam LED headlights. The Mixto’s body-coloured panels are disguised by glossy black stripes, giving it a cohesive, sleek appearance that matches the blacked-out side windows of the Tourer variant.

Wheel designs add to the aesthetic: two sporty five-spoke options mixing brushed aluminum and black are available, while the Tourer also offers an elegant 20-spoke alternative at no additional charge. The color palette has expanded too, with Vintage Blue and Alpine Grey joining classics like Obsidian Black Metallic and Graphite Grey Metallic.

Cabin Comfort and High-Tech Features

Inside, the Vito Select’s black leather seats, piano black inserts, and brushed chrome accents echo its premium aspirations. While the plastic surfaces still lean toward the utilitarian, the model redeems itself with modern conveniences such as keyless entry and start — something even the older V-Class lacked.

The centerpiece of the cabin is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX interface with built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and electric sliding doors all add to the Vito Select’s creature comforts. Safety isn’t left behind either, with advanced driver aids like active lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, attention assist, and a 3D surround-view camera system.

Road-Tested for Real-World Adventures

During a recent 300km road trip through KwaZulu-Natal, the Vito Select proved its mettle as a smooth, capable cruiser. The combination of a torquey diesel engine, supple suspension, and higher-profile tires made light work of both highways and light gravel roads — all without the need for an all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes claims an average fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km, further bolstering its appeal for budget-conscious families seeking premium quality without excessive running costs.

The Verdict: A Practical Mercedes-Benz Family Van

In today’s economy, where affordability is becoming as important as luxury, the Vito Select strikes a compelling balance. It delivers much of the comfort and tech found in the V-Class, wrapped in a more down-to-earth package — both in price and design.

If the V-Class is the “S-Class of vans,” the Vito Select might just be its more approachable younger sibling — offering big family comfort, modern amenities, and Mercedes-Benz prestige, all without breaking the bank.

Vito Select Pricing (April 2025):