Mercedes-Benz Vito 2021 Review

While vans are pure workhorses, and people-movers are aimed squarely at shifting a crowd, crew vans – like the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab reviewed here – tread a careful line between the two.

In one sense, crew vans are an inherent compromise; in another, they’re the ultimate in flexible transport.

And where the Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab is concerned, to ‘flexible’ add ‘stylish’, and a comprehensive list of features that wouldn’t be out of place in a typical modern passenger car.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito range was last overhauled in 2015 and for 2021 it’s come in for a facelift.

There are a few minor cosmetic tweaks and new paint options, but the major headline is that autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection (aka active brake assist) is now standard across the range, bringing with it blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist.

A new Audio 30 multimedia system with 7.0-inch touch-screen is standard, now paired with an improved reversing camera, and there are new features like the optional digital inside rear-view camera (which displays a wide-angle output on the standard rear-view mirror) and an Intelligent Light System (ILS).

The latter packages full LED lighting with daytime running lights, cornering lights and High Beam Assist Plus, which alters the headlight’s range and distribution according to the conditions.

Our test vehicle, a long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab, features the mid-spec engine rating but came to us with options totalling $7265. The list includes adaptive cruise control ($1500), comfort seats ($600), Obsidian Black metallic paint ($1515), a fixed bulkhead ($1600) and colour-coded bumpers ($600), among others.

That pushes its price from $60,500 plus on-road costs (including GST) to $67,765 plus ORCs, while the rest of the four-strong Vito Crew Cab range spans $58,300 plus ORCs (Vito 116 Crew Cab MWB) to $68,750 plus ORCs (Vito 119 Crew Cab LWB).

The latest update has brought a price rise for many Vito models, which Mercedes-Benz says reflects the increased number of standard features.

The vehicle reviewed here is a five-seater, but a six-seat (3+3) format is also available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito range has a five-star ANCAP rating but it was last tested way back in 2014.

All the staples are there, such as electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags, while the arrival of AEB with blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist across the range is a worthy inclusion.

To the list add items like attention assist, which monitors the driver for signs of fatigue, and crosswind assist, plus a hill holder, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and Active Parking Assist.

Adaptive cruise control and the Intelligent Light System is standard on the top-spec Vito 119, but optional on other grades.

It all adds up to a comprehensive safety package, but family buyers should note that the six airbags only concern first-row occupants – there are no side airbags for the second row.

ISOFIX capsule and child restraint mounting points are, however, provided for two of the three rear seats, and the rear seating can be removed easily for additional storage space, if desired.

Those twin side sliding doors are sturdy things that weigh a bit too – they’re fine for adults but smaller kids will struggle, especially if they’re trying to slide them against a gradient.

It’s all food for thought for business owners thinking about carting the kids around after hours.

As for tech, the Audio 30 multimedia system is an attractive, easy-to-use unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The optional Audio 40 adds integrated sat-nav, but we think most owners will be happy using their phone’s sat-nav instead. There are two USB outlets nearby in the left-hand cubby on the centre stack.

The reversing camera gives a really crisp, clear picture on the 7.0-inch touch-screen and a wide-angle view is also available. A smart parking sensor system, with dash-mounted units that show the remaining distance to any nearby objects, is a clever addition.

As a mid-spec model, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab is powered by a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel with maximum output of 120kW and 380Nm.

A Euro 6 engine that requires AdBlue to meet its strict emissions standards, this van offers thoroughly adequate performance.

It’s no rocketship off the line, especially when heavily loaded, but there’s still punchy performance and good response available across a wide rev range, from say 1500rpm to north of 4000rpm.

It’s relaxed on the open road too, where the engine is spinning at 1700rpm in seventh gear at 100km/h. Redline is indicated at 5000rpm.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab is only available in a rear-drive format with the sole choice of a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Our test vehicle has ‘Comfort’ (standard) and ‘Eco’ drive modes, while manual shifting is available via the paddle shifters.

The transmission does a thoroughly competent job, offering pragmatic shifting that is both smooth and reasonably swift, at least by LCV standards.

Over the course of around 600km of city and freeway driving, and a mix of loads, we achieved a very reasonable average fuel economy of 7.4L/100km. That equates with a safe range of around 900km.

Need more (or less) performance? The entry-level (and front-drive manual) Vito 111 CDI produces a claimed 84kW/270Nm from its 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, while the Vito 119 CDI – which shares its 2.1-litre engine platform with the Vito 116 CDI – produces a potent 140kW/440Nm.

For a long-wheelbase van the turning circle is relatively tight, at 11.8m, while the steering box is short at 2.75 turns lock to lock. Indeed, negotiating tight confines is simple thanks to the high-resolution reversing camera display and the comprehensive parking sensor set-up.

In terms of load lugging, the load bay in our 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab would have to be one of the neatest and well-equipped we’ve seen.

The optional fixed bulkhead adds an additional layer of safety and the synthetic flooring is sturdy and quite grippy. The optional LED light strip over the rear aperture is a great addition.

In this long-wheelbase format, there’s 4.1 cubic metres of cargo volume in the back, plus a maximum payload limit of 837kg.

We loaded 650kg into the back and with a 95kg driver behind the wheel, the Vito handled the load – roughly 90 per cent of its payload limit – impressively well.

The rear aperture is large – roughly 1250mm high by 1540mm wide – and there are numerous sturdy tie-down anchor points. Our test vehicle also featured an optional rail load securing system, adding an extra layer of flexibility.

While the tailgate offers some weather protection, it can lead to clearance and forklift access issues – fortunately, our forklift had extended tines. Barn doors are also available.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab has a maximum braked towing limit of 2500kg.

As a light commercial vehicle, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab effectively blurs the line between utilitarian workhorse and passenger car comfort.

While the front doors could open a little wider to ease access, hopping behind the wheel reveals an attractive, stylish and highly functional cab that is classy yet should stand up to the rigours of working life well.

The attractive, leather-wrap steering wheel adds to the quality feel. It’s adjustable for both tilt and reach, and the optional ‘Comfort’ seats in our test vehicle, with folding arm rests and electronic lumbar support, make finding a comfy position quick and simple.

The cab isn’t entirely without its idiosyncrasies, however. The position of the ignition, to the left of the steering column, takes a little getting used to (no push-button start, either). There’s an old-school manual foot parking brake and there’s no dead pedal for the driver (it’s on the passenger side, a remnant of the conversion to right-hand drive).

Similarly, the on/off and volume dial for the multimedia system is on the far side of the unit. Not that any of these foibles are deal breakers, by any stretch…

Vision from behind the wheel is excellent and the instrumentation is attractive and intuitive to use. The same can be said of the Audio 30 multimedia system, which is mated with quality speakers.

Cab storage is also good – there are bottle holders in the sizeable front door side pockets, three dash-top trays, a decent-sized (and lockable) glove box and a very handy tray (with 12-volt socket) at the base of the centre stack. The latter is great for throwing your wallet, phone and keys in when you first climb aboard.

And there are two cubbies halfway up the centre stack, one with twin USB outlets.

In general, it’s a well-thought-out space.

Vibration and harshness is damped down to an absolute minimum, while in-cab noise levels are relatively low given the Vito’s commercial underpinnings.

There is some road noise, especially over coarse-chip surfaces, and a bit of engine noise on harsh acceleration, but we’ve sampled worse in a van. The fixed bulkhead helps in this regard.

Overall, it’s difficult to fault the Vito’s handling, which remained composed and compliant with a heavy load, and wasn’t particularly harsh even when unladen. It’s a quality ride, largely free of the jitters displayed by many LCVs over average surfaces.

And the van’s driver assistance features certainly help take the strain out of the driving task. The adaptive cruise control is efficient and effective, and parking the 5370mm-long vehicle is a snap thanks to the camera and sensors and the Active Parking Assist, which self-guides the van into a parking spot.

Yes, there are cheaper crew vans out there, but the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab is an impressive, highly functional and flexible LCV.

Its smart and stylish exterior is complemented by a raft of driver comfort and convenience features, yet it’s a capable workhorse with solid load-hauling credentials.

A vehicle like this could well suit some buyers better than, say, a dual-cab ute, the Vito offering superior second-row comfort and the added security of an enclosed load bay.

Family buyers, however, will need to consider the safety implications of the second-row seating – many of today’s lifestyle-oriented dual-cab utes come with second-row side head airbags.

For business owners looking to make a bold statement, however, the Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab is both sophisticated and utilitarian in the one seamlessly integrated package.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab LWB cost?
Price: $60,500 (plus on-road costs); $67,765 (plus ORCs, as tested)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 120kW/380Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 180g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2014)