Mercedes-Benz eVito

Mercedes has updated its all-electric Vito. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The third generation version of the mid-sized Mercedes Vito van can be ordered with this all-electric eVito model, now fitted with a larger 66kWh battery. That's boosted range to 162 miles between charges, which might well be fine for some urban operators, who'll like the high quality, strong residuals and impressive standards of safety and media connectivity.

Background

We expected the eVito to set a fresh standard for all-electric vans and had good reason to do so, having quite recently reviewed the EQV, the all-electric version of that V-Class MPV we mentioned earlier, whose design this Mercedes van shares. The EQV has a 100kWh battery that develops a 201hp total output and can offer a claimed driving range of up to 213 miles between charges - the kind of thing that's currently unknown amongst all-electric LCVs.

That's a pricey confection though, pricier than Mercedes thinks operators will be prepared to stomach, so the eVito instead gets a battery not much more than half the size of its People Carrying counterpart - 66kWh - linked to an electric motor with a far more modest 116hp output.

Driving Experience

You'd expect an all-electric Vito to be uber-refined, which of course it is. And it's quite nippy, thanks to a 116hp electric motor with up to 360Nm of torque. But you might also expect it to go further on a single charge than it actually does. The 66kWh battery manages up to 162 miles - though that's a big improvement on the limited 92 mile range achieved by the little 41kWh battery fitted to the original version of this model. The current quoted range remains rather limited compared to this model's Mercedes EQV People carrier cousin; but it's now competitive compared to direct EV mid-sized van segment rivals.

Those who take the plunge into eVito ownershp will quickly need to assume mastery over the various provided drive settings if they're to maximise the range possible. There are three eVito drive programs - 'C', 'E' and 'E+' - which alter the drive system to cut power use (the top speed is limited to 75mph anyway) while optimising ancillaries to boost efficiency. At the same time, you'll be using the provided steering wheel paddles to cycle through four brake recuperation levels, which are badged 'D-', 'D', 'D+' and 'D++'. With 'D-', you get so much braking resistance when you come off the throttle that you hardly ever have to use your left foot. At the other extreme, in 'D++', the eVito will coast with virtually no off-throttle resistance at all.

Design and Build

Once seated aloft, you'll find a cab that's immaculately constructed and typically functional. The smarter black 'Caluma' seat fabric looks nice; and the brand has standardised an 8-way-adjustable 'Comfort'-spec driver's seat. Plus there are smart 'turbine'-style air vents and a large 7.0-inch cetre-dash infotainment screen including 'Apple CarPlay' / 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. You get the usual two-person passenger bench seat but there are no fold-down tables or pop-out clip boards of the kind competitors offer. Still, the instruments you view through the classy three-spoke steering wheel are clear and concise and build quality is class-leading.

On top of the dash, there are cupholders to the far left and the far right and in between lie three large open stowage areas, each partly covered at the top to prevent windscreen reflection. Open cubbies flank the ventilation controls on the centre console, with a further open stowage area beneath the gearstick. The door pockets are spacious and versatile too, with a small shelf halfway up for little items and a bigger one further down that can take larger things like drink bottles of up to 1.5-litres in size.

Market and Model

The eVito is offered only with this model line's two longer body lengths (L2 and L3), but uses the same main trim level - 'Progressive'. Prices start from around £44,000, excluding VAT and OLEZ grant contribution.

Standard equipment includes front fog lights, twin sliding side doors, heated powered mirrors, Hill start assist to stop you from drifting backwards on uphill junctions, plus a full steel bulkhead, along with a tough composite wood/resin non-slip floor in the loadbay and a proper full-sized spare wheel to go with the standard 16-inch steel rims. All eVito buyers also get a 'SPEEDTRONIC' variable speed limiter with cruise control and heat insulating glass. There's also an 8-way-adjustable 'Comfort'-spec driver's seat and a 7.0-inch central infotainment screen, complete with a DAB tuner, Bluetooth and 'Apple CarPlay' / 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and a useful feature that direct rivals will make you pay more for - a rear view camera.

Practicalities & Costs

The all-electric eVito gets a 3.2-tonne Gross Vehicle Weight as standard and delivers payload capacities of between 890 and 905kgs, depending on body length. It comes in two forms; an L2 variant which gets 6.0m3 of load volume and 2,831mm of length. Or an extra long L3 version, which gives you a spacious 6.6m3 and 3,061mm of loadbay length.

This eVito model's 162 mile range reading is a combined figure. It would rise in urban use, but fall on the motorway. All these eVito mileage stats are based on use of the eVito's balanced drive mode 'E'. There's also a range extending 'E+' drive mode, which is supposed to help facilitate a longer range when combined with an anticipatory driving style. From a charging point, to replenish the 65kWh battery. Mercedes quotes a 35% recharging time of 35 minutes at a rapid charging point; it's six and a half hours using an 11kW wallbox.

You'll also want to know that there's an unlimited mileage three year warranty with 12 years of anti-perforation cover. Plus you get the unique Mercedes-Benz MobiloVan UK package with offers 24hour roadside assistance cover for up to 30 years, providing you get your vehicle regularly serviced one of Mercedes' franchised dealers.

Summary

In many ways, we like the eVito; it's well made, the media and safety systems are impressive and the carriage capacities remain pretty unaffected by the battery installation. It's hard to ignore that still relatively restricted 162 mile driving range though. If all your business does is low mileage urban deliveries, that may not. Those who do take the plunge though may find lots here to like.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Mercedes eVito

CATEGORY: VAN - MEDIUM

PRICE: from £40,895

WLTP DRIVING RANGE: 92 miles

LOAD CAPACITY: 6.0m3-6.6m3

PAYLOAD: 890-905kgs

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm TBC