New 2024 Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Vito revealed

A heavily facelifted version of the current third-generation Mercedes-Benz V-Class people-mover and Mercedes-Benz Vito van have emerged in Europe ahead of an Australian launch next year.

Easily identified by the external styling overhaul, the medium-sized people-mover and delivery van also benefit from a freshly updated interior with enhanced levels of comfort, safety and connectivity.

For the 2024 Mercedes-Benz V-Class range, which includes both the battery-powered EQV and the V-Class Marco Polo, the German car-maker says the commercial-based wagons now have a more luxurious and passenger-car-like feel in a bid to broaden their appeal.

Based on the W447 V-Class introduced in 2014, the new family of vans is required to soldier on until at least 2026, when the all-new VAN.EA architecture comes into effect.

The latest front-end design is dominated by an enlarged radiator grille surrounded by an illuminated LED light band. Plump for the Exclusive trim and you even get a bonnet-mounted Mercedes star for the first time.

As part of the facelift, multi-beam LED headlights are available as an option.

At the rear there’s a new bumper and darkened tail-lights with new LED light signatures.

Prominent MERCEDES-BENZ lettering has also been added, along with the choice of aerodynamically optimised 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus the choice of five new paint colours.

Advanced cabin tech

Inside, the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz V-Class features a redesigned instrument panel with a fresh touch-screen that runs the latest MBUX software.

For the first time, the EQV, V-Class and V-Class Marco Polo come with dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays.

The new infotainment system is a big step forward over the outgoing series as it includes music streaming, navigation with augmented reality, plus the ‘Hey Mercedes’ on-board assistant that can tell you the weather, locate a charging point or help you find a restaurant for dinner in the location you’re travelling to.

Even the Vito and e-Vito don’t miss out on the new digital screens, with the delivery vans coming standard with a 10.25-inch central touch-screen and a new instrument cluster that incorporates a new central 5.5-inch display between the speedo and rev counter.

Thanks to the new MBUX processing power, up to seven profiles can be stored per van, each remembering previous navigation destinations or favourite radio stations, and working with the Mercedes me app.

The same system offers new maintenance, accident and breakdown management, as well as remote locking, unlocking and opening and closing of the windows.

Live traffic information and car-to-X communication is also possible, helping fleet operators keep tabs on where the van is at any given moment.

The same system now allows the integration of third-party apps, which is a considerable benefit to courier and postal companies who will no longer need to fit additional touch-screens as data can now be displayed via the Vito’s standard 10.25-inch screen.

Another benefit of the new tech is it can use apps to monitor other aspects of the vehicle. If there’s a refrigerated cargo space behind the cab, the MBUX can help the driver ensure the load area remains at an optimum temperature.

Keyless entry/start is also a new option, while a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, new auto-dimming rear cabin lighting for driving at night and 64-colour ambient interior lighting are also available.

Practicality has been boosted by the V-Class and EQV now coming standard with a sliding door on the left-hand side as well as the right.

All models now come with an electric parking brake as standard with the automatic transmission.

Advanced new driver assistance systems have been added, with the Vito and eVito getting driver fatigue detection, automatic headlights, active cruise control and updated AEB with cross traffic assist.

Blind spot assist, active lane keep, a reversing camera and Intelligent Speed assist are also offered.

The V-Class family takes things further with semi-autonomous cruise and an auto-park function that includes a 360-degree overhead view.

The parking pack also introduces a trailer manoeuvring assistant with a trailer hitch.

Powertrain options

Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm powertrains for the new V-Class or Vito, but the current range of petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines are expected to carry over, combining with a seven-speed or nine-speed automatic (depending on the model) and a six-speed manual where available.

In our market that means the V-Class will likely come with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing either 140kW or 170kW and pairing with a nine-speed auto.

The Vito should offer power outputs ranging from 120kW to 140kW, with all versions coming with the nine-speed auto.

The payload for either the medium- or long-wheelbase van will range from around 1024kg to 1077kg, with a 3050kg gross vehicle weight.

The EQV, meanwhile, is expected to pack a large 90kWh battery and be driven by a single 150kW/362Nm electric motor that combines brisk acceleration with a theoretical range of up to 405km.

The eVito is due to come with a development on the current van’s 85kW/360Nm single motor that, combined with a 60kWh battery, provides for a range of around 260km.

The eVito Tourer will once again bag a more powerful 150kW/385Nm e-motor combined with a bigger 90kWh battery that enables a claimed 420km range.

Australian specification, pricing and launch timing are not yet locked in, but right-hand drive production of the facelifted V-Class and Vito begin before the end of the year, so expect our vans to land in the first half of 2024.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced which vehicle will debut its dedicated all-electric VAN.EA architecture coming in 2026, but the new range of battery-electric vans will be capable of covering around 500km between top-ups and come with single-motor/front-drive and dual-motor/AWD layouts.

The next-generation commercial vans should also come with Level 2 autonomous driving technology that will be upgraded to Level 3 by the end of this decade.

The ultimate aim, according to insiders, is to roll out a fully autonomous Level 4 van that is capable of operating in any environment without a driver onboard.

Those vehicles will be specially developed to be used by the ride hailing app industry.

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