Mercedes-Benz Vito 2021: Apple CarPlay and extra safety tech added to van

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Mercedes-Benz Vans has updated the popular Vito in Australia this week with Apple CarPlay connectivity and additional safety technology.

The move comes just months after last year’s version of the Vito managed only a bronze result on an ANCAP crash-avoidance test that demonstrated the relative safety of different commercial vans on the market.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito van is now fitted with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with the ability to detect pedestrians and cyclists as standard, building on other tech such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist which are also now standard.

High and low-speed adaptive cruise control have also been made available for the Vito but remain a cost option, while the quality of the standard-fit reversing camera has also been improved.

If ANCAP’s late-2020 test was run again today, the updated Vito would better satisfy the criteria regarding the inclusion of standard safety technology.

The Vito continues to carry an official five-star ANCAP safety rating that was awarded in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Vito in short, medium and long wheelbase variants. With body styles options including the Panel Van, the Valente eight-seater and the dual-purpose Crew Cab that seats up to six people with the option to remove the rear bench for added storage space.

Mercedes-Benz offers a choice of three engines with the 114 CDI turbodiesel four-cylinder making 100kW of power and 330Nm torque now dropped from the lineup.

The range starts with the front-driven 111 CDI 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel option in Vito Panel Van form, making 84kW/270Nm coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. 

Vito Panel Van buyers can also opt for the more powerful rear-driven 116 CDI and 119 CDI 2.1-litre four-cylinder engines making 120kW/380 Nm and 140 kW/440Nm respectively. 

Mercedes-Benz has coupled those engines with a seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission and they remain the only two options for the Vito Crew Cab, while the Vito Valente is matched exclusively with the 116 CDI.

The exterior of the Vito has been modernised with a redesigned grille with a chrome outline on each of the three gills running horizontally through the centre. Buyers can also upgrade from the redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels to a choice of two 18-inch options.

In line with the likes of Volkswagen who have modernised the interior of their vans, Mercedes-Benz has fitted a seven-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Vito 111 CDI Panel Van – short wheel base: $42,900
• Vito 111 CDI Panel Van – long wheel base: $45,100
• Vito 116 CDI Panel Van – medium wheel base: $53,900
• Vito 116 CDI Panel Van – long wheel base: $56,100
• Vito 119 CDI Panel Van – medium wheel base: $62,150
• Vito 119 CDI Panel Van – long wheel base: $64,350
• Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab – medium wheel base: $58,300
• Vito 116 CDI Crew Cab – long wheel base: $60,500
• Vito 119 CDI Crew Cab – medium wheel base: $66,550
• Vito 119 CDI Crew Cab – long wheel base: $68,750
• Vito Valente – medium wheel base: $65,800