Movers and shakers

MERCEDES-BENZ VANS: STYLISH VITO, SPRINTER, eSPRINTER STILL GET THE JOB DONE

- Charl Bosch

Apart from the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz, offerings like the Vito and Sprinter don't get too much airtime because of their commercial orientation.

It was therefore quite rare to get behind the wheel of the entire commercial range in Johannesburg last week, including the newly-launched eSprinter that becomes South Africa's first full-size electric van. Minus the facelift V-Class that will make its market launch at the end of this month, the day involved a short road trip in a trio of Vitos, and a gymkhana-type drive within the confines of the Riversands Business Park in the Sprinter and eSprinter.

Vito

The updates to the van include new front and rear bumpers, a restyled U-shaped grille, new headlights with the first time availability of the MultiBeam LEDs, darkened rear light clusters and nine colours with Alpine Grey and Vintage Blue being the new additions.

Still consisting of three variants; panel van, combination Mixto and the passenger carrying Tourer, the inside updates are equally as prominent as all variants gain black leather upholstery, a new multi-function steering wheel and 5.5-inch instrument cluster display as standard.

In addition to a new dashboard and air vents, plus a refreshed centre console, the MBUX infotainment system finally becomes available housed in a new 10.25-inch display.