Is it just me… or do there seem to be lots of super-trim medium vans available in the UK? It feels like we’ve only just seen the launch of Volkswagen’s Transporter Sportline, and it was only recently that I reviewed ALL the Stellantis top-spec medium vans ( including the Vauxhall Vivaro GS, Fiat Scudo Onyx and Citroen Dispatch VTR). So, the Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport-X feels very familiar and follows the off-the-shelf custom van playbook perfectly: add sporty aesthetic upgrades, tweak engine power output, add a few new features to the equipment list, insert not-leather seats, and plop a new badge on the back. And if it sounds like I’m being cynical, I’m not trying to because it was comfortable to drive (and be a passenger) and pleasingly powerful… even if the brake pedal was a bit tetchy. While I might not really be sold on these types of mega-spec vans, I really do enjoy driving them and the attention their aesthetic upgrades pull in. But we all know the pricing is where these vans make people tap the brakes and the Sport-X is no different. While standard Vito crew vans usually start around £45K (ex VAT) the Sport-X comes in at a whopping £56K (ex VAT). I think you’ll agree that’s a spicy price, and perhaps only justifiable on finance or a good lease deal. It does look nice though, and it’s clearly meant to be the best version of the Vito you can possibly buy before the new one launches over the next couple of years. But it does serve to illustrate the quandary I always find myself in with these off-the-shelf top-spec custom vans: I want them, but I couldn’t tell you how I’d justify them as my working vehicle.
Initially available as a five-seater crew van in L2 and L3 body lengths, the Vito Sport-X can carry payloads of up to 556 kg in its L2 guise and 733 kg in the L3 models, with load volumes of 3.6 cubic metres and 4.1 cubic metres respectively. Practicality comes from being able to seat up to four passengers plus the driver, some payload in the back, and the removable rear bench seat allows you to create additional cargo space when you need it. It can also tow up to 2,000 kg with the option to increase capacity to 2,500 kg. The loadspace itself is accessed by a nice big tailgate, which we’re big fans of. The 19-inch alloy wheels are probably the least practical addition to a working vehicle, but take one look at the Vito Sport-X and you’ll know it’s not really built with practicality as its primary attribute. It’s built to make a statement.
Expert rating: 3/5
Interior
The premium feel of a Mercedes-Benz van is never more obvious than in the cabin. The Vito Sport-X replaces the standard three-seat front bench fitted to PRO and SELECT models with individual heated sport seats featuring redesigned bolsters, integrated headrests and a debossed Sport-X logo. They are very comfortable and make you feel like you’re driving a leisure vehicle with captain’s chairs. The seat upholstery is a combination of black eco-leather with dark grey suede and orange stitching, and you get branded floor mats fitted throughout. You even get a heated steering wheel covered in controls, including an annoying touch-sensitive volume switch we’ve mentioned in other Vito reviews. The infotainment system and vent surrounds feature piano-black plastics and brushed silver metal detailing, which look nice but don’t half pick up fingerprints. The van’s centre console features storage and wireless phone charging bays, a perfect place to stash your devices while you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto screen mirroring. The cabin is further improved by semi-automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting, footwell and liftgate lighting. It’s very comfortable, full of tech and really feels premium in a way only a Merc van can.
Expert rating: 4/5
Running costs
The price of the Sport-X is quite spicy making this something of a prestigious working vehicle to set your sights on. The acquisition cost can be broken down on finance or a lease, and running one through your business is a good way to reclaim the VAT on it if your business is set up to do so. The van’s fuel economy on the combined city/motorway cycle sits at up to 38.7 mpg, although we saw returns on our test drives of closer to 35 mpg which is pretty good going. If you can work out how to budget for acquisition, it will return on fuel.
Expert rating: 3/5
Reliability
Mercedes-Benz vans have a good reputation for reliability backed up by some excellent aftersales care. Every Vito van is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty and 24/7 MobiloVan roadside assistance (across the UK and Europe). MobiloVan cover is included free of charge during the warranty period and can then be renewed annually at no additional cost when the vehicle is serviced by an authorised Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer or repairer, for up to 30 years from first registration. It’s a good package that offers real peace of mind to drivers considering a Merc van. There are longer warranties available on other vans, but not every van is backed by a service like MobiloVan.
Expert rating: 4/5
Performance
The Vito Sport-X is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine paired up with Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. We found the drive to be responsive and nippy, easily chewing up miles on motorways and negotiating some tight country lanes and town roads. Vito vans have good driving manners, it’s kind of expected, and the Sport-X delivers a little more power than lower trims adding an extra oomph when required. The sporty seats just add to the driving comfort… I mean, it really doesn’t feel like you’re driving a van. The only quibble we have is with the brake pedal, which felt spongy and resistant at the top and required a harder push than we expected to activate fully. It was a bit odd and caught us out a couple of times (and brake pedals aren’t really where you want to experience a quibble) but you’d just get used to pushing harder.
Expert rating: 3/5
Safety
Like reliability, Mercedes-Benz vans have a great reputation for safety. The Vito Sport-X boasts all the usual highlights of a top-spec van including parking sensors, reversing camera, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Assistant, security and theft protection, double-locking, alarm system and interior monitoring sensors. It’s also one of those vans that doesn’t bother you constantly with bings and bongs… even its driver fatigue alerts are dignified. It’s quite a relief to drive something that doesn’t nag me.
Expert rating: 4/5
Equipment
Aside from the equipment highlighted in other sections of this review the Sport-X features a sporty front bumper with integrated splitter, a redesigned front grille, side skirts and a body-coloured tailgate spoiler. Additional exterior enhancements include gloss black mirror caps and door handles, Sport-X decals and badging, and 19-inch diamond-cut black alloy wheels. Paint colours are plentiful with Alpine Grey (the colour of the van we tested) available as standard, with Arctic White or six metallic paint finishes offered at no additional cost.
Expert rating: 3/5
Why buy?
Well… why buy this over really any other crew van unless you want to make a statement or just have to have the three-spoke premium feel inside and out and are willing to pay for it? That question can only be answered by an individual. I will simply double down on my verdict’s closing sentence: this van illustrates the quandary I always find myself in with these super-spec vans: I want them, but I couldn’t tell you how I’d justify them as my working vehicle. If you can and you want it, get it. It really is a very comfortable and plush van to drive.
