Mercedes-Benz has now officially launched its latest London Vito Taxi as an alternative to the traditional black cab – and it’s available to lease from £168 per week with zero deposit.*
Based on the 2015-onwards Vito van, the new Vito Taxi London has space on board for six passengers plus the driver, and comes equipped with electric sliding doors, wheelchair access, seven-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel steering as standard.
‘Significant period of testing’
Cabbies first had access to the new Vito Taxi London at Mercedes’ 2016 VanExperience Live event at the end of June last year, so you might be surprised to learn that it’s only just going on sale in January 2017.
This delay, which also included a more recent marketing campaign giving potential drivers further access, was prompted chiefly by Mercedes’ determination to make sure the new model works as it should, as Mercedes-Benz Vans UK managing director Steve Bridge explained.
‘After a significant period of testing,’ he said, ‘I’m delighted to announce the start of sales – I know there has been a bit of a waiting period while we put the new Taxi through its paces and I thank London’s cabbies for their patience.’
Rear-wheel steering
Patient or not, taxi drivers will presumably be pleased to know that Mercedes has been putting the effort in; rear-wheel steering systems on previous-generation Vito Taxis have a well-documented history of troublesome behaviour.
Development of the system on this new model has been supported by Mercedes’ engineering partner, Penso.
Rear-wheel steering is necessary in London to enable the Vito to meet the 25-foot turning circle mandated by the Public Carriage Office.
The new Vito Taxi is exclusively available in the Compact body-length for the same reason.
Further details about the new Mercedes Vito Taxi London
More than 3,000 examples of the previous London model have been sold since its introduction in 2008, and Mercedes is expecting similar success with the new model.
In addition to the rear-wheel steering, all new Vito London Taxis are equipped with electric sliding doors on each side, both with electric steps to make it easier to get in and out.
Some operators might feel these are just another point of potential failure, but the new cab is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes free emergency roadside assistance.
Air-conditioning for driver and passengers, electric folding mirrors and a fuel-saving stop-start system are all fitted as standard too. The London Taxi is powered by the 114CDI engine, which meets Euro 6 emissions regulations and produces 136hp.
It promises to be more efficient and more comfortable to drive, and service intervals are up to 24,000 miles.
How much does the 2017 Mercedes Vito London Taxi cost?
The full on-the-road price for the Mercedes Vito Taxi London is £47,000, but it’s also available on finance.
The headline £168 a week offer, for example, is a 48-month Mercedes Agility deal that works out at just over £727 per month with annual mileage limited to 30,000 miles, and is available (subject to status) until 31 March 2017.*
Interested? Then you’ll need to speak to S&B Commercials at Welham Green in Hertfordshire, the exclusive Mercedes-Benz supplier.
*Pricing correct at time of writing, subject to terms and conditions. See www.mbvitotaxi.co.uk for full details.
