The Mercedes-Benz eVito electric van has only been on sale in the UK since early 2020, and already Mercedes is making some changes. This partly reflects updates to the regular Vito diesel range, and partly reflects customer demand.
As a result, entry-level pricing for this Mercedes electric van has increased, you will get more van for your money – making it better value than before. But before you ask, no, there isn’t yet any extension to the eVito’s modest 92-mile driving range.
Mercedes refers to the new version as the ‘eVito evolved’ – keep reading to find out more.
>> Sign-up for the Parkers Vans and Pickups newsletter
What’s new for the evolved eVito?
The main difference is that Mercedes has dropped the entry-level Pure specification, which means the cheapest version you can buy now is the Progressive. Maintaining the choice of two trim levels in the UK, however, Mercedes has now added a Plus Package above the Progressive instead.
But because nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems, the ‘new’ Progressive has also had some stuff removed – which you now only get via the Plus Package. The obvious examples of this are the body coloured bumpers and the 75mph speed limiter.
So although Mercedes says the change is largely down to customer demand (almost no-one bought an eVito Pure), anyone buying a Progressive now won’t be getting quite the same thing as buyers of the original version.
As for general visual updates, Mercedes has changed the eVito’s grille, which now features chrome fins. You may need to be some kind of forensic scientist to spot this difference at a casual glance, however.
So what do you get as standard equipment now?
The evolved Mercedes eVito Progressive now comes with the following standard equipment highlights:
- Audio 30 infotainment system with touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Air-conditioning
- Eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Dual passenger seat
- Locking glovebox
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Driver and passenger airbags
- Heat-insulating glass
- Heated electric door mirrors
- Reversing camera
- Aerodynamic underbody panelling
- Double locks
- Hill-start assist
- Mercedes Pro Connect
- Alarm
Items in bold indicate upgrades over the previous eVito Progressive model.
The Mercedes eVito Plus package is based on the Progressive but adds the following:
- Parktronic parking sensor displays
- Electrically folding door mirrors
- Full wheel covers
- Body-coloured bumpers
- 75mph speed limiter
Aside from the Parktronic kit, all of these items were previously included on the standard Progressive model. A fair exchange for the extra items the Progressive now includes? We think so. The upgraded infotainment and security features are surely preferable to painted bumpers, right?
Both versions come with a three-year subscription to the Mercedes Pro Connect connectivity suite.
There are no changes to the performance and driving range?
At this stage, no. You still get an 85kW (equivalent to 115hp) electric motor with 300Nm of torque, and enough battery capacity to drive a claimed 92 miles per charge – defined by WLTP standards using the E driving mode; efficiency can be maximised further by using the power-reducing E+ setting if required.
Similarly, the eVito remains available in a choice of two body sizes: Long (L2) and Extra Long (L3). These offer 6.3 cubic metres and 6.6 cubic metres of space, respectively, and have maximum payload ratings of 905kg and 890kg. That’s slightly down from before.
The eVito can only do AC charging, which means it has no rapid charging capability. A full charge therefore takes six hours at best using a three-phase wallbox charger. A suitable 8m charging cable is included.
How much does the eVito cost?
Prices for the new Progressive model start at £40,895, while the Plus Package costs from £42,015.
This is actually a reduction in price for the Progressive model of over £700, making the evolved eVito even better value.
Both figures are before VAT and the government Plug-in Van Grant.
Before you take the plunge, however, consider that there are medium-sized electric van rivals now which cost less, carry more and drive further – see the Parkers Award-winning Vauxhall Vivaro-e, Peugeot e-Expert and Citroen e-Dispatch.
Also read:
>> Our full Mercedes-Benz eVito review
>> Our full Volkswagen e-Transporter review
>> The Parkers guide to electric vans
