Six or seven seats come as standard in most markets. The Viano can be turned into an eight-seat people carrier by fitting two three-seater benches in the rear. All rear seats slide in increments, recline and can be turned to face one other. They can also be folded down or removed completely to increase the load capacity. A rear folding table is standard in six- and seven-seat layouts. The rear seats cannot be folded into the floor like on some rivals. With all the seats removed the Viano Extra-Long can accommodate up to of cargo with a payload of . It can tow a braked trailer and a unbraked trailer. An adjustable self-levelling rear suspension is included on higher specification models. Rear-wheel drive allows the Viano to have a smaller turning circle than front-wheel drive rivals; Compact and Long models have a turning circle of whereas the Extra-Long model turns in . Japan passenger models were sold as the V-Class, as the V 350. Early models included V 350 Trend (RHD), V 350 Ambiente (RHD), V 350 Ambiente long (RHD). In 2012, Mercedes-Benz released the Valente model in Australia to sit beneath the Viano as the entry-level passenger van.
Initial release Vito The Vito was launched in China in April 2010. Engine choices consisted of the 2.1 litre
OM646 turbo diesel four-cylinder, the 2.5 litre
M272 diesel V6 and the 3 litre diesel V6 which also uses the M272 name. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard for four cylinder diesel variants while V6 diesel variants are equipped to a 5 speed automatic gearbox. Trims levels are available known as the 2.1T Diesel Elite. 2.1T Diesel Service, 2.5L Elite, 2.5L Service, 3.0L Service and 3.0L Business. Pricing ranges from 316,000 yuan to 389,000 yuan (46,000 to US$55,830 - March 2020 exchange rate). For actual car badging, the 2.1 litre Diesel models were known as the 115 CDI, the 119 for 2.5 litre V6 models and the 122 for 3 litre V6 models. The W639 Vito was then succeeded by the W447 in 2016 although most Vitos of the W639 variant are still in use for the Chinese market as of 2020 as ambulance vans in Beijing. The second generation
Mercedes-Benz Vito design that is more streamlined than its predecessor, powered by a new range of engines, and a
rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain. The angle of the
windshield and
A-pillar is closer to
horizontal; the
dashboard is bigger and the
bonnet (hood) smaller. The new Vito is available in three different lengths and four diesel engine versions: the 109 CDI, 111 CDI, 115 CDI (all powered by a 4-cylinder 2.2-litre engine) and the 120 CDI (featuring the 3.0-litre V6 unit). The model numerics relate to their engine power output: currently the 109 has , the 111 has , the 115 has , and the 120 has . Blue-efficiency technology is optional. The vehicles have a new 6-speed manual gearbox gear ratios designed for fuel economy. The second generation Vitos are
Euro 3 compliant (additionally Euro 4 compliant as of November 2006) and exempt from the
Low Emission Zone in London, which requires commercial vehicles (vans) to reach at least Euro 3 standard from October 2010.
Vito London Taxi In August 2008, a variant of the Vito was approved by the
Public Carriage Office for use as a licensed London '
black cab'. The Vito taxicab includes electric sliding doors, electric steps and seating for six people. The Vito's rear-wheel steering enables it to meet the PCO's strict
Conditions of Fitness requirements including a turning circle and wheelchair accessibility. The vehicle, a variation of the 'Traveliner' model, is built by Penso in Coventry. The rear wheel steer system is licensed from one80, and it is distributed through Eco City Vehicles subsidiary KPM-UK Taxis. The new Taxi does not perform the famous U-turn in the same way as the TX and Metro models, instead it incorporates an electrically operated rear wheel system, activated by a button adjacent to the steering wheel. This turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus allowing the Taxi to perform the same tight turning circle as the TX and Metro models. This system is only possible when the vehicle is traveling at less than , and if the vehicle goes over this speed while the LSM is active, it is deactivated, and the wheels straighten up. It is longer and wider than the TX models, but travelling through tight spaces is aided by the electric folding wing mirrors, which as of 2009 are standard.
Viano Marco Polo In some countries a camping derivative is available - known as the Marco Polo - equipped with a galley (including gas stove, sink, 40 L fridge, and storage), multi-function wardrobe and a sliding bench seat in the rear which can be turned into a large air-sprung bed. A pop-up roof is also standard (electric assist is optional) providing standing height inside. An additional bed can be fitted in the pop-up roof area to increase sleeping capacity to four individuals. Fresh water and waste water tanks are accessible from outside the vehicle, while the gas-cylinder bay is hidden inside an interior cupboard. An auxiliary battery is included under the front passenger seat. Up to six optional individual seats can be fitted for maximum MPV flexibility, but only four seats (including the two-seater bench mentioned above) can be used when in camping mode. The Marco Polo was designed and created in partnership with
Westfalia just like Volkswagen camper vans were until 1999, when Daimler AG bought a controlling stake in the conversion company meaning Volkswagen had to continue converting their commercial vehicles into camper vans alone. This is a rival for the
Volkswagen California as they both have similar layouts.
Viano X-Clusive (2008–2010) This edition was only available in European markets from 2008 to 2010 with either a petrol or diesel V6 engine. It was available in either Brilliant Silver or Obsidian Black metallic paint, and featured a redesigned radiator grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust tailpipe, side skirts, and unique front and rear bumpers. The interior had pebble or anthracite coloured 'Twin' leather seats and a choice of grey or brown burr walnut wood accents.
Engines Environmental impact EcoTest analysed the emissions from the EU4-compliant 2.0 CDI and 2.2 CDI manuals and the EU5-compliant 2.2 CDI TouchShift; the results are below: Next Green Car - an expert environmental organisation that analyses official vehicle emissions data rated the Viano. These Green Ratings (from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest)) are listed below:
Reviews The Mercedes-Benz Viano has received mixed to positive reviews from the motoring press. The van-based design is seen as a blessing by some critics and a failing by others. As of July 2010 reviews for the facelifted Viano are not available. •
AA, The 'Image is everything in the world of business and it should come as no surprise that the Viano is the big cheese in the executive travel world.' •
Autocar 'Still more van than MPV. Airport transport.' • ''
Parker's'' 'Pros: Capable of carrying eight in comfort, massive and versatile interior, superb diesels'.'Cons: Sheer size makes it difficult to manoeuvre, can't hide commercial vehicle origins.' •
RAC 'With its rare combination of spacious seating and generous luggage capacity, the Viano is a paragon of practicality...' •
What Car? 'For - Comes with a choice of two wheelbases and three body lengths, plus a variety of seating arrangements and plenty of space inside. The sliding rear side doors ease access.''Against - It's an expensive option, whose van roots show through in some areas. The engines are noisy and it's not easy to use the car's full versatility...' •
Yahoo! Cars "Most MPVs never make that much sense because when full of people there's nowhere for the luggage to go. No such problem exists with the vast Viano."
Motorsports • 2006: The Viano was a support vehicle in the
Dakar Rally for the
Mercedes-Benz Service and Kwikpower team. • 2009: The Viano claimed victory in the
SUV category in the 19th
Rallye Aicha des Gazelles with Irishwoman Jeanette James as pilot and Frenchwoman Anne-Marie Ortola as navigator.
2010 facelift Viano Changes to the Viano range include standard BlueEFFICIENCY technology, new interior trim materials, new ambient lighting system with dimmable individual LED reading lamps and fibre optic units, optional rear seat entertainment system, redesigned cockpit, new suspension with front and rear axles revised and specially tuned to match each specific model and EU 5 emission standards compliance. The facelifted range included four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines rated at to (CDI 2.0, CDI 2.2, CDI 3.0, 3.5). A four-wheel drive (4MATIC) is optional on models with 4-cylinder diesel engines. In normal operation the system transfers driving power in a 35:65 split between the front and rear axles. The 4MATIC system does not have mechanical differential locks, but an electronic traction system (4ETS). If one or more wheels loses traction on a slippery surface, the system applies brief pulses of brake pressure to the spinning wheels thus increasing torque to wheels with good grip. Vehicles with four-wheel drive have a higher ride height, which increases approach, departure and breakover angles (20°/28°/19° respectively, versus 14°/22°/14° in conventional rear-wheel-drive models). The all-wheel drive adds to the total weight of the vehicle.
Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz Viano Kompakt CDI 3.0 V6 Ambiente (W 639) – Frontansicht, 1. Juni 2013, Ratingen.jpg|Front (short) Mercedes-Benz Viano Kompakt CDI 3.0 V6 Ambiente (W 639) – Heckansicht, 1. Juni 2013, Ratingen.jpg|Rear (short) Mercedes-Benz Viano Lang CDI 2.2 Trend (V 639) – Heckansicht, 8. September 2013, Bösensell.jpg|Rear (long, still SWB)
Facelift 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano (V 639 MY12) Edition 125 CDI 3.0 BlueEFFICIENCY van (2015-07-24) 01.jpg|Front (Viano long, still SWB) 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano (V 639 MY12) Edition 125 CDI 3.0 BlueEFFICIENCY van (2015-07-24) 02.jpg|Rear (Viano long, still SWB) Mercedes-Benz Viano Kompakt CDI 3.0 V6 BlueEFFICIENCY Ambiente Edition (W 639, Facelift) – Heckansicht, 13. Februar 2011, Mettmann.jpg|Rear (Viano short)
Vito The facelifted version of the Vito began from September 2010, and features restyled front and rear lights, restyled front bumpers, and more-efficient diesel engines adapted from the
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range. The Vito's suspension, instrumentation, steering wheel, and overall quality of materials was also improved. Early models included Vito 110 CDI, Vito 113 CDI, Vito 116 CDI, Vito 122 CDI, Vito 126, with 3 body lengths (compact, long, extra-long).
Pre-facelift 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 CDi Compact 2.1 Front.jpg|Front (Vito) 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 CDi Compact 2.1 Rear.jpg|Rear (Vito)
Facelift 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDi facelift 2.1.jpg|Front (Vito) Mercedes-Benz Vito Kastenwagen Lang 122 CDI Effect (V 639, Facelift) – Heckansicht, 8. September 2013, Bösensell.jpg|Rear (Vito)
Vito E-CELL (2010–2012) , during
Open Days (
Brussels, 5 October 2010) ;Overview Earlier limited-production and prototype Mercedes-Benz efforts to provide battery-electric delivery vans included the 1972 LE 306; the
T1-based 307 E (1980) and 308 E (1988); the
MB100 E (1992); the
Sprinter 308 E (1995); and the Vito 108 E (1996). The E-Cell was unveiled in 2010 Post Expo, powered by a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the underfloor unit, electric motor rated and of torque. In 2012 a seven-seater Vito E-Cell was unveiled at the
2012 Geneva Motor Show with the same powertrain. The Vito E-Cell was discontinued in 2012, with Mercedes-Benz citing low demand. ;Production The Vito E-Cell is the first
electric vehicle mass-produced in Spain. It will be fabricated by
Mercedes-Benz Spain, in the
Vitoria-Gasteiz factory. Mercedes-Benz has chosen Vitoria as the exclusive fabrication site for the electric van; the E-Cell will be assembled alongside conventionally-powered Vito and Viano vans. Mercedes-Benz expected 100 E-Cell vehicles to be produced by the end of 2010 and a further 2,000 by the end of 2011. The UK market was allocated 50 vehicles for the first year. All customers are to be vetted to ensure suitability and must return the van after four years to Mercedes. The first manufactured units (91 already) were presented on 7 February 2011. The goal is to produce 474 units by the end of the year. Most of them will be sold to foreign companies (mainly in Germany;
Berlin and
Stuttgart), though the
Basque supermarket gamble
Eroski has got four vans for distribution duties. Last year, the government made a plan in order to encourage this kind of cars. 590 million € will be funded, from which 7 have gone to the 'E-Cell' project. This project will also be supported by the Basque and German governments. ;Drivetrain The Vito E-Cell utilizes a unique front-wheel drive setup to save installation space for the 36-
kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed underneath the van's cargo area. Energy to move the van is stored in an
electric battery. This battery is placed under the chassis (where the
petrol tank and the
prop-shaft are normally), while the electric traction motor, the transformer, and the charger are located in the engine's usual position, under the hood. The traction battery is split into 16 modules with 192 cells in all, with high energy density and a rated voltage of 360 volts. Gross battery capacity is 36 kWh, 32 kWh of which are available for the vehicle operation. The batteries weigh ; their life is unknown. They are supplied by the company
Magna, and they give the Vito E-Cell an estimated maximum range of ,
Transmissions Performance All Viano and Vito engines conformed to
Euro 5 emission standards.
Security The Viano was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:
Environmental impact EcoTest analysed the emissions from the EU4-compliant 2.0 CDI and 2.2 CDI manuals and the EU5-compliant 2.2 CDI TouchShift; the results are below: Next Green Car - an expert environmental organisation that analyses official vehicle emissions data rated the Viano. These Green Ratings (from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest)) are listed below: Two updated camper vans were launched at the 2013 Caravan Salon; the Fun and Marco Polo.
Engines UK models included only 2.2 CDI (long/extra long), 3.0 CDI (long/extra long).
Transmissions Production As of 14 November 2013, Daimler's van joint venture Fujian Benz Automotive Co. (FBAC) has secured an order by the Dalian Wanda Group comprising 85 Mercedes-Benz Viano 3.0L vans.
Safety Two head-on airbags and (on higher trim levels) front side airbags are fitted as standard, with front window airbags available as an option.
Electronic stability control (ESP),
traction control system (ASR),
anti-lock braking system (ABS),
electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and
brake assist (BAS) are all fitted as standard. If BAS is activated, the hazard lights flash to warn following motorists that the Viano driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre. Each seat is fitted with a three-point seatbelt with belt tensioner and force limiter and an adjustable head restraint. The Viano underwent the
Euro NCAP car safety tests in 2008 and achieved the following ratings: The
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) also tested the Viano and gave it a score of 32.66 points out of 37. It is the only van in Australasia to achieve the maximum five-star rating. ==Third generation (W447; 2014)==