2023 Mercedes eVito Van Review

Welcome to my review of the new 2023 Mercedes eVito. This electric van, which sits in the L2 size category, starts at £43,600 plus VAT, with the premium trim model coming in at £46,900 plus VAT. For that price, you're getting 114 brake horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. While the eVito isn't exactly cheap, it's undoubtedly one of the most stylish vans currently available on the market.

If you're looking to switch from a diesel van, the eVito offers a stylish, comfortable ride with plenty of modern conveniences.

Handbrake and Interior Features

First, let's talk about one of the more unique features — particularly for a Mercedes — the handbrake. Like many older Mercedes cars, the eVito comes with a foot pedal handbrake. It’s not the most refined system and has a rather high pedal, which feels a bit odd, especially in a modern vehicle. When you release it, the sound is far from subtle.

Moving on to the battery, the eVito is equipped with a 66 kWh battery that offers a WLTP range of 162 miles. However, the placement of the charging port seems peculiar — it’s located in a spot that feels prone to damage, especially in a commercial van.

One standout feature of the eVito is its sliding doors on both sides, which is a rarity among vans. This dual sliding door setup makes life much easier for those of you in the delivery or pickup business. In terms of capacity, the eVito offers a cargo volume of six cubic meters, a vehicle length of 5.1 metres, and a curb weight just under 2.5 tons. The gross vehicle weight is 3.2 tons, with a payload capacity of 749 kg — Mercedes even includes a 75 kg driver in that figure, unlike some competitors.

Warranty and Financial Benefits

The eVito is backed by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, with the battery covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. There's also a 12-year corrosion warranty. Financially, the eVito is attractive too, being ULEZ-exempt in London, eligible for green plates, and qualifying for OZEV grants of up to £5,000.

Driving Experience and Technology

Now, let's talk about the driving experience. Despite being a modern vehicle, the eVito still requires a key to be inserted into the dash — a somewhat surprising feature in 2023. The dashboard features a dual instrument display with a small digital window providing basic driver information, including range and mileage. However, the battery charge is displayed on an analogue dial, which feels outdated for an electric vehicle.

The infotainment system, the Audio 40, is supposedly an upgrade, but it doesn’t feel like one. The small screen has adequate resolution and brightness, but it’s tiny by today's standards. While it does include a reversing camera and Apple CarPlay, I experienced frequent disconnects with the CarPlay system, which was frustrating.

The eVito's interior is functional, with plenty of cubbies for storage, two USB-A ports, and physical dials for air conditioning controls. The seats are fairly comfortable, but the lack of lower lumbar support is a missed opportunity, especially considering that many van drivers might suffer from lower back issues due to heavy lifting.

On the Road

Once you hit the road, the first thing you'll notice — especially if you're used to diesel vans—is how much quieter the eVito is. Gone is the noisy diesel engine, replaced by a smooth and refined electric motor. However, the lack of insulation between the cabin and the load area means you still get quite a bit of noise from the back. Adding some sound deadening would make a big difference.

The suspension is solid, handling both full and empty loads with ease. The ride is slightly bouncier without a load, but still better than many other vans I've driven. Visibility is excellent up front, and the wing mirrors do their job well. However, in 2023, it would have been nice to see a digital rearview mirror included, especially in a premium van with a Mercedes badge.

Range Considerations

The biggest concern for potential buyers will likely be the range. The 2023 eVito offers a significant improvement over its predecessor, with a range of over 160 miles. However, in real-world conditions with the air conditioning on, I found the range to be closer to 130-140 miles. For long-distance drivers, this might be a deal-breaker. But for last-mile deliveries or local tradespeople, the eVito could be more than adequate.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Mercedes eVito the right electric van for you? If you're looking to switch from a diesel van, the eVito offers a stylish, comfortable ride with plenty of modern conveniences. However, the range may be a limiting factor depending on your use case. Financially, there are potential savings from lower fuel costs and tax breaks, which could make the higher initial investment worthwhile.

To find out the latest lease prices for a Mercedes e-Vito Van, Click here.