Mercedes eVito Tourer Review
In a world where electric people carriers are about as rare as hen's teeth, the Mercedes eVito Tourer boldly steps into the limelight, ready to tackle the challenge of transporting larger groups in an electric vehicle.
With its flexible 9-seat minibus-like design it offers plenty of space but is it a practical solution for the masses for an expensive vehicle aiming at a very small niche? Let’s find out.
RRP From : (inc.VAT) £ 62,964.00 / RRP of test vehicle (inc.VAT) £ 70,416.00
The eVito looks to fill a gap, a large scale people mover with battery power rather than traditional diesel powerplant but aside from its likely appeal to taxi operators is this a niche to far?
Looks-wise, the front end exudes sleekness with its bold grille and stylish headlights. Yet, the rear appears somewhat boxy and plain, while standard 17-inch alloy wheels ensure smooth rolling.
Range & Charging
According to the specs, this eVito boasts a range of around 221 miles. However, my real-world test in chilly, rainy March conditions saw a commendable 190 miles covered, even with the air conditioning running. Impressively, charging times for this vehicle are remarkable for its class, achieving an 80% charge in just 40 minutes. That's scarcely enough time to sip on a leisurely coffee and savour a sandwich so those of you with range anxiety shouldn't be overly worried - the estimated range on the dashboard seems quite true to life, something of a rarity in commercial EVs at least.
Space
Comfort and space are in no short supply here. The eVito Tourer graciously accommodates up to nine adults, offering a versatile seating arrangement meaning the middle row of seats can accommodate rear or forward-facing positions to suit your particular needs. Although the cabin might not dazzle with flashy aesthetics, it excels in practicality and durability. With ample legroom and generous luggage space, particularly in the longer version, it's a practical choice for those needing to haul both people and cargo. The seats can even be entirely removed to unveil a vast load bay which is more than capable of accommodating very large items, the real boon here is that even with all 9 seats in place the luggage/load capacity remains very generous.
The rear seats are configurable to be either forward or rear facing and, indeed, removable.
Cargo space is very generous, even with all 9 seats in place.
Tech
When it comes to technology, the touchscreen interface is ok, if a little long in the tooth and I would certainly suggest connecting your Android Auto or Apple CarPlay rather than relying on the standard infotainment functions, it all just feels a little outdated until you plug in your phone. Disappointingly, many safety features are optional extras, despite the vehicle's hefty price tag. It's concerning that even basic features like a reversing camera aren't standard on a vehicle of this size - I have top say that it feels like a glaring oversight by Mercedes-Benz.
Nice enough interior but standard tech levels let it down, especially given the high price point.
Driving
On the road, the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer impresses with its quiet and comfortable ride, devoid of the kind of fatigue often associated with driving commercial vehicles. Compared to its diesel counterpart, it's quiet, comfortable, responsive and a genuine pleasure to drive - something I didn’t expect to be saying about what is essential a 5.4m long van.
Driving this thing really is not a chore.
Verdict
So, in summary? While it's undeniably a solid package, the absence of some standard options feels like a significant misstep given its price range. With its decent real-world range, comfortable interior, and smooth driving experience, it ticks many boxes; however, starting from £63,640 (our review model was even pricier at circa £70k), it's certainly not a budget-friendly option and lacks why we see as fairly basic standard equipment on this kind of vehicle. Furthermore, unless you're primarily engaged in airport taxi runs, the Mercedes EQV might offer a more compelling value proposition, despite it’s heavier price tag.
Quality? Absolutely, there's no doubt about it; yet, the target audience for the eVito Tourer remains somewhat ambiguous. Nevertheless, for those willing to invest, the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer could serve you well - but why no bloody reversing camera as standard!?
For the latest Lease prices on an eVito - click here to check out LeaseLoco
Note: 2024 sees the launch of a new facelifted Mercedes eVito Tourer which should come with a more generous standard spec and updated infotainment offering. This could mean some bargains are available for this used model so keep your eyes peeled
| Drivetrain | Battery, Charging, and Range | Weights and Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| E-Motor power | Battery capacity, installed | Vehicle length |
| 70 kW (long run) | 100 kWh | 5,370 mm |
| 150 kW (temporary) | Battery capacity, available | Seating capacity |
| E-Motor torque, max. | 90 kWh | 9 |
| 362 Nm | Charging power and time | Gross vehicle weight |
| Maximum speed | DC 110kW: 40mins (10-80%) | 3,500 kg |
| 100 mph* | AC 11kW: 10hours (10-100%) | |
| Drive | Driving range, combined | |
| Front-wheel drive | 220 miles, WLTP combined |