Mercedes-Benz has announced that its Vito van will now available with a new, more powerful and efficient four-cylinder engine, that comes from from the powertrain portfolio of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The change takes effect for all vehicles produced from this month (March 2022) onwards, with first vehiclesexpected to arrive for sale in May.
Benz Vans say the new OM 654 engine will be available with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission as standard, replacing the current 7-speed, giving the Vito a wider ratio spread which it says should result inimproved drive quality and fuel efficiency.
The company says the new engine uses a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) design, which it has positioned closer to the engine block which Benz says will cause it to reach optimum operating temperature faster, to increase efficiency.
The engine uses an all-aluminium construction with a low cylinder spacing of 90 mm, and a camshaft drive atthe rear, with Lanchester balancer shafts on the left and right, next to the crankshaft instead of beneath it, which it says provides a compact and light design contributing to engine durability and reliability.
Benz claims \that the engine has Improved noise and vibration characteristics making it ‘pleasantly quiet insidethe vehicle’ and reducing disruptive vibrations.
The new engine will be standard on all Vito 116 and 119 variants with the Vito 116 delivering 120kW of power and 380Nm of torque, while the Vito 119 delivers 140kW and 440 Nm.
The entry level Benz Vito 111 continues with the older OM 622 engine with a 6-speedmanual transmission and 84kW of power and 270Nm of torque.
With the change in engine all Vito 116 and 119 variants now come equipped with added standard features including Distronic, tinted windows, comfort seats, rubber floor mats.
The repowered can range has increased in price with the entry level 111 model now starting at $44,058 up $1158 on the 2021 price, while the new engine 116 and 119 models start from $57,763 for the 116 medium wheel base van (up $3863 from the old engine model) up to $72,921 for the 119 Crew Cab.
The company has also announced it is changing the name of its passenger carrying people mover version, which until now was known as the Valente, but will now be called Vito Tourer, which also gets the new OM654 engine and 9-speed auto.
The new name aligns with the Mercedes’ global naming for its Vito people mover line and in particular, the battery electric eVito Tourer, due later this year.
The Vito Tourer has risen in price over its predecessor, the Valente, with the new van having an rrp of $70,336, a rise of $4,536 on the old model.