Half luxury van, half double cab, meet Merc’s Vito Mixto
Some may say that a double-cab bakkie has its limitations. Like there’s no need to go four-by-fouring anyway and that most bakkie owners never even get of the tarmac anyway. Others may not be so convinced about the safety and security of a canopy, tonneau cover or roller cover. And then there are those who simply prefer the ride of a van over a bakkie.
For them, this Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto Select may just be manna from heaven. Targeted at ‘private’ customers, this five-seater targets the active family or team with abundant space and versatility. And all with the expected safety, quality, style, and the necessary premium a Mercedes-Benz brings.
The new two-vehicle Vito Select line-up joins the illustrious ultimate luxury van V -Class on Mercedes-Benz’ passenger van range. Vito Select focuses more on versatility and play than just luxury and grace. Available in a full bus or this Mixto 5-seater, Select brings a more virile, dynamic and engaging, yet still premium experience.
Mixto packs five passengers and a huge load
Boasting a contemporary Mercedes van looks with multibeam LED headlights each side of that chrome grill and fully-specced cabin Mixto accommodates five passengers in luxury and style while still offering a generous 4.1 cubic metres of load volume in the back. There is a splendid level of spec, but there’s more to it than just that.
Powered by Benz’ 140 kW 440 Nm MU6 turbodiesel turning the front axle through the expected Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, Mixto’s overdrive traits reduce engine speed to enhance driving quietness, comfort and significantly, fuel economy. Our tests recorded performance figures as good as an average double cab bakkie too.
Capable or taking a 4.1 cubic meter load, or up to 1350 kg, Mixto will tow a 2500 kg braked trailer. That load bay is far more practical than a bakkie’s, can carry bigger objects safer and more secure, and is easier to load too. We also enjoyed the Easy-Pack tailgate.
Mixto matches most double-cab traits
Braked trailer capacity, while adequate, is however a third off the average top-end double-cab bakkie. And we’d prefer to at least have the option of a cab to bay separator. Mixto also matches most top end bakkies in spec and kit, although the more modern among them may look a bit cooler inside.
Vito’s newly redesigned dash gets 10.25-inch MBUX touch display multimedia centre stage. Packing CarPlay and Auto and wireless smartphone charging, all the necessary goodies are there. Like most Mercs, Vito Mixto sadly lacks enough buttons and knobs to operate coherently. There’s My Mercedes. But that’s another discussion all on its own!
Luxurious Mixto certainly is, with power memory black faux leather upholstered seats a heated multi-function steering wheel, a power and power sliding doors too. Never mind keyless starting, electric parking brake and hill start assist and a new double cup-holder in centre console too.
This latest Vito bus packs it all in
Don’t forget the Attention Assist driver assistance either. It’s all there, from active lane keeping to, blind spot and cruise control and even a self-park system. Goodbye big bus manoeuvring angst! Add anti-theft protection and an emergency call service and you quite literally have it all in your Mixto bus.
Mixto Select is also impressively customisable. It comes in eight colour options including this new vintage blue, sticker packs like this, and two practical 17-inch wheel variations. Just to be sure that your Mixto is likely different from the next motocross, polo or soccer mum’s!
Mercedes says that Vito Mixto Select broadens its quality private van and bus range to satisfy even more diverse lifestyles and customer needs. Through a combination of functionality, style and versatility, all to Mercedes-Benz standards. It’s more than just a van, they say. Mixto offers it all to seamlessly adapt to your lifestyle.
Lika any Mercedes, there’s a Mixto premium
Our only Mercedes-Benz Vito Select Mixto concern, is the premium it comes at. Look, most buyers will shrug that off, because quite simply, it’s a Mercedes-Benz. But the whole Hilux range is pretty much under a million. And they’re Toyotas, after all. Never mind top 4-pot Rangers and Amaroks also undercut this by hundreds of grand.
But then, a van like this also offers more tech and practicality, with more space and versatility, seats can be removed and more. So it’s essentially better than a double cab in every way except for off-road use. But the majority of double cab owners likely don’t drive off road anyway.
So if you’re looking for something a little different and you’re tired of that old double cab and all its cliches, and you’re prepared to pay a little Mercedes premium, we’d say you wouldn’t do too badly going to take a look at one of these at your local Benz store. If anything, this Vito Select will Mixto it all up! – Michele Lupini
Images & Testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz Vito Select Mixto
Engine: 140 kW 440 Nm 2-litre turbodiesel I4
Drive: 9-speed automatic FWD
Load Capacity: 4.1 m3
Payload: 1350 kg
Braked Towing: 2500 kg
TESTED:
0-60km/h: 3.92 sec
0-100km/h: 9.86 sec
0-120 km/h: 14.07 sec
400m: 16.8s @ 131 km/h
80-120km/h: 7.47 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 195 km/h
Fuel: 7.2 l/100km
CO2: 186 g/km
Range: 700 km
Warranty/Maintenance: 5y 100K/7y 140K km
LIST PRICE: R1.274M
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