Mercedes Vito turns 30

The first generation of the Vito (W638), which debuted 30 years ago, was the first universal model in the history of Mercedes-Benz with front-wheel drive. The multifunctional model, launched in 1995 on the market for light commercial vehicles with a payload of up to one tonne, is compact, fast and economical. With a length of 4.66 m, a height of 1.89 m and a turning radius of 12.4 m, the Vito fits into any garage and is extremely manoeuvrable. Despite its compact dimensions, it offers a load volume of 4.9 cubic metres and a load area of 3.6 square metres magazin de piese auto online.

Mercedes Vito turns 30

The first generation of the Mercedes-Benz Vito was produced until 2003, with the petrol engine range consisting of two old Mercedes units (113 and 114) and one Volkswagen 2.8 VR6, designated M104.900. In terms of diesel engines, the old 2.3-liter with and without turbo (79 hp and 98 hp) as well as the modern 2.2 CDI with 130 hp are available.

The Vito has independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels, power steering as standard, and a combination of ABS and ABD depending on the version.

More expensive and luxurious versions of the Vito were also offered as the V-Class (which was replaced by the Viano name in the second generation of the model). The Mercedes Vito was designed by company stylist Michael Mauer between 1989 and 1991, and the final design was selected and patented in February 1993 as a main competitor to the Citroën Jumpy, Peugeot Expert, Volkswagen Transporter, Fiat Scudo, Ford Transit, Opel Vivaro, Renault Trafic and Toyota Hiace.

As early as July 1996, an electric version of the W638 was offered, designated the Vito 108 E. It is equipped with a three-phase asynchronous traction motor, which develops an output of 40 kW (54 hp) and has a torque of 190 Nm, driving the wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Energy storage is provided by a molten salt battery (sodium-nickel-chloride chemical ZEBRA), located under the rear seat. The traction battery weighs 420 kg, operates with a nominal voltage of 280 watts and has a total capacity of 35.6 kWh, which provides the vehicle with a range of up to 170 km. The Vito 108 E is capable of speeds of up to 120 km/h and can transport up to 600 kg.

A limited series of 108 Es was assembled at the "KEM Research Center for Emission-Free Mobility" (KEM) at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim, but due to the small production scale and high battery costs, the 108 E is estimated to be three times more expensive than a conventionally powered Vito. It is interesting to note that at the same time, the Deutsche Post branch in Bremen has a small fleet of Vito 108 postal vans.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

The first generation of the Mercedes-Benz Vito was produced until 2003, with the petrol engine range consisting of two old Mercedes units (113 and 114) and one Volkswagen 2

The Vito has independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels, power steering as standard, and a combination of ABS and ABD depending on the version