Mercedes Vito gets a version with an AMG look but the same mechanics as always

Mercedes-Benz has launched the Vito Sport-X, a new top-of-the-line version of the van sold exclusively in the United Kingdom, which gains a body kit, hood stripes and bucket seats without touching a single piece of mechanics. The model arrives at British dealerships in September, starting at 56,995 pounds — about R$ 403 thousand without taxes.

The British market has a peculiar appreciation for sporty-looking vans, and the German automaker has decided to capitalize on this demand. The Vito Sport-X starts from the Select configuration of the Vito Crew Van and receives what Mercedes describes as motorsport-inspired styling – in practice, a visual package reminiscent of AMG with no technical relation to the high-performance division.

19-inch wheels and no fake diffuser

The front bumper has been redesigned, with larger air intakes and an integrated splitter. The grille has a honeycomb pattern and bears the X emblem, and decorative stripes run along the hood. In profile, side skirts and Sport X stickers in matte black come in, but the highlight is the 19″ alloy wheels, black with white rings. The rear is more discreet: roof spoiler, darkened LED taillights and the Sport-X inscription on the lid. Mercedes did not appeal to a fake diffuser, and the exhaust outlet is still hidden under the bumper. There are eight body colors, including the Alpine gray from the photo series.

Inside, the one-piece front seat gives way to two bucket seats with integrated headrests and Sport-X identification. The upholstery combines black eco-leather and dark gray suede, with orange stitching that is repeated on the three seats in the second row. The equipment list is generous for a utility: heated seats and steering wheel, electric adjustment with memory, wireless charger, reversing camera, some driving assistants and anti-theft package. Still, the screen of the multimedia center is small and the panel is covered in hard plastic — far from the refinement of the V-Class, which shares the same base.

Diesel with 190 hp and 733 kg load

Under the hood there is no surprise. The 2.0 turbodiesel engine delivers 190 hp and 44,9 kgfm, associated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in exactly 10 seconds. There was no change in suspension or direction.

The vocation of work also remains intact. The Sport-X is offered in L2 and L3 lengths, with a removable rear seat, a load capacity of up to 733 kg, 4.1 m³ of cargo compartment space and a trailer of up to 2,500 kg. Competition in the stylized SUV segment is numerous and includes the Volkswagen Transporter Sportline, the Vauxhall Vivaro GS, the Fiat Scudo Onyx sisters, Peugeot Expert Sport and Citroën Dispatch Sport, as well as the most aggressive of all, the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.