MB Unveils the Viano and the New Vito

Press Release

• Viano: new MPV range - a worthy successor to the V-Class
• Vito: new model available in Panel Van and Crewbus guise
• Highest levels of safety
• Choice of three vehicle lengths and two wheelbase lengths
• Five engine models combined with rear-wheel drive
• Distinctive Mercedes-Benz design
• Equipment lines and packages tailored to individual needs

Stuttgart - The DaimlerChrysler product initiative continues: the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz Viano heralds the arrival of a complete MPV range to replace the company's previous V-Class, Vito F and Vito Marco Polo models. The new Vito Panel Van and Crewbus models were also integrated into the overall development process. Compared to their predecessors, the new model series cover a far broader range of applications. As a result, there is a choice of three vehicle lengths (4 748 mm to 5 223 mm) and two different wheelbases (3 200 mm and 3 400 mm), with four engine models available for the Viano and five for the new Vito. The engine models on offer include either two or three CDI diesel engines, whose outputs range from 65 kW/88 hp to 110 kW/150 hp, and two six-cylinder petrol powerplants generating 140 kW/190 hp and 160 kW/218 hp, with power being transferred to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Active and passive safety Achieving maximum levels of active and passive safety was given top priority during the integral development of the Viano and Vito. The new rear-wheel drive, for example, offers enhanced traction for all vehicle loads. The decision to mount the engines longitudinally opened up the possibility of further enhancing passive safety at the front end as early on as the design stage. Both Viano and Vito are equipped as standard with disc brakes all round (front: 300 mm x 28 mm internally ventilated, rear: 296 mm x 10 mm solid). The standard specification of all models also includes the ESP® dynamic handling control system, incorporating the ABS Anti-lock Braking System, ASR acceleration skid control, electronic brake force distribution and the hydraulic Brake Assist system. All occupants are kept firmly strapped in their seats by three-point seat belts. Belt tensioners and belt force limiters are also standard for the driver and front passenger, as is a full-size airbag on the driver's side and, depending on the model variant, on the front passenger side too. In addition to this, the list of optional extras includes a twin-size airbag for the front passenger side and windowbags, while the new thorax sidebags are available in conjunction with the optional luxury seats. Characteristically Mercedes-Benz The new design immediately gives away the characteristic Mercedes-Benz breeding of the new Viano and Vito. Compared to the models they replace, the side profile has taken on a noticeably more dynamic form. The headlamps, the radiator grille and the way in which the lines flow harmoniously from the bumper back to the front windscreen and blend smoothly into the side panelling are all unmistakable traits. At the rear of the vehicle, it is the vertical strips of large-sized taillights which really make the new models stand out. The interior specification of the two new models is as refreshingly new as the exterior. Whereas the interior design of the Mercedes-Benz Vito is geared more towards the practical requirements of commercial applications, motorists looking for a little more luxury will find exactly what they are looking for in the Mercedes-Benz Viano. The Mercedes-Benz Viano Thanks to the exemplary ergonomics of the dashboard's design and the logical arrangement of all controls, drivers will instantly be able to find their way around the Viano. The dash-mounted selector lever or gearshift lever is ideally positioned, while the clear gauges and displays of the instrument cluster are placed within easy view of the driver. A multifunction steering wheel is available as an option, and is even fitted as standard on the AMBIENTE line. The generous standard specification can be supplemented to include further optional extras, such as leather-upholstered seats, auxiliary heating or one of the radio and navigation systems on offer. The passenger compartment is fitted with an extremely practical rail system, whose 25-mm hole pattern allows for simple fitting, fore-and-aft adjustment and flexible repositioning of the individual seats and bench seats. In addition to this, both the individual seats and the segments of the bench seats can be folded flat or tilted fully forwards. The seats can be positioned to face in any direction, meaning that a vis-à-vis seating arrangement is also possible. The range of design and equipment lines on offer - TREND, FUN and AMBIENTE - offers customers models which have been specifically geared towards either the needs of families, recreational activities or professional use. The MARCO POLO camper van, which is perfectly suited to daily use too, rounds off the Viano product range. The choice of models for either day-to-day driving, recreational use or luxury motoring combines with the different vehicle lengths which are available to produce a highly versatile product portfolio. Customers are also able to opt for one of the equipment packages entitled Business, Life and Bike, which feature a selection of practical optional extras for specific applications.