Mercedes-Benz van models: What are the different types of Mercedes vans?

The commercial van industry has its fair share of market leaders, although there are a select few who rank higher up the hierarchy than others. One of those is German stalwarts Mercedes-Benz. And the Mercedes-Benz van models have a lot to offer.

The Stuttgart-based company are world-renowned for their class across all departments having sold the most vehicles in the world across 2018 with 2.3million vehicles – and with their van sales hitting around 400,000 in 2021, they are exponentially growing in the van segment as they aim to improve themselves year upon year.

But how have they exceeded so well in recent years, and which models are their best sellers? Popularity is a large factor in driving total sales, although some models go under the radar and can leave people confused as to what suits them best.

Which Mercedes van model would be right for you and your personal or business use? Here, we highlight the Mercedes-Benz van models we have available to buy or lease at Hippo Leasing.

Mercedes-Benz Citan

We start off with the Citan, which is relatively new in terms of the van industry itself.

Brought into the mix in 2012, it takes inspiration from the Renault Kangoo due to Daimler – who own Mercedes – having a partnership with Renault-Nissan, and their superb sales taking to dealerships and factories across the world saw Mercedes try their hand.

Becoming Mercedes’ first ever small van, it’s now a leader due to the prestige of the brand as a whole as even overtook its predecessor. That is set to continue in the coming years with Mercedes having released a second generation of itself in 2021; and when you compare that to the old version, it is no wonder the Citan is looked at as one of the more popular models across the world.

Boasting a towing capacity of 750kg with an unbraked trailer and double that amount with a braked trailer, a maximum speed of 113mph and just a consumption of 40mpg in the new 113 131HP version, the Citan has leapt from being a very respected option to being a top dog.

Elsewhere, its new, sleek design oozes elegance and professionalism, unlike other small vans on the market, which will almost inevitably look to be ‘the part’ and for budding owners that wish to make the step up, the Citan should be at least on the shortlist.

Of course, there are drawbacks as there is with every vehicle; other smaller vans do boast a higher payload which may ultimately be a huge factor in your decision should you wish to use the Citan for practical reasons primarily, and that unfortunately does incorporate a smaller load space which may put potential investors off.

However, the positives massively outweigh the negatives, and as a smaller van you do know what you’re getting with Mercedes – for image, quality, and easiness in terms of driving, you really will struggle to top the Citan.

Mercedes-Benz Vito and eVito

If you’re looking at the Citan for being the new, fresh-on-the-market option, then the Vito is the olden day classic that continues to impress.

Introduced in 1996, the Vito (of V-class as it is better known for vans with passenger accommodations) was introduced as one of the leading large MPV’s at the time. With updates in 2004, 2010 and 2014, the Vito has been a market leader for quite some time as it always seems to be fresh in the minds of prospective buyers and again, it is clear to see why.

It comes in four trims; Panel, Crew, Tourer and Taxi, tailored to your very needs, and with the 2022 update massively impressing customers with its sharp and refined looks, there is a Vito for every situation.

Elsewhere, with a 5140mm length, it almost weighs in and beats the XL Version of other competitors such as the Citroen Dispatch – and a 2000kg towing capacity weight isn’t bad either for a model that continues to impress year upon year.

An alternative, eco-friendly option is available too – in the shape of the new eVito with a first edition that took to the roads in 2010.

With a 36kwh battery, 3.0 CDI touchshift that boasts a maximum of 224hp and a lifespan that can last up to an average of 162 miles, the eVito is a seriously reliable choice for eco friendliness, too.

If you’re looking for an MPV that is versatile, reliable, slick to look at and even smoother to drive, then don’t look further than the Vito family.

You can find the Vito here on our website, for a minimum of just £907 per month including VAT.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and eSprinter

The Sprinter is the archetypal van that has dominated the large van scene for years now. Formed in 1995, the switch from Mobility to Transfer, Travel and City has seen the Sprinter become massively versatile across all walks of life.

With 2.1l to 3.0l engines to choose from, you can find up to 3,175kg of maximum payload weight in a top-of-the-spec model with refined diesel engines, albeit with light steering which makes the Sprinter an absolute dream to navigate.

Competing with the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Crafter and Renault Master, Mercedes’ wish for excellence can be seen in the new mk3 model – and at prices of around £27,000 brand new, it represents good value for a true market leader.

Again, much like the eVito, the eSprinter is superb alongside its diesel/petrol counterpart as it uses the same motor and battery as the eVito with a range of close to 90 miles; enough for at least a two-hour drive.

Of course, that has its downside with a poor payload and stop-start efficiency in built-up areas…although with a smooth driving style, it is clear to see why it has been a runner-up in the Parkers Van of the Year award.