Driven | Mercedes Benz Vito Mixto Select
Living with the New Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto Select
When people think of Mercedes-Benz, their minds usually drift straight to sleek AMG saloons, towering G-Wagons, or the plush, leather-wrapped cabin of a V-Class. But somewhere in between the pure luxury shuttles and the hard-hat commercial workhorses sits something infinitely more interesting: the new Mercedes-Benz Vito 119 CDI Mixto Select.
On paper, it’s a mid-size crew van. In reality? It’s arguably one of the most versatile, do-it-all vehicles you can hand a driver the key to. Having spent proper time living with the new Vito Mixto Select, one thing became clear very quickly: this isn't just a vehicle you use for work; it’s a vehicle that effortlessly absorbs every single demand your lifestyle throws at it.
Sharp Presence, Van Dimensions
First impressions count, and Mercedes-Benz made sure the updated Vito doesn't look like a plain delivery box with alloy wheels. Up front, the new face gets a redesigned, prominent grille flanked by crisp MULTIBEAM LED headlights that give it a clean, premium stance. In Select trim, body-coloured details and 17-inch alloy wheels elevate its visual presence significantly.
At 5,140 mm long (in standard L2 configuration) and 1,928 mm wide (excluding mirrors), it commands respect on the road without feeling like you're trying to maneuver a bus. Crucially, its height stands at 1,910 mm—the sweet spot that lets you slide into standard underground parking garages and handle tight city spaces without that tight-throat feeling every time you pass a 2.0-metre height boom.
The Cabin: Business Up Front, Versatility in the Back
Step inside, and the cabin setup immediately highlights what the Mixto concept is all about.
Up front, our test model featured a proper two-seat layout: one dedicated driver seat and an individual front passenger seat. Skipping the typical cramped double-bench front setup makes a world of difference. It gives both occupants proper elbow room, individual adjustment, and an environment that feels remarkably close to a modern Mercedes-Benz passenger car, complete with the updated MBUX touchscreen system.
Behind the front row sits a comfortable three-seater bench, giving you a total 5-seater capacity with standard double sliding side doors for effortless access.
Seating Configuration: 2 Front / 3 Rear (5-Seater Layout)
Cargo Volume (Behind Row 2): Up to 3,600 Litres (3.6 m³)
Max Compartment Capacity: Up to 4.1 m³ (with rear seats reconfigured/moved)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres
The rear seating system is modular—you can slide, adjust, or reconfigure the setup depending on your day. Need to carry a crew, full camera rigs, and overnight luggage? Easy. Need maximum cargo length for long equipment or lifestyle gear? The seat mechanics open up a cavernous rear loading bay that swallowed everything I threw at it. You get double-cab passenger comfort without losing the raw, square-jawed boot volume of a panel van.
On the Road: Surprising Refinement and Diesel Punch
Fire up the engine, and any lingering fears that you’re driving an unrefined commercial vehicle evaporate.
Under the bonnet lives Mercedes-Benz’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (119 CDI). It pumps out a heavy-hitting 140 kW at 3,800 rpm and a massive 440 Nm of torque available low down from 1,400 to 2,400 rpm. All that grunt is routed to the rear wheels through the brand's smooth-shifting 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission.
On the road, that 440 Nm makes its presence felt immediately. Off-the-line response is punchy, and mid-range overtaking on the highway is effortless, even with passengers and gear loaded up. The 9-speed gearbox keeps the engine right in its powerband without hunting for gears, keeping engine noise low at 120 km/h cruising speeds.
Despite the power on tap, fuel efficiency remains a strong point: Mercedes claims a combined figure of around 7.2 L/100 km. Combined with the generous 70-litre fuel tank, long-distance highway runs easily yield over 750 km of range between fill-ups. I averaged just over 9L/100km.
The light steering at low speeds makes tight turnarounds and city parking far easier than a 5.1-metre vehicle has any right to be. Pick up the pace, and the steering weights up with reassuring precision.
Noise suppression inside the cabin is impressive for a crew van, and the suspension strikes a great balance—compliant enough to soak up road harshness unladen, but sturdy enough to handle heavy loads without feeling floaty.
The Ultimate Do-It-All Hero?
Living with the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto Select proves that practicality doesn't have to feel boring or industrial. It bridges the gap between everyday utility, long-haul comfort, and flexible functionality better than almost anything else in its class.
Whether you're running a business that demands crew transport during the week, hauling heavy loads, or simply looking for the ultimate weekend adventure rig that swallows gear whole, the Vito Mixto Select delivers with style and that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz composure.
It’s bold, absurdly functional, and surprisingly fun to live with—a true multi-tool wrapped in a sleek package.
