Driving report Mercedes eSprinter & eVito: Key class for the e-age – delivery trucks, vans and transporters, electromobility (e-mobility) | News | LOGISTRA

That was important: eSprinter was initially limited to what marketing jargon always says is the “target group”, the CEP industry. It has plenty of volume and has ordered the eSprinter in its only form available as a 10.5 cubic inch panel van. But if the best diesel seller also wants to be on top of the electric car market, it should position itself more broadly. And that’s what he’s doing now. Even before the new and pure electric car platform is launched in 2026, Benz is building bridges with a conventional drivetrain that is now moving backwards like the VW ID.Buzz or the Ford E-Transit. In addition, a more efficient synchronous motor is used – with three rows of nickel-free and long-lasting lithium iron phosphor batteries from CATL with a capacity of 56, 81 to 113 kWh, i.e. rows of 233, 329 to Kilometers 478 according to WLTP.

Parallel: the heat pump is common

A standard heat pump and efficient fuel management also contribute to this. In addition to panel vans with a volume of up to 14 cubic meters, a chassis is also available, which is very important for general cargo and frigo companies. In terms of tonnage, the range is now between 3.5 and 4,250 kg, which means that the variant with a large storage unit still has a usable load. towing up to five tons, which means that the rear wheel drive is undoubtedly very small in concept It has more problems than the front wheel drive, which has never offered this option anyway.

And what does all this mean when driving? A lot. Not only that the PSM (permanent excited synchro machine) at the back works more quietly and just produces a discreet sound that resonates. In the case of the top version with 150 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, it also works with more power. Even in “moderate” Eco mode, the acceleration is quick and still reasonable in line with the good and quiet design of the overall car, and in Comfort mode you can choose to go a little faster. “High Range” mode then controls the climate and performance further down, but also enables speeds of up to 120 km/h – and the drop action always ensures full performance, a shortcut so to speak.

Four stages of recovery

The four-step recovery can be well adjusted from “cruising” to “tightening”, but the most suitable is level 5, “Auto”, where the eSprinter then receives information from the liquid and the signature running with the actual MBUX level. -time navigation (now also for Trailer operation) with sensors connected and energy recovery is controlled according to the traffic situation, that is, it does “look ahead”, as a good driver should do. Anyone using a current connected electronic router can also expect to set the air conditioner in advance to match the charging time, which brings in more efficiency points.

For most people, the “small” version with 100 kW and a medium-sized battery is enough

All this contributes to a cheap experience according to the first impression and would eliminate the huge deficit so far. We pushed the top version with 150 kW, with an 81 kWh battery and long wheelbase, to 28 kWh/100 km on a mixed urban-rural road cycle. And the “small” version with an 81 kWh battery and a “strong” motor over 100 kW, which was quite sufficient for the industry, was satisfied with 24 kWh / 100, according to the on-board computer and largely operated in Eco. These will not be spectacular values, but they go in the right direction and of course still need to be checked in a regular test cycle.

Preferably a small battery and fast charger

The e-racer also improves the charging technology – and allows the combination of an optional 115 kW DC charger and a small battery, which helps from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes – and thus enables a shift operation. This takes 32 minutes for an average battery and 42 minutes for a large memory. This arrangement also saves costs and payments. The rate is 50 kW in DC and always 11 kW in AC, which is always enough for charging at night. The service life with a small charge is definitely longer than a permanent fast charge.

It’s still very practical: payments arranged in the stars. The battery certificate of 160,000 kilometers over eight years and up to 70 percent capacity is also intended to inspire confidence in the electric vehicle. This can be extended up to 300,000 km. Fair plan: Maintenance is also included as standard, over 160,000 km and eight years. You can feel it: The people at Benz want to make getting started with e-mobility as easy as possible.

Improved interior – more support

Also new in the generally improved interior is a digital interior mirror, which takes some getting used to in order to accurately gauge distance. Fortunately, what the eSprinter, which is stable and comfortable to drive as usual, is still missing, with the usual portfolio of reversing camera support, automatic headlights, well-functioning cruise control, blind spot or active brake assist. turning, junctions and driver functions in a rough way, a way assistant that perfectly controls more than the vibration.

eVito and modern driving assistance

His younger brother has been ahead of him recently. Diesel Vito and eVito received a digital update and finally the MBUX system, which fortunately responds more intelligently and intelligently to voice commands, for those who need it. Most important is the correct navigation, which now also includes an electronic router with a connection to a charging station and update the Vito electric accordingly. Its maximum engine of 85 kW (in a general vehicle that is generally larger than the Sprinter) remains of the “strong type” and avoids torque excursions on the driven front wheels, which is good for tire mileage.

The electric configuration itself remains as it was, and the 60 kWh battery can travel up to 319 km. We found the value of the computer on board 22 kWh/100 km over 123 km, which would be suitable for the size of the car and changing drivers. Here too, a standard heat pump and efficient fuel management ensure efficient energy use. Charging continues with 11 kW AC and 80 kW in DC, and the electric car should be charged from 10 to 80 percent within 35 minutes.

It’s usually an electric parking brake instead of a foot brake and the engine can be started by pressing a button, no longer by turning the “ignition key”. In terms of appearance, little has changed, but there are stylish and optional energy-efficient LED lights at the back. So Vito will definitely shine for a few more years after the sixth care. And the eSprinter creates a great bridge to the electric future.