Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Vito Sport-X, a new top-tier version of the utility vehicle, available exclusively in the United Kingdom. This model features a body kit, hood stripes, and sports seats, without any alteration to the existing mechanical components.
The arrival of this model at British dealerships is scheduled for September, with an initial price of £56,995, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 403 thousand without taxes. The German manufacturer sought to meet the British market's preference for vans with sporty aesthetics.
The Vito Sport-X is based on the Select configuration of the Vito Crew Van and presents a racing-inspired look, although this package is purely aesthetic and has no technical connection to the AMG division. The front bumper has been redesigned, incorporating larger air intakes and an integrated splitter. The grille features a honeycomb pattern and displays the X emblem, while decorative stripes adorn the hood.
On the side, side skirts and matte black Sport X decals are added, and the external highlight is the 19-inch alloy wheels, colored black with white rings. The rear maintains a more subtle design, featuring a roof spoiler, darkened LED taillights, and the Sport-X inscription on the tailgate. Mercedes opted not to include a fake diffuser, and the exhaust remains hidden under the bumper. Eight paint shades are available, including the Alpine grey seen in promotional images.
Inside, the complete front seat has been replaced by two bucket-style seats with integrated headrests and Sport-X identification. The upholstery combines black eco-leather with dark grey suede, highlighted by orange stitching present on the three second-row seats. The equipment list is robust for a utility vehicle, encompassing heated seats and steering wheel, electric adjustment with memory, wireless charger, rearview camera, various driver assistance systems, and an anti-theft package. However, the multimedia screen is modest and the dashboard is made of rigid plastic, distancing it from the sophistication level of the V-Class, which shares the same platform.
Under the hood, the configuration remains unchanged. The 2.0 turbodiesel engine generates 190 horsepower and 44.9 kgfm of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This combination allows the vehicle to reach 100 km/h in exactly 10 seconds. No modifications were made to the suspension or steering system.
The vehicle's work functionality is also preserved. The Sport-X can be purchased in L2 and L3 lengths, offering a removable rear bench, a load capacity of up to 733 kg, 4.1 cubic meters of cargo space, and a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg. In the stylized utility segment, competition is vast, including models such as the Volkswagen Transporter Sportline, Vauxhall Vivaro GS, Fiat Scudo Onyx, Peugeot Expert Sport, Citroën Dispatch Sport, and the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.