Mercedes-Benz is advancing with the development of an updated line of light commercial vehicles. After a complete overhaul of the Citan/T-Class duo, the Stuttgart-based automaker is continuing with the larger Vito and its electric EQV equivalent. We spied on the latter earlier this year and now we get an early look at its combustion-powered cousin.
What we have here is a Vito prototype featuring some camouflage on the front fascia. The disguise looks almost exactly as it does on the EQV and this indicates that the visual changes applied to the two models will be identical. It shouldn’t be too big, though we’d expect a slightly redesigned bumper and maybe a new pair of headlights. The grille can also be different from the previous model.
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Interestingly, there is a cable from the interior to the engine room. Possibly used by measuring equipment that collects machine data during the testing process. The test vehicle rides in steel with a small camouflage strip covering the center lid but this may just hide the Mercedes logo from onlookers. It is also worth mentioning that all four wheels have disc brakes.
At the rear, there is also camouflage and covers the top of the large hatch. However, we don’t think there will be any major changes to the overall design, apart from the new taillight design. The bumper will likely remain untouched but keep in mind that this appears to be a prototype of a lower trim level with the bumper and side mirrors not matching the body color. Surprisingly, the top brake light also has camouflage.
Our photographer wasn’t able to get a glimpse of the interior, though there appears to be camouflage covering the dashboard as far as we can see from this faraway shot. Most likely, the Vito will share its interior design with an updated EQV, meaning the tablet-style screen can be replaced with a more seamlessly integrated display on the center console.
