Mercedes-Benz covers a wide range of applications with its Vito vans. The Vito is available in three lengths (from 4748 to 5223 mm), with two choices of wheelbase (3200 mm and 3400 mm) and with five engine options. There are three CDI diesel engines – output from 65 kW (88 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp) – and two six-cylinder petrol engines – 140 kW (190 hp) and 170 kW (231 hp) - with power transmitted to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Along with the standard-fit four disc brakes, all models also have the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard. This system integrates the functions of anti-lock braking (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake force distri­bution and a hydraulic brake assist system.

Three-point safety belts are standard on all seats. The standard equipment for drivers and front passengers also includes belt tensioners and belt force limiters as well as full-size airbags on the driver's side and also, depending on the vehicle model, for the front passenger. Moreover, twin airbags for the front passenger side and windowbags are available as options, as are thorax sidebags in conjunction with optional comfort seats.

In the Vito 4x4 and the Viano 4Matic, the driving force is transmitted to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 35:65 in normal driving on a surface with good grip. One particular feature is the absence of mechanical differential locks. Instead, the all-wheel drive works in conjunction with the electronic traction system 4ETS, which has already proven so successful in the likes of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. If one or more wheels lose traction on a slippery surface, 4ETS automatically brakes the spinning wheels with short pulses and thereby increases the drive moment at the wheels with good traction to the same degree. 4ETS uses the signals received from the ABS wheel sensors. This automatic braking intervention using 4ETS simulates the effect of up to three differential locks.

It may be somewhat misleading to talk about “the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter” when there are actually a thousand different versions of this vehicle: with the different wheelbases, lengths, heights, weights, body and engine as well as trans­mission configurations alone, you end up with some 1000 basic models. The Sprinter is available in three wheelbase versions (3250 mm/3665 mm/4325 mm), in four lengths of 5244 mm to 7344 mm with the panel van variants, plus with standard roof, high roof and the new super-high roof. With gross vehicle weight ratings of 3.0 to 5.0 tonnes, the new Sprinter caters to all the main segments in its class.

The range has hardly the slightest gap – starting with the panel van, customers can choose from a wide range of configurations from 7 m³ to 17 m³ cargo volume. And it is not only the number of variants that is amazing: with a loading width of 1300 mm with the large sliding door and clearance between the wheel arches of up to 1350 mm with single tyres, the new Sprinter also delivers outstanding figures.

The new Sprinter marks a milestone in the van segment with its engine. The basis is the four-cylinder CDI turbodiesel engine OM 646 with 2.2 l of displacement, now in four output ratings, ranging from 65 kW (88 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp). High pulling power right from low engine speeds coupled with outstanding economy are just some of the engines’ advantages. Some variants of this engine even feature two-stage supercharging, another premiere with vans: two series-connected turbo­chargers ensure high output and torque across a wide range of engine speeds.

The new top-of-the range diesel engine is a 3.0 l V6 OM 642 unit delivering an output of 135 kW (184 hp) and maximum torque of 400 Nm. Whereas the four-cylinder units are already renowned for their state-of-the-art technology, the V6 with its aluminium crankcase, balancer shaft and dual overhead camshafts for each cylinder bank raises the bar even higher.

All the diesel engines meet the Euro 4 or EU 4/III exhaust emissions standards and are fitted with a particulate filter as standard. They only need an oil change after 40,000 kilometres — the equivalent of once around the world. Depending on vehicle usage, oil changes can be extended even further with the “Mercedes-Benz Assyst” service computer.

Introducing a new dimension in van performance, the 3.5-litre M 272 V6 petrol engine in the Sprinter boasts an output of 190 kW (258 hp). This high-tech unit not only delivers effortless performance but is also exceptionally smooth-running. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a five-speed automatic transmission. It is also available as an option for the diesel engines, which are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A choice of three final drive ratios per model enable the Sprinter to be customised precisely to the user’s particular require­ments.

The 209 CDI Doka on display develops 88 hp and max. torque of 220 Nm. A fully automatic transmission is fitted alongside ESP and particulate filter as standard.

These vehicles operate on the apron of Stuttgartairport, transporting personnel and safety material to the aircraft. For instance, large wooden wheel chocks to prevent aircraft from rolling away.

Since these blocks of wood and other material tend to be very heavy, the vehicle has an extremely low platform and side walls just 300 mm high. Consequently, the operator can easily remove material without having to be raising/lowering the sides all day long. Switching to this configuration has enabled the airport to cut its enor­mous annual repair bill for the platforms and sides.

In addition, a load back rest with removable bumper guards and plastic support in a galvanised surround is mounted behind the cab. The guards are not fitted at the airport to avoid damage when negotiating narrow passageways and to ensure the vehicle cannot “get stuck”.

This configuration not only meets the airport's requirements but also means the vehicle can subsequently be used by a landscape gardener, for instance. The dropsider is electronically limited to 35 km/h at the airport in line with apron regulations.

To make the vehicles more flexible, the Sprinter vans come with a trailer coupling featuring an impact plate (protection). As such, up to 4 empty baggage trolleys (500 kg each) can be moved on the apron. The unbraked towing capacity for this application is 2000 kg. In the past, a heavy-duty tractor had to be earmarked specifically for the purpose.

The Vario high-capacity van covers the upper end of the weight range in the Mercedes-Benz van line-up, i.e. from 6 t to 8.2 t permissible GVW. Designed as an efficient commercial vehicle for virtually all transport and other uses, it is, like the Sprinter, available on several wheelbases and with a large variety of bodies. The Mercedes-Benz Vario is available as a panel van, dropsider, tipper or with a coach body, as a chassis or as a traction head and with all-wheel drive.

The engine line-up consists of three 4.3-l four-cylinder units (OM 904 LA) with output from 100 kW (136 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp) and 130 kW (177 hp). A Mer­cedes-Benz six-speed manual transmission comes as standard with the four-cylinder diesel engine. A five-speed fully automatic transmission with a torque converter and a secondary retarder are available as options. The Mercedes-Benz Vario has rear-wheel drive, but a version with permanent all-wheel drive is also available. The standard equipment includes internally ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, together with ABS. The “Sound 30 APS” navigation system has recently been added as special equipment.