Mercedes-Benz turns the Vito Crew into the Sport-X, though the sport is mostly in the styling
Mercedes-Benz has opened UK orders for the new Vito Sport-X, which sits at the top of the five-seat Vito Crew range. Its motorsport-inspired looks, 19-inch wheels and sports seats make an impression, but the mechanical package remains resolutely commercial-vehicle focused: the 2.0-litre diesel produces 140 kW and 440 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 10 seconds. The key limitation for European buyers is simple: for now, the Sport-X is a UK-only special edition.
Sport-X aims to make a work vehicle feel a little less like a work vehicle
Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced a new Sport-X trim to the Vito Crew range, based on the existing SELECT version but adding more aggressive styling, a more upmarket interior and more standard equipment. The manufacturer describes it as a motorsport-inspired model and positions the Sport-X at the top of the Vito Crew line-up.
The vehicle can already be ordered in the UK, with first deliveries beginning in September. Mercedes-Benz UK also confirms on its website that the Sport-X is the new sporting flagship of the Vito Crew range.
The name promises more than the powertrain actually delivers. The Sport-X is not an AMG van or a mechanically reworked sports model. Its core character remains that of a Vito Crew. That is not necessarily a bad thing. It simply needs to be placed in the right category.
140 kW and 440 Nm, not AMG figures
The Sport-X uses Mercedes-Benz's 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, producing 140 kW and 440 Nm. Power is sent through a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 10 seconds. There is nothing to be ashamed of there for a commercial vehicle. The 440 Nm is far more valuable when fully loaded or towing a trailer than an eye-catching peak-power figure. At the same time, a 10-second acceleration time is not sporty by modern standards, even for a large van.
Here, Sport-X primarily denotes a visual and equipment position rather than a powertrain revolution.
Mercedes-Benz already offers the standard Vito Crew with diesel power, rear-wheel drive, and optional all-wheel drive and AIRMATIC air suspension. For this model, the manufacturer itself emphasises versatility and car-like handling rather than outright performance.
The styling does more work than the engine
The Sport-X is considerably easier to distinguish from a regular Vito by its appearance than by its engine.
Mercedes-Benz adds a redesigned front bumper and grille, a front spoiler, side extensions, a rear spoiler and gloss-black details. The bonnet and sides also receive sporty decorative stripes, while Sport-X badges appear on the bodywork.
The most visible change is a set of 19-inch diamond-cut black alloy wheels.
Alpine Grey is the standard colour. Arctic White and six metallic finishes—Sodalite Blue, Obsidian Black, Kalahari Gold, High Tech Silver, Graphite Grey and Hyacinth Red—are available in the UK at no extra cost.
At least from the outside, the Sport-X succeeds rather convincingly in separating itself from the regular Vito.
The three-seat front bench disappears in the cabin
Mercedes-Benz makes an even bigger practical change inside. Instead of the usual three-seat front row, the driver and front passenger get individual sports seats.
The seats feature integrated headrests, stronger side bolstering and Sport-X branding. A combination of black artificial leather and dark grey suede-like material is enlivened by orange contrast stitching. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and a centre console with storage compartments are also standard.
The cost of this change, however, is one seat. While the regular Vito Crew can accommodate up to six people depending on configuration, the Sport-X is a five-seater. Mercedes-Benz confirms up to six seats and 4.1 m³ of cargo space for the standard Vito Crew.
The Sport-X is therefore aimed less at a construction crew and more at a customer who uses the same vehicle for work during the week and to carry family, bicycles or a boat at weekends.
733 kg payload and a 2.5-tonne trailer keep the Vito practical
The Sport-X is available in two body lengths, L2 and L3.
Maximum payload is up to 733 kilograms, while cargo capacity reaches up to 4.1 cubic metres. Permitted trailer weight is up to 2,500 kilograms.
The rear bench seat can be removed when more cargo space is needed.
These figures explain well why Mercedes-Benz did not compromise the Vito's core character in the name of the Sport-X. Buyers still get a van that can do real work, rather than one that merely polishes its large wheels.
The 2,500-kilogram towing capacity is also one of the most important practical arguments for the regular Vito Crew.
The Sport-X already costs passenger-car money
In the UK, the Vito Sport-X L2 starts at £56,995 excluding VAT and on-the-road costs. At the exchange rate of 9 September, that equates to approximately €66,400.
The longer L3 costs £58,050, or around €67,600 before VAT.
Including UK VAT and on-the-road costs, the price rises to £69,985 and £71,251 respectively, equivalent to approximately €81,500 and €83,000.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the Sport-X is a UK-exclusive version, and the manufacturer has not currently confirmed a launch in mainland Europe.
