The people-mover segment is a curious mix of practicality and prestige. Vehicles in this category need to balance the demands of family life, shuttle duties, and corporate fleets, all while providing a comfortable environment for passengers who may be spending hours inside. The Vito Tourer Select steps into this space as a van-based MPV, not shyung away from its utilitarian roots but still offering the refinement and technology that customers expect from the three-pointed star. Positioned between the commercial-leaning Vito panel van and the luxury-oriented V-Class, the Tourer aims to bridge the gap with flexibility, space, and a badge that carries undeniable weight in South Africa.

Design and Positioning

The Vito Tourer Select shares its underpinnings with the commercial-leaning Vito, yet it distinguishes itself with exterior detailing and a specification that better suits family or lifestyle use. Its upright silhouette still speaks to practicality, but new paint finishes and a smarter grille give it more visual appeal. Buyers can choose between different lengths to balance seating and luggage needs, and sliding doors on both sides make daily access straightforward. While its van origins remain obvious, the Select does a credible job of presenting itself as a more aspirational product, a people-mover that has more in common with the boulevard-friendly V-Class than with its panel van cousin.

The Vito Select also positions itself as the more adventure-ready of Mercedes’ van-based offerings, with VanPartner upgrades like a gravel kit featuring raised suspension, roof rack and off-road tyres. It can even be specified with armour plating.

Leisure Wheels – Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer Select Review

4×4-news

 Posted August 20, 2025

By: Oliver Keohane

We spent a week getting familiar with the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select , positioned between the German manufacturer’s workhorse panel van and luxury V-Class.

The people-mover segment is a curious mix of practicality and prestige. Vehicles in this category need to balance the demands of family life, shuttle duties, and corporate fleets, all while providing a comfortable environment for passengers who may be spending hours inside. The Vito Tourer Select steps into this space as a van-based MPV, not shyung away from its utilitarian roots but still offering the refinement and technology that customers expect from the three-pointed star. Positioned between the commercial-leaning Vito panel van and the luxury-oriented V-Class, the Tourer aims to bridge the gap with flexibility, space, and a badge that carries undeniable weight in South Africa.

Design and Positioning

The Vito Tourer Select shares its underpinnings with the commercial-leaning Vito, yet it distinguishes itself with exterior detailing and a specification that better suits family or lifestyle use. Its upright silhouette still speaks to practicality, but new paint finishes and a smarter grille give it more visual appeal. Buyers can choose between different lengths to balance seating and luggage needs, and sliding doors on both sides make daily access straightforward. While its van origins remain obvious, the Select does a credible job of presenting itself as a more aspirational product, a people-mover that has more in common with the boulevard-friendly V-Class than with its panel van cousin.

The Vito Select also positions itself as the more adventure-ready of Mercedes’ van-based offerings, with VanPartner upgrades like a gravel kit featuring raised suspension, roof rack and off-road tyres. It can even be specified with armour plating.

Cabin and Comfort

Inside, the Select offers the versatility expected of a van-based MPV but upgrades the experience with more comfort features and improved materials. Seating for up to nine is available, with rows mounted on rails that allow for various configurations, from straightforward family use to conference-style layouts. Compared with the standard Tourer, there is greater emphasis on passenger comfort: optional leather upholstery, extra lighting, and improved trim all elevate the ambience. Road noise is impressively well-contained, and long journeys feel relaxed thanks to well-padded seating and effective climate control across the cabin.

Related: Road Test: 2025 Mercedes-Benz Vito Select Tourer

Technology and Features

A key part of the Select’s appeal is its richer equipment list. The latest version can be specified with Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, presented on a 10.25-inch touchscreen and supported by natural voice activation. Steering-wheel controls and a digital instrument cluster bring it closer to the feel of a Mercedes passenger car. Standard safety equipment includes Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist, while higher trims and options add adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, LED headlights, and a more premium audio setup. The Select is clearly intended to bridge the gap between a practical shuttle and a private family vehicle, and the inclusion of modern tech helps it achieve that.

Engine and Performance

The Vito Tourer Select is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel producing around 140 kW and 440 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery is smooth and torque is plentiful from low revs, making the Select feel unstrained even when fully loaded. The gearbox is unobtrusive, and while performance is never brisk, it is more than adequate for the vehicle’s purpose. Claimed consumption of just over 7 L/100 km keeps running costs reasonable, though achieving this figure will depend on usage.

Driving Impressions

Despite its size, the Vito Tourer Select is relatively easy to drive. Light but accurate steering, a wide glasshouse, and a respectable turning circle help in town, while on the open road it feels stable and reassuring. The suspension balances ride comfort with control, meaning passengers remain comfortable even on longer trips. While it cannot disguise its van-based platform entirely, the Select is composed enough that it never feels cumbersome. Buyers expecting the plush ride of the V-Class will note the difference, but the Select’s refinement is still impressive for a vehicle in this category.

Pros

• Flexible seating and cargo configurations across three body lengths.
• Smooth, torquey diesel engines with a refined automatic transmission.
• Modern infotainment and safety tech bring it closer to Mercedes’ passenger cars.
• Comfortable and spacious cabin with thoughtful storage solutions.
• Prestige and desirability attached to the Mercedes-Benz badge.

Cons

• Pricing sits higher than many direct rivals.
• Cabin materials remind you of its commercial roots.
• The maintenance plan is not included in the list price.
• Fuel consumption is good but not class-leading.
• Driving experience remains functional rather than engaging.

Practicality

Practicality remains a strong point. Sliding side doors and a large tailgate make loading straightforward, while the modular seating system allows owners to prioritise either passenger space or luggage. Families, shuttle operators, and even adventurers will find the Select versatile. Through approved VanPartner upgrades, it can even be specified with a gravel kit that raises the suspension and adds roof racks and all-terrain tyres. For buyers with different priorities, armoured protection is also an option, underlining just how adaptable the platform is.

Verdict

While the sales success of the flagship V300d Exclusive speaks for itself, the arrival of the more affordable, platform-sharing Vito Select does shine a light on how far some South African buyers are willing to go to make an impression, even on the school run. Dressed in one of the fresh exterior finishes now available, the Vito Tourer still sits at a premium compared with many rivals, particularly with its maintenance plan not factored into the purchase price. Mercedes-Benz, however, will argue that both the presence of the badge and the close ties to the luxurious V-Class justify the spend.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer at a Glance

• Price: R1 360 000 (Recommended retail price in South Africa)
• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (OM654q)
• Power: 140 kW @ 3 800 r/min
• Torque: 440 N·m @ 1 400–2 400 r/min
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Driven Wheels: Rear-wheel drive
• Fuel Efficiency: 7.2 L/100 km (claimed)