All Mixto Up: Benz Morphs the Van to a Double Cab
Mercedes says this Vito Mixto Select broadens its van and bus range to satisfy even more diverse lifestyles and customer needs.
Some may say that a double cab pick-up has its limitations. Like there’s no need to go four-by-fouring anyway and that most truck owners never even get off the tarmac anyway. Others may not be so convinced about the safety and security of a box cover or roller cover. And then there are those who simply prefer the ride of a van over a pickup.
For those in markets where it’s available, this Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto Select may just be manna from heaven. Targeted at ‘private’ customers, this five-seater targets the active family or team with abundant space and versatility. And all with the expected safety, quality, style, and the necessary premium a Mercedes-Benz brings.
The new two-vehicle Vito Select line-up recently joined the illustrious ultimate luxury van V-Class on Mercedes-Benz’ passenger van range in the South African market. Vito Select focuses more on versatility and play, than just luxury and grace. Available in a full bus or this Mixto 5-seater, Select brings a more virile, dynamic and engaging, yet still premium experience.
Mixto Packs Five Passengers and a Huge Load
Boasting a contemporary Mercedes van looks with multibeam LED headlights each side of that chrome grill and fully-speced cabin Mixto accommodates five passengers in luxury and style while still offering a generous 145 cubic feet of load volume in the back. There is a splendid level of spec, but there’s more to it than just that.
Powered by Benz’ 188 HP 325 lb.-ft MU6 turbodiesel turning the front axle through the expected Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, Mixto’s overdrive traits reduce engine speed to enhance driving quietness, comfort and significantly, fuel economy. Our tests recorded performance figures as good as an average double cab bakkie too.
Capable or taking that 145 cubic-foot load, or up to 2975 pounds. Mixto will tow a 5,500 pounds. braked trailer. That load bay is far more practical than a bakkie’s, can carry bigger objects safer and more secure, and is easier to load too. We also enjoyed the Easy-Pack tailgate.
Mixto Matches Most Double-Cab Traits
Braked trailer capacity, while adequate, is however a third off the average top-end double-cab truck. And we’d prefer to at least have the option of a cab to bay separator. Mixto also matches most top end bakkies in spec and kit, although the more modern among them may look a bit cooler inside.
Vito’s newly redesigned dash gets 10.25-inch MBUX touch display multimedia center stage. Packing CarPlay and Auto and wireless smartphone charging, all the necessary goodies are there. Like most Mercs, Vito Mixto sadly lacks enough buttons and knobs to operate coherently. There’s My Mercedes. But that’s another discussion all on its own!
Luxurious Mixto certainly is, with power memory black faux leather upholstered seats a heated multi-function steering wheel, a power and power sliding doors too. Never mind keyless starting, electric parking brake and hill start assist and a new double cup-holder in center console too.
This Latest Vito Bus Packs it All in
Don’t forget the Attention Assist driver assistance either. It’s all there, from active lane keeping to, blind spot and cruise control and even a self-park system. Goodbye big bus maneuvering angst! Add anti-theft protection and an emergency call service and you quite literally have it all in your Mixto bus.
Mixto Select is also impressively customizable. It comes in eight color options including this new vintage blue, sticker packs like this, and two practical 17-inch wheel variations. Just to be sure that your Mixto is likely different from the next motocross, polo or soccer mum’s!
Mercedes says that Vito Mixto Select broadens its quality private van and bus range to satisfy even more diverse lifestyles and customer needs. Through a combination of functionality, style and versatility, all to Mercedes-Benz standards. It’s more than just a van, they say. Mixto offers it all to seamlessly adapt to your lifestyle.
Like Any Mercedes, There’s a Mixto Premium
Our only Mercedes-Benz Vito Select Mixto concern, is the premium it comes at. Look, most buyers will shrug that off, because quite simply, it’s a Mercedes-Benz. But the whole Ford Ranger range including the Raptor costs less than that in the same market. Never mind top 4-pot Toyotas, Nissans and the rest also undercut this significantly.
But then, a van like this also offers more tech and practicality, with more space and versatility, seats can be removed and more. So it’s essentially better than a double cab in every way except for off-road use. But the majority of double cab owners likely don’t drive off road anyway.
So, if you’re looking for something a little different and you’re tired of that old double cab and all its cliches, and you’re prepared to pay a little Mercedes premium, we’d say you wouldn’t do too badly going to take a look at one of these at your local Benz store in markets its available. If anything, this Vito Select will Mixto it all up!
Photos: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz Vito Select Mixto Engine: 188 HP 325 lb.-ft 2-litre turbodiesel I4 Drive: 9-speed automatic FWD Load Capacity: 4.1 m3 Payload: 2975 lbs. Braked Trailer: 5500 lbs. TESTED: 0-40 mph: 3.92 sec 0-60 mph: 9.86 sec 0-75 mph 14.07 sec ¼-mile: 16.8s @ 79 mph 50-75 mph: 7.47 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 120 mph Fuel: 33 mpg Range: 435 miles LIST PRICE: $78,000 in South Africa
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