In this fast-paced sector, efficiency and reliability are paramount, and to support the attainment of these objectives, the choice of crew van remains a core component.
From effectively transporting workers and supporting your business, to carrying essential tools and contributing to comfort, the Vito Crew Van and Citan Panel & Crew Vans are the backbones of smooth and timely operations.
To shed light, the Sales Team at MBNI Truck & Van reflect on their experiences at the helm of the quality vans.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT HOW THE VITO CREW VAN DRIVES?
Honestly, it drives more like a car than a van. The steering is light, it sits comfortably on the motorway, and with up to 190hp available it’s got plenty of pull even when fully loaded.
WHAT INDUSTRIES DO YOU BELIEVE WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM THIS MODEL?
I see it working really well for tradesmen, joiners, and electricians who need to carry a small team and their kit. But equally, I’ve sold them to shuttle companies and outdoor businesses who like the flexibility of five or six seats plus over 1.4m of load space behind.
HOW COMFORTABLE DO YOU FIND THE VEHICLE?
The comfort is probably what surprises most people, it’s car-level comfort. The driver’s seat has lumbar support, there’s climate control, and the cabin is well-insulated, so even long runs don’t leave you drained.
HOW EASY IS IT TO LOAD AND UNLOAD ITEMS FROM THE VAN?
It’s very straightforward. The Vito Crew Van comes standard with an up-and-over tailgate, which is handy for loading in bad weather as it gives you cover. The loading height is just 562mm, so you’re not lifting gear too high, and the side sliding doors are wide enough to take a Euro pallet.
WHAT MAKES THE INTERIOR SPACE STAND OUT?
It’s the balance between people and load space. With the crew van, you can seat up to six comfortably but still carry 1,350 litres of cargo in the back. If you need more space, the seats fold down, giving you over 4,000 litres.
WHAT IS YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE VITO CREW VAN’S FUEL EFFICIENCY AND ENGINE PERFORMANCE?
On the 114 CDI manual, you’ll get around 38–40mpg, which is strong for a van this size. The 2.0-litre diesel engines are smooth, quiet, and more than capable even when you’re fully loaded.
HOW HAVE THE VAN’S DIGITAL, INNOVATIVE INTEGRATIONS ELEVATED YOUR EXPERIENCE?
Things like the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make day-to-day life easier. On the business side, PRO connect lets you track servicing, van location, and even fuel usage – very useful if you’re running more than one van.
WHICH SAFETY AND ASSISTANCE FEATURES DO YOU FIND MOST HELPFUL?
Crosswind Assist is brilliant on exposed roads, it really keeps the van steady. Active Brake Assist is a brilliant tool and others such as Parking sensors and the reversing camera are just everyday lifesavers.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE CITAN PANEL & CREW VANS?
The Citan is smaller but clever. In the Panel Van you’ve got up to 2.9m³ of load space with a load length of 1,806mm, while the Crew Van still gives you 3 seats in the back and 1.2m of load length behind them. Perfect for city work.
HOW DOES THE EXTERIOR COMBINE PRACTICALITY WITH TOP-CLASS AESTHETICS?
You get the practicality of sliding doors, rear barn doors, solid bumpers – but with Mercedes styling it doesn’t feel like a box on wheels. It’s sharp, modern, and a van you’d be proud to have your branding on.
HOW DOES THE INTERIOR MAKE LIFE NOTICEABLY EASIER FOR THE SECTOR?
Plenty of storage in the cabin, cupholders where you actually need them, and a dashboard that feels like a car rather than a workhorse. You can jump in and drive all day without feeling like you’ve been at work.
HOW CAN THE TECHNOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENTS BENEFIT THE INDUSTRY’S WORKLOAD?
Fleet managers can keep tabs on vans in real time, get alerts for servicing, and optimise routes. For drivers, things like navigation, phone mirroring, and voice control just keep life simple and safe.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WISHING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VANS FROM MBNI TRUCK & VAN?
My advice? Come and try one. Once you get behind the wheel and see the space for yourself, you’ll understand why so many businesses stick with Mercedes-Benz.
WHAT IF MY BUDGET DOESN’T STRETCH TO A NEW MERCEDES-BENZ CREW VAN?
At MBNI Truck & Van, we are part of the Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Van Scheme and can offer models up to six years old as Approved Used. The scheme itself won Best Approved Used Scheme at the What Car? Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards. Mercedes-Benz are extremely selective, and the preparation process is meticulous – right down to the thickness of brake discs and pads.
Approved Used benefits include:
- 12 months’ warranty as standard (extendable to 24 months / up to 200,000 miles)
- Minimum three months MOT • Comprehensive multi-point vehicle check
- MobiloVan 24/7 breakdown and roadside assistance
- MOT failure cover up to £1,500
- Vans no older than six years and under 150,000 miles at point of sale WHY CHOOSE A MERCEDESBENZ CREW VAN? Mercedes-Benz Vans stand apart thanks to more than just build quality.
- MobiloVan: free roadside assistance included for three years, extendable up to 30 years with servicing at an authorised dealer. With an average call-out time under an hour, 90% of issues are fixed roadside
- Service packs and R&M packages: spread servicing costs at 0% or opt for full repair and maintenance cover for complete peace of mind
- Residual value: Mercedes vans hold their value exceptionally well, reducing total cost of ownership
- Parts availability: fast turnaround with local stock, overnight UK delivery, or 2-day shipping from Germany
- Business image: the three-pointed star enhances your brand’s professionalism and credibility