2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 Review

The Malaysian business MPV market has always been dominated by a dual demand for practicality and comfort. Corporate users need a spacious vehicle for receptions, while families with multiple children look for models with more than seven seats that can accommodate daily commutes. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121, as a luxury brand MPV, directly targets users who demand both brand quality and practical features. Not only does it bear the three-pointed star emblem, but it also offers a 10-seater layout and an array of advanced safety features. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its performance in business reception and family travel scenarios to see if its practicality matches the luxury brand aura.

From the exterior, the Vito Tourer Select 121 maintains the stable design language typical of Mercedes MPVs, with overall lines that are square yet not rigid. The front features a large-size classic Mercedes grille flanked by LED headlight clusters, giving it a high level of recognition; the sides of the vehicle are free of excessive decorations, with a straight waistline extending from the front to the rear. The tire size of 225/55 R17 matches the proportions of the body well, ensuring it doesn't look undersized. The rear design is minimalist, with LED taillight clusters featuring a clear internal structure. Rear fog lights and reverse sensors are positioned at the bottom of the bumper, prioritizing practicality. The fully LED lighting system is quite mainstream in its class, with automatic headlights and daytime running lights adding to the convenience of daily use.

Opening the car door, the luxury of the interior is noticeably a notch above what you would find in ordinary MPVs in the same price range. The dashboard layout leans towards the driver, with a 7-inch touchscreen that is appropriately sized and features decent responsiveness. The Sound Plus function offers clearer audio quality compared to the base version. In terms of materials, most of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with a few chrome accents, maintaining a premium feel. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory and heating functions, providing sufficient lumbar support during long drives. The second row features 60:40 split sliding seats, the third row consists of independent captain seats, and the fourth row is a foldable sliding bench. In the 10-seat layout, each row of passengers has independent headroom and legroom—passengers 175cm tall can sit in the third row with two fists' distance between their knees and the second-row seats. For storage space, the door panels can hold two bottles of mineral water, there are hidden storage compartments under the dashboard, and each rear seat has its own cup holder. The addition of a 220V power outlet allows rear passengers to charge devices or use small appliances. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning offers separate controls for the front and rear rows, meeting diverse temperature needs across different areas.

In terms of performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 211PS, with peak torque available at just 1300rpm. It is paired with an AT gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Initial acceleration provides a responsive driving feel, and even when fully loaded with 10 people, the vehicle does not struggle when stepping on the accelerator. During mid-to-high-speed overtakes, the gearbox shifts smoothly, and pressing the accelerator harder triggers quick downshifts with direct power output. The driving modes include Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Comfort mode offers the most balanced performance for daily use, with a steering wheel that provides moderate feedback and steering precision that aligns well with the MPV's positioning. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension. On urban bumpy roads, it effectively filters out most minor vibrations, and there is no noticeably harsh feedback when crossing speed bumps. At high speeds on curves, body roll is well-controlled, preventing passengers from feeling excessive swaying. In terms of fuel efficiency, we tested it on a mix of urban and highway conditions, and its average fuel consumption is about 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers. For a vehicle measuring 5.37 meters long and weighing 3.1 tons, this performance is quite average.

In terms of ride comfort, the noise control of the Vito Tourer Select 121 is quite good. At 120km/h on the highway, wind and tire noise do not affect conversations inside the cabin; the seat padding is of moderate firmness, and the wraparound support of the independent third-row seats is better than that of regular bench seats. Active safety configurations are very comprehensive, featuring functions like lane change assist, lane departure warning, and active braking. The automatic parking assist reduces parking stress for such a large vehicle. However, the manual parking brake is a minor drawback for a luxury MPV; replacing it with an electronic brake would be more convenient.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 lie in its practical features and space, enhanced by its luxury brand status—its 10-seat layout caters to the needs of business receptions or families with multiple children. Full LED lighting, electrically heated seats, and extensive safety configurations give it a more premium feel compared to competitors like the Toyota Granvia or Hyundai Staria. It suits two types of users: first, small-to-medium business owners needing a luxury reception vehicle, as the three-pointed star logo enhances business prestige; second, large families prioritizing comfort and safety. The 10-seat layout and flexible seat combinations can handle various scenarios.

On the whole, the Vito Tourer Select 121 is a well-balanced luxury MPV that offers both brand prestige and practicality while ensuring safety. If your budget is around 340,000 Malaysian Ringgit and you need a vehicle that can cater to both business and family needs, it would be a good choice.