Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer 2021 Review

In Malaysia's Executive MPV market, the demand for family travel and business reception continues to grow. Consumers value both the practicality of space and have high expectations for brand strength and detailed configurations. As a German model in this market segment, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 features a 10-seat layout, standard comprehensive safety configurations, and flexible seating arrangements as its key selling points. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying its overall performance in daily household and light business scenarios.

In terms of exterior design, the Vito Tourer Select 121 maintains the steady style of the Mercedes-Benz MPV family. The front features a large chrome-plated grille paired with the three-pointed star emblem, offering high recognizability. The body lines are straight, with a simple and neat waistline extending from the A-pillar to the back. Chrome trim below the doors enhances the sense of refinement. The rear design is square-shaped, with LED taillight clusters blending naturally into the body-colored rear bumper, aligning with the low-key positioning of a business MPV. The lighting system is equipped with LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard across all models. The automatic headlight function can switch automatically in tunnels or cloudy conditions, providing good practicality.

Inside the cabin, the interior primarily adopts a dark tone. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials and decorated with silver trims, meeting expectations for a vehicle in this price range. The center console is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen that supports basic multimedia operations, though the interface smoothness is just average. The front seats offer electric adjustment and memory functions, as well as a heating function, which is user-friendly for drivers on long journeys. The instrument cluster uses an electronic backlit analog style, displaying clear and intuitive information such as speed and engine RPM. Regarding configurations, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 220V power outlet are all standard features. The rear independent air conditioning ensures comfort for third- and fourth-row passengers, accommodating the needs of group travel.

Space is one of the core advantages of the Vito Tourer Select 121. The vehicle measures 5370mm in length, 2244mm in width, and 1958mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3430mm. Even with a 10-seat layout, it still guarantees basic legroom for passengers in each row. The second row adopts a 60:40 split sliding design, the third row features independent seats, and the fourth row is a foldable sliding bench. These flexible adjustments offer a balance between passenger capacity and storage expansion. In terms of storage, the front center armrest box and door storage compartments provide sufficient capacity for daily use. Both the third and fourth rows are equipped with cup holders, showing attention to detail. The standard ISOFIX child seat anchors make it easier for family users to install child seats.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine producing a maximum horsepower of 211PS, with peak torque kicking in as early as 1300rpm, paired with an AT transmission. Power response is lively at start-up, and the throttle is tuned to be linear, providing a noticeable thrust with a light press. During mid-to-high speed acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly, and stepping hard on the accelerator triggers rapid downshifting, meeting power demands even under full load conditions. The driving mode switching function is practical, with the eco mode helping to reduce fuel consumption and the sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has good precision with minimal play, making it easy to drive daily. The rear suspension adopts a double-wishbone independent structure, effectively absorbing bumps when dealing with Malaysia's common speed bumps or potholes. The body does not shake significantly; the suspension provides adequate support during cornering, keeping body roll within an acceptable range and ensuring overall stability. The braking system uses ventilated discs at both the front and rear, with linear feedback on the brake pedal. The vehicle maintains stable posture during emergency braking.

Safety features are one of the highlights of the Vito Tourer Select 121, coming standard with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, blind-spot assist, lane departure warning, and an active braking system. Its active safety features are relatively comprehensive among MPVs in the same class. Regarding fuel efficiency, the tested fuel consumption under mixed road conditions is approximately 10.5L/100km. Considering the 10-seater configuration and 2.0T engine, this result is within a reasonable range. Noise control performance is commendable, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, allowing for smooth in-car conversations.

Compared to competitors like the Toyota Granvia or Hyundai Staria, the Vito Tourer Select 121 stands out for its more comprehensive standard safety features and the stronger brand influence of Mercedes-Benz. However, its price is slightly higher, and while the seat layout offers good flexibility, the adjustment range of the third-row independent seats is not as good as some competitors. Overall, this vehicle is suitable for families with multiple children needing a 10-seater configuration or small and medium-sized enterprises requiring light business reception. Its balanced performance in space, safety, and comfort meets the core needs of such users.

In summary, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 is an Executive-level MPV that focuses on practicality and safety. Its highlights include a flexible 10-seat layout, standard safety features across all trims, and German-standard chassis tuning. If you need a vehicle that balances family outings for multiple passengers with occasional business use, and you value brand reputation and safety details, this model is worth considering.