Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Review

In the business MPV market in Malaysia, there are not many model options that balance a practical 10-seat layout, luxury features, and the prestigious Mercedes-Benz brand essence. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 is precisely targeted at users who need multi-passenger capacity without compromising on comfort and brand quality — it offers a 2.0T turbocharged engine, a full suite of active safety features, and a flexible seating arrangement. Today, through a static review and a dynamic test drive, we’ll see whether it can truly balance the dual demands of business receptions and everyday use.

First, looking at the exterior, the Vito Tourer Select 121 continues the steady styling of Mercedes-Benz MPVs. The overall lines are square but not dull. The front face adopts a family-style Mercedes design, with a large three-pointed star logo embedded in the center of the chrome-accented grille, offering high recognizability. The sharp-shaped LED headlights come as standard with automatic headlamps and daytime running lights, ensuring convenience for daily use. The side profile maintains the classic long-wheelbase proportions of an MPV. The 5370mm body length and 3430mm wheelbase provide ample room for the 10-seat layout inside. Chrome accents below the doors and 17-inch alloy wheels (paired with 225/55 R17 tires) add a touch of refinement. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights echoing the headlights. Chrome trim on the lower rear bumper and the standard reversing camera (with rearview imaging) enhance practicality.

Sitting inside, the first impression is the solid materials. The dashboard is covered in soft plastic material with metal accents, providing both a pleasant tactile and visual experience that aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s brand position. The 7-inch touchscreen atop the dashboard operates smoothly and supports the Sound Plus feature. Below it, physical buttons are retained for easier blind operation while driving. The gauge cluster is an Electroluminescent Analogue type, displaying speed and RPM clearly and intuitively. The front seats come well-equipped: both driver and passenger seats offer electric adjustment, memory function, and heating, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seat layout is highly flexible: the second-row seats have a 60:40 split sliding design, the third row features individual captain seats, and the fourth row consists of collapsible and sliding bench seats. Even with all 10 seats occupied, legroom remains sufficient — a passenger standing 175cm tall sitting in the third row still has about a fist’s distance between their knees and the second-row seats. In terms of storage, the front door pockets can hold three bottles of mineral water, and the center armrest box is also quite spacious. Each seat in the rear has access to a cup holder, and the second row is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet for convenient device charging. The air-conditioning system supports independent front and rear zones, with rear vents ensuring that every area’s temperature can be adjusted.

As for performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine produces a maximum horsepower of 211PS, with peak torque available as low as 1300rpm. It is paired with an AT gearbox and rear-wheel drive layout. The throttle response feels quick during take-off, and even with 10 passengers onboard, pressing the accelerator hard offers a noticeable sense of thrust. During mid- to high-speed overtaking, the transmission shifts smoothly, downshifting actively with natural power delivery. There are driving modes to choose from — Economy, Comfort, and Sport. In Economy mode, the throttle response is slightly slower, making it suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, the RPM stays above 2000, delivering more direct power. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack; it feels light at low speeds and gains weight at higher speeds, offering significantly better handling than typical MPVs in its class. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson (not explicitly stated but common for MPVs) and rear double-wishbone independent suspension system with a comfort-oriented tuning. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, without noticeable harshness. While cornering, the body roll is under reasonable control and doesn’t feel loose, despite the vehicle’s height.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested 50km each in urban congested areas and on highways. With four passengers, the combined fuel consumption was approximately 10.5L/100km. For a 10-seater MPV weighing 3100kg, this performance is considered quite good. The braking system performs stably, with both front and rear ventilated discs providing strong braking power, and the vehicle does not veer during emergency braking. Noise control is well-executed: wind noise and tire noise are almost unnoticeable below 60km/h, and although wind noise slightly increases at 120km/h on the highway, it does not interfere with passenger conversations. Additionally, standard configurations such as keyless operation, automatic parking assistance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and active braking further enhance the convenience and safety of day-to-day use.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 are evident: First, it offers flexible space, with a 10-seat arrangement that meets the needs of business receptions or large families. Second, it is well-equipped, with features like electrically heated front seats, rear independent air conditioning, and a full suite of active safety features, which rank at a higher level among competitors. Third, it provides smooth power delivery, with a 2.0T+AT combination balancing power and comfort. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Granvia or the Volkswagen Caravelle, the Vito Tourer Select 121 may carry a higher brand premium, but its configurations and driving quality are superior — features such as its rear double-wishbone suspension and heated seats are things many competitors do not offer.

This vehicle suits two types of users: one group consisting of small business owners who frequently need to host clients, as the 10-seat configuration and luxurious features meet business needs; and the other being large families, as the flexible seating layout and ample space can accommodate daily outings and family trips. If you want an MPV that combines brand value, comfort, and practicality, the Vito Tourer Select 121 is worth considering.