Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter BASE editions for 130th anniversary

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 130 years since the first internal combustion engine van appeared by releasing special BASE versions of the Vito and Sprinter for the European market. This package focuses on practical upgrades for daily use rather than decorative elements.

The company notes that in 1896, Karl Benz introduced a model with a cargo compartment, marking the beginning of the motorized van segment. Today, the commercial lineup remains a key part of the business, with Mercedes selling 359,000 vans worldwide last year.

The anniversary package is available for the Vito, Sprinter, and their electric counterparts, the eVito and eSprinter. The Vito BASE includes smartphone integration, an additional middle seat, an enlarged 70-liter fuel tank instead of the standard 57 liters, and a wooden cargo floor. This version costs an extra €3,709. The BASE Plus option, priced at €1,300, adds wooden wall panels, a partition, and a tow hitch.

The Sprinter BASE Edition features LED cargo area lighting, grab handles, lashing rails, an increased payload package, and wider 235 tires instead of the standard 205s. For the eSprinter, navigation is included, while the eVito gets comfortable seats with lumbar support and faster charging capability.

These special editions are not planned for the U.S. market. Next month, the company will unveil the new VLE, which is set to replace the eVito and launch in America. Overall, these dealership arrivals show that even anniversary models can prioritize functionality over flashy looks.