It all started with a chassis, a cargo area, and an idea: transporting goods faster, more reliably, and more flexibly than ever before. What Carl Benz put on the road in 1896 with the “Combinations Delivery Vehicle” was more than a vehicle – it was an entirely new vehicle category. In parallel, Gottlieb Daimler was also developing commercial vehicles. 130 years later, the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle portfolio ranges from all-electric delivery vehicles to digitally connected large-capacity vans. In between: generations of vehicles that shaped industries, transformed logistics, and supported people in their daily work. 

This page tells the Mercedes-Benz story—from its beginnings in the German Empire to today’s new Van Architecture. Fans of Mercedes-Benz classics and modern classics (youngtimers) will find plenty to explore here. 

The late 19th century was shaped by a spirit of technological momentum. Industrialization was booming, cities were growing, and the movement of goods was increasing. Horse-drawn wagons still dominated the roads, but the first automobiles began to appear – still exotic, still a spectacle. In 1896, Carl Benz introduced the first van and sparked a shift that would change the history of logistics forever. 

Factories were destroyed, yet demand was enormous. Production resumed in 1946 – starting with a pre-war-based flatbed truck. What followed was the story of a remarkable new beginning.

The oil crisis, German reunification, early e-commerce – logistics changed radically. Mercedes-Benz kept pace: bringing passenger-car safety technology into the van and offering a range of vehicles purpose-built for commercial use.

The Sprinter debuted in 1995. Before long, the name stood for an entire vehicle class. 3 generations, more than 5 million vehicles to date – and no end in sight.

Curious about today’s Sprinter?

As the first van with the star, it carried a name instead of a model code. And the name wasn’t just catchy – it perfectly reflected the vehicle's character. Particularly in terms of handling and comfort. Customers benefited from what was then a unique combination: a self-supporting body, independent front suspension, and standard ABS with automatic brake differential. In 1995, class-leading safety by the standards of the time. The first direct-injection diesel engine in a van from Mercedes-Benz also arrived with the Sprinter. In fall 2003, the one-millionth unit rolled off the line in Düsseldorf. The 2000 Sprinter brochure put it perfectly: “Until now, it was almost impossible to build a better van than the Sprinter. That’s why we did it ourselves.”

More cargo volume, a fresh design, standard ESP® – the second-generation Sprinter raised the bar again. Known internally as NCV3, it offered 3 wheelbases, 4 lengths, 3 roof heights, and gross vehicle weights from 3 to 5 tons. New CDI diesel engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology noticeably reduced fuel consumption and emissions. In 2016, the 5.5-ton variant further expanded the range of applications. The Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle Industry and Bodybuilder Center ensured that almost every customer request could be fulfilled ex factory.

The third generation arrived with a smoother shape, an aerodynamically optimized grille – and a quantum leap in connectivity. As the first van from Mercedes-Benz, the Sprinter was equipped with the MBUX multimedia system. “Hey Mercedes” now worked in delivery operations as well. Front-wheel drive was added as a new option, along with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and a broad engine lineup up to 140 kW. In 2020, the eSprinter followed; its second generation, from 2023 onward, offers a range of up to 478 kilometers depending on battery size. In 2025, the five-millionth Sprinter rolled off the line at the Charleston plant (USA). It was an eSprinter.

Since 1995, the Vito has stood for a clear idea: a van that combines commercial requirements with passenger-car-level comfort.

Want more Vitos? 

The 1995 Vito was Mercedes-Benz’s first midsize van designed consistently for passenger-car comfort. Standard disc brakes all around, ABS, driver airbag, and MacPherson struts up front: the safety equipment was also at passenger-car level. At 1.89 meters tall, it fit into nearly any parking garage. In 1996, the clearly private-positioned V-Class followed as an upscale variant – with standard air suspension and rear individual seats that could be positioned individually or removed. That same year, the Marco Polo also debuted as a compact leisure vehicle.

In 2003, the Vito entered the market as an all-new design – this time with rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive, and for the first time with an all-wheel-drive variant in the segment. 3 body lengths, 2 roof heights, engines up to a V6: the new Vito literally grew with its tasks. In parallel, Mercedes-Benz positioned the Viano as an upscale variant with improved sound insulation, high-quality interior materials, and a clear focus on families and shuttle services. In 2010, the series received a facelift – and with the battery-electric Vito E-CELL, it offered a first preview of the segment’s electrification.

In 2014, the third-generation Vito celebrated its world premiere – larger, safer, more versatile. With the wheelbase unchanged, the 447 series grew by up to 130 millimeters in length, offering more space for cargo and passengers alike. Unique in its class, the Vito came standard with front airbags and a seat-belt warning system – even in the base specification. The standard Crosswind Assist was also a standout feature. In 2020, a comprehensive update followed with the OM654 diesel engine family, DISTRONIC, and AIRMATIC air suspension.

With the eVito, Mercedes-Benz brought electromobility to everyday van operations in 2018. Silent in city traffic – the eVito showed that electric drive and commercial practicality are not mutually exclusive. In 2020, the private-positioned EQV followed as an all-electric V-Class for passenger transport. Both represent the consistent step from research to series production – from early experiments with the Vito E-CELL in 2010 to a mature electric drivetrain in the regular model lineup.

At the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, you can experience Mercedes-Benz classics up close.