Mercedes-Benz · 2001–2005
Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is a five-door, seven-seater compact MPV (M-segment in Europe) that was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2001 to 2005. It used the automobile platform from the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Up to seven seater capacity was available, but this vehicle was not built as a van, instead it was built as a MPV. The name Vaneo is derived from the word Van, which is used in German for the car types MPV.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Successor: Mercedes-Benz W415|Mercedes-Benz Citan
All Mercedes-Benz Vaneo data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
Design
The Vaneo was front-wheel-drive only and limited to four-cylinder engines. The body consisted of two sliding rear doors and a 'Sandwich Floor' construction giving it a van-like driving position and a higher roof line. It was suitable for the U.K.'s Motability scheme for the disabled, as well as for use as taxicabs. Seating for five was standard, with two third-row buckets optional. With all the rear seats removed, there was up to 3,000 litres of cargo space. A 120 kg capacity slide-out boot floor was optional. Roof rails were standard on Trend and Ambiente models, while ISOfix anchorages were included on all vehicles. Due to quality issues and poor sales the Vaneo was discontinued after a three-year production run. It was replaced in the same year it was discontinued, by the similarly-sized B-Class.
Powertrains
Engines complied with Euro 3 emission standards. They included: 1.6 L in two states of tune and 1.9 L petrol engines, as well as a 1.7 L diesel. Three 5-speed transmissions were available: a manual, an automated clutch system called ACS, and a regular automatic called "TouchShift."
Reviews
Parker's Car Guides 'Pros: Interior space, usefully practical, easy to drive in townCons: Rattly trim, ungainly styling, firm ride' RAC (6.4/10)'Don't let the uninspiring looks and twee name put you off. The Vaneo is well built and offers a surprising amount of space in its compact footprint. It won't win any beauty contests and inviting people for 'a spin in the Merc' might be a recipe for disappointment, but to know a Vaneo is to love one. Surprisingly good.' == References ==
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (W414)
- Manufacturer
- DaimlerChrysler
- Production
- 2001–2005
- Assembly
- Germany: Ludwigsfelde (Industriewerke Ludwigsfelde)
- Successor
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- Class
- Subcompact MPV (M)
- Body style
- 5-door MPV
- Engine
- 1.6 L L4 Petrol, 1.9 L L4 Petrol, 1.7 L L4 Diesel
- Transmission
- 5-speed Manual, 5-speed ACS, 5-speed TouchShift
- Layout
- FF layout
- Related
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168)
- Wheelbase
- 2900 mm
- Length
- 4192 mm
- Height
- 1830 mm
- Width
- 1742 mm
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1273407CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_VaneoCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1366680487 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes_Vaneo_front_20071009.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: Rudolf Stricker · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.