Mercedes-Benz has released pricing and specification details of its new entrant in the people mover segment, the eight seat Valente.
“We have developed the Valente following feedback from our customers and dealers to provide a mid range people mover variant below the upscale Viano. Based on the highly regarded Vito and Viano platform. Working closely with my colleague Horst von Sanden from Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, we have created a new vehicle and a new name plate called the Mercedes-Benz Valente (pronounced: va-len-tey)” said Dr Kolja Rebstock, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz, Commercial Vehicles. “We have repositioned the Vito Wagon at the new MSLP of $49,990 including GST (a reduction of $3,000). With the Valente at $54,490 and the Viano at $70,946 there are three very distinct price points for out range of people movers.With standard features such as 17” alloy wheels, 8-seat, THERMOTRONIC air conditioning, light and rain sensor, Bluetooth and a leather multifunction steering wheel, the Valente offers customers the quality, value and practicality which is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz and we expect that it will strongly make its presence felt in the people mover segment.The Valente is built on the same platform as the Vito and Viano models, the Valente will provide customers with a family vehicle which is truly easy to own, easy to drive and is priced right in the heart of the people mover segment“ said Dr Kolja Rebstock, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz, Commercial Vehicles.
Available in one highly specified level, the Valente comes with a host of standard equipment and has a MSLP of $54,490 including GST (excluding on-road costs).
The Valente uses the Vito Wagon as its base but features the following additional equipment as standard:
120kW/360Nm CDI engine
5 Speed Automatic
17” alloy wheels
PARKTRONIC
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
Audio 20 with CD changer and media interface
(iPod, USB and AUX)
Automatic dimming rear view mirror
THERMOTRONIC air conditioning (dual zone)
Light and rain sensor
Thorax airbags
Front window airbags
Carpet flooring
Soft touch cockpit
Rear privacy glass (from the b-pillar back)
This enables us to offer three very distinct vehicles that are tailored to the market and directly take on board feedback from our customers and dealers.
In terms of appearance, the Valente is every bit a member of the Mercedes-Benz family with 17” Alloy wheels, dark tinted windows from the b-pillar round and day-time running lights all featured as standard.
Perfect for moving the family, the Valente is powered by a 2.2L 4 cylinder CDI engine producing 120kW and 360Nm. With the benefit of twin turbo flexibility, the Valente delivers peak torque from as low as 1,600rpm through to 2,400rpm.
This will ensure that the Valente will have no trouble with 8 adults, luggage and a caravan. While it may be strong and powerful, it’s also fuel efficient achieving only 8.2L/100km and emitting a mere 216g/km. Practical, powerful and responsible.
The Valente offers families, tour operators and chauffer drive companies a compelling solution to the task of moving seven people. With the practicality and comfort of 8 reclining seats, front and rear climate control A/C, and a colossal 730L boot, the Valente is more than up to the task of carrying people and luggage.
In terms of technology, the Valente offers Bluetooth phone connection, iPod/USB connectivity, SPEEDTRONIC (cruise control), PARKTRONIC (front and rear parking sensors), auto dimming rear view mirror and a light and rain sensor as standard.
Optional equipment
We believe that the Valente is already a very well equipped vehicle which offers generous specification and value. Available at additional cost, the Valente can also be ordered with 4 option packages.
COMAND APS Satellite Navigation with reversing camera (EJ6+FR8) MLP:- $4,490
6.5” TFT Colour screen
Reversing camera
Bluetooth telephone control
4GB Internal memory
SD Memory card slot
HDD Based navigation
Speed sensitive volume control
FM, AM, RDS, CD, DVD, MP3, WMA
LINGUATRONIC
Dual electric sliding doors (T56, T57) MLP:- $2,490
Electrically operated power doors
Remote opening (e.g. Wet weather)
Obstruction sensor to prevent injuries
Activation switch on dash, key and b-pillar
Bi-xenon headlamps (LG1, LG3, F46) MLP:- $1,590
Outstanding road illumination
Corner illumination when steering wheel is turned
LED daytime running lights included
Less energy consumption
Vehicle alarm system (FZ5) MLP:- $590
Audible and visual alarm
Triggered by tampering with the vehicle
Specifications
Engine
No. of cylinders 4
Bore/stroke (mm) 83/99
Total displacement (cc) 2143
Rated output (kW @ rpm) 120kW @ 3800rpm
Max torque (Nm @ rpm) 360Nm @ 1600-2400rpm
Fuel supply Common rail direct injection
Air Induction Intercooled (2 stage) turbo chargers
Fuel tank capacity (L) Approx. 75
Fuel consumption (L/100km) 8.2
Emission (g/km) 216 (EU5)
Transmission 5 Speed Automatic
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Front suspension Independent suspension; McPherson strut with stabiliser
Rear Suspension Independent suspension; coil springs, semi-trailing arms
Weights & Capacities (kg)
Unladen weight 2155
Gross vehicle 3050
Trailer load with brakes 2000
Trailer load without brakes 750
Dimensions (mm)
Length 5008
Width (body) 1901
Width (with door mirrors) 2253
Height 1875
Ground clearence 149
Sliding door opening (WxH) 985 x 1240
Tailgate opening (WxH) 1196 x 1220
Luggage compartment volume 730L
Interior height 1338
Other specification
Seating 8
Turning circle (m) 11.8
Rim (inches) 7.0Jx17
Tyre profile 225/55 R17 225/55 R17