Mercedes-Benz Van Experience 2011

Now in its eighth year, Merc’s Van Experience (MBVE) is a real treat for its customers — current or potential — and dealers alike. It’s run over two weeks with around 200 lucky visitors a day sampling the delights of Merc’s light commercials at the ProDrive test track just outside Warwick. But this is no simple ‘test drive’ event.

The day is split into different modules and the majority are hands-on. We’ve all heard of ESP, but how many people really know what it is and does, and have actually experienced it in action when the situation isn’t life-threatening? MBVE visitors cover both bases courtesy of Bosch (separate video report will be published shortly); even those who attend the session straight after breakfast or lunch and take it from us, the in-van demo is not for those with a weak stomach.

ESP should be standard as a legal requirement on all vans and we can’t understand why it isn’t. Smoking is banned in vans in the UK — they are a place of work — but something that can potentially save lives on the road is not. We live in a strange pen-pusher world.

Think tyres are boring and don’t make a difference? MBVE has a hands-on module for that. Merc had four identical Sprinters, but with different rubber. One had a new set of Continental Vanco tyres at the correct pressure, another had the same tyres at the wrong pressures, the third was on a well-worn set and the fourth was fitted with cheapo budget tyres.

The object of the exercise was to drive each van in turn and then hit the brakes at 30mph on a section of water-drenched cobbles; a notoriously low-grip surface. No guesses for which performed best, but it was a graphic demonstration of the importance of correct tyre pressures, or even how decent rubber should be fitted in the first place. A stopping distance extended by up to 30m in adverse conditions can mean the difference between life and death.

Merc’s Van Experience isn’t just about selling vans and that’s the main reason it works. Naturally, it wants to keep existing customers and bring new ones on board, but it also makes it fun and educational.

The day also involved an economy driving module, the chance to sample four-wheel drive Sprinters off-road and get some experience behind the wheel of an impressive array of Sprinters and Vitos as well as some towing experience.

And last, but not least, have the chance to drive the Vito E-Cell (First Drive video report coming soon). It’s Merc’s battery-powered, and only current front-wheel drive, version of the Vito and it’s undergoing trials with major fleets in the UK. Not due to go on sale until 2012 it’s built on the production line alongside the diesel-powered models.

We had a ball at this year’s event and recommend it highly. Our advice would be to try your luck on the Mercedes stand at next year’s Commercial Vehicle Show and try to get a place. Even if you’re a current Merc customer, it’s an informative day-out; if you’re not you may become a convert.