Volkswagen California vs Mercedes-Benz eVito
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Volkswagen California
From $93,790
Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
110kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Mercedes-Benz eVito
From $98,951
Van
Electric
Electric Motor
85kW
—
ANCAP: no data
6600L
Volkswagen California: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h, turning circle and CO2 emissions.
Mercedes-Benz eVito: we're still completing 0-100km/h, ground clearance, braked towing and electric range.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen California starts from $93,790 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz eVito opens at $98,951. That makes the Volkswagen California the more affordable entry point by $5,161.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $103,169 and $108,846 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz eVito qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen California, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
60kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 80kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 80kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Volkswagen California stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz eVito. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen California uses a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dsg dual-clutch to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz eVito counters with its electric setup making 85kW and 360Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Volkswagen California has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen California measures 4,904mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 466mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz eVito at 5,370mm (3,430mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz eVito generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.8 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen California) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Mercedes-Benz eVito). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen California if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz eVito if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen California takes 2 of 2 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen California and Mercedes-Benz eVito?
The Volkswagen California is the cheapest at $93,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz eVito by $5,161.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen California uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen California and Mercedes-Benz eVito carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen California has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen California makes the most power at 110kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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