The nearest rival is the Volkswagen Transporter, which has a top-of-the-range version offering 174bhp.

The Vito 123 blasts from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph.

The new model was developed primarily for the specialist ‘blue light’ and armed response sectors.

Peter Lambert, van sales and marketing director for Mercedes-Benz in the UK, said initial expectations for the Vito 123 were around 100 units a year.

Standard specification will include air-conditioning, alloy wheels, automatic transmission, outside temperature gauge, pollen filter and wide, low-profile tyres.

Prices for the new model start at £19,260 for the compact-boded Vito 123, with long wheelbase versions at £19,540 and extra long at £19,930 (all prices ex-VAT).