# Ice Traction SUVs The Mercedes Vito 4x4 Offers Great Traction In Icy Conditions By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-02-13 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-vito-4x4 References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/mercedes-vito-4x4/36041/) & [media.daimler](http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1722750-1-1787262-1-0-1-0-0-1-12639-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1423683072775) The [Mercedes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tecrawl-gcamper-kit) Vito 4x4 is an SUV that is designed for accessing cold, icy and otherwise slick conditions. It's also a vehicle that is sure to pique the interest of [van conversion specialists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storyteller-crew-mode-camper-van) who get a kick out of creating [unique all-terrain campers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rossmnster-skye-van). The introduction of this new Mercedes Vito 4x4 means that it is now the only mid-size van available in front, rear as well as permanent all-wheel-drive configurations. The vehicle is powered by a 190-horsepower 2.2-liter 119 BlueTC four-cylinder engine hooked up to a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission equipped with a torque converter.Torque is as high as 325 pounds-feet. The vehicle's impressive traction on ice is thanks to a special system that brakes slipping wheels and redirects drive power to the wheels with traction in a matter of milliseconds. With driving on ice representing one of the most hazardous driving situations, high-tech SUVs like these will surely be welcomed by drivers in colder climates. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Off-road Conversion Vans:** The Mercedes Vito 4x4 is likely to spark the creation of unique all-terrain campers by van conversion specialists. - **All-wheel Drive Mid-size Vans:** The Mercedes Vito 4x4 is the only mid-size van available in front, rear, and permanent all-wheel-drive configurations, presenting an opportunity for competitors to follow suit with similar designs. - **Ice Traction Suvs:** The impressive traction on ice provided by the Mercedes Vito 4x4's braking system and power redirection technology creates a potential for demand from drivers in colder climates for other high-tech SUVs with similar features. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Van Conversion:** Van conversion specialists can capitalize on the popularity of the Mercedes Vito 4x4 by offering custom all-terrain camper conversions. - **Automotive Manufacturing:** Other automotive manufacturers have the opportunity to create similar all-wheel-drive mid-size vans to compete with the Mercedes Vito 4x4. - **Winter Driving Technology:** The Mercedes Vito 4x4's braking system and power redirection technology present opportunities for other automotive and technology companies to develop innovations that improve driving safety in hazardous winter conditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wagon-Style Off-Road Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesbenz-allterrain-eclass.md) - [Off-Road Converted Camper SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tecrawl-gcamper-kit.md) - [Luxuriously Appointed Off-Road Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unimog-u-4023-luxury.md) - [Safety-Optimized Winter Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelin-xice-snow-tires.md) - [Ruggedly Modified Camping Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1987-mercedesbenz-unimog-u1300l.md) - [Custom-Modified Off-Road Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-halftrack-fox.md) - [9-Speed Automatic Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-sprinter.md) - [Extreme Terrain Truck Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arctic-trucks-toyota-land-cruiser-250-at37.md) - [Masterfully Modified SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-suv.md)