When the original Mercedes-Benz Sprinter landed in America almost 20 years ago, it broke new ground—and rocked the commercial van world. The van world was beyond stagnant, with every other competitor fielding vehicles with roots that stretched back to the 1970s. The success of that first van almost single-handedly transformed the commercial vehicle landscape, making Sprinter a leader and innovator in the segment.
Today, there’s an all-new Sprinter that’s been reengineered and reimagined from the ground up with the kind of forward-thinking technology and innovative features Mercedes-Benz is known for. Let’s take a look at what makes this all-new Sprinter the most significant new commercial van in the industry. Built for you. The all-new Sprinter. Built in the USA.
Connected, Protected—and Packed with Comfort
It’s easy to see the Sprinter is handsome and chiseled on the outside. But it’s the features inside the cab of this workhorse that really impress. The interior is a major upgrade, with a design that echoes what’s found in Mercedes-Benz’s more exclusive car lines. Consider the climate-control system. Its controls, vents, and switchgear look and feel like they belong in a more-expensive vehicle. Engineers incorporated a keyless start system, too—never fumble with your keys again.
The all-new Sprinter may be a workhorse, but it abounds with creature comforts. The seats have been redesigned for more support and optional units offer fully adjustable power memory seats with enhanced lumbar support and even heating and ventilation.
Tech-Forward
Every Sprinter comes standard with an all-new MBUX multimedia seven-inch touch-screen display with natural language voice recognition. The optional 10.25-inch high-definition system is a step up—it’s unlike what you’ll find in any other commercial van and looks just like the one in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Both offer fast internet connectivity through the permanently installed SIM card inside the LTE-capable communication module.
The all-new Sprinter offers the flexibility of choosing either a gasoline or diesel powerplant. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 190 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and comes paired to a nine-speed automatic. But Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its strong, torque-rich and efficient diesels, and The all-new Sprinter’s proven 3.0-liter has the most cylinders in the segment (six) and develops a stout 324 lb-ft of torque as well as a lofty 190 hp—more power than any diesel in the class. The 3.0-liter is connected to a new seven-speed automatic that helps lower engine speeds while cruising, creating a quieter environment inside the cab and boosting fuel economy.
Custom Vannin’
The all-new Sprinter is like the multitool of the van world. And that’s because this big Mercedes-Benz is available in cargo, passenger, and cab chassis configurations in two wheelbases and a choice of single, super single, or dual rear wheels. So there’s a Sprinter for just about any commercial or personal use.
Unlike any other van in the Sprinter’s class, it can be optioned with 4WD right from the factory floor. That traction advantage makes the Sprinter the only choice for a variety of uses, from ski-lodge shuttles to overland-style off-road camping machines. There’s good news for those that already have Sprinters with expensive upfittings inside their van—the dimensions inside the cargo hold haven’t changed. That means all the custom accessories on an old Sprinter will fit inside a new one. The Sprinter’s versatility goes beneath the skin too. The all-new Sprinter is available in a wide range of GVWRs, the heaviest of which can achieve a class-leading maximum payload of 6,735 pounds. That’s over a full ton more than any van in its class. The Sprinter remains an excellent tow machine, too, with the stoutest models able to handle a 7,500-pound trailer.
Built in the USA
MERCEDES-BENZ
All this van goodness is built right here in the U.S. That’s a first for Mercedes-Benz vans. The company has invested $500 million in its South Carolina plant just outside Charleston to build The all-new Sprinter from the ground up. And that will allow customers to order and take delivery of these practical workhorses much quicker than ever before.
Endnotes
1. Blind Spot Assist is a warning system only, and may not be sufficient to avoid all accidents involving vehicles in your blind spot and does not estimate the speed of approaching vehicles. It should not be used as a substitute for driver awareness and checking of surrounding traffic conditions. See Operator’s Manual for system’s operating speeds and additional information and warnings.
2. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is not a substitute for actively checking around the vehicle for any obstacles or people. It may not detect certain objects based on their size, path, proximity or speed and angle of approach, or due to sensor obstruction, and does not control steering angle. See Operator’s Manual for additional information, tips and warnings.
3. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is no substitute for active driving involvement. It does not adapt cruising speed in response to stationary objects, nor does it predict the curvature and lane layout of the road ahead or the movement of vehicles ahead. It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to be attentive to traffic and road conditions, and to provide the steering, braking and other driving inputs necessary to retain control of the vehicle. Drivers are cautioned not to wait for the system’s alerts before braking, as that may not afford sufficient time and distance to brake safely. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake maintenance, and tire and road conditions. See Operator’s Manual for system’s operating speeds and additional information and warnings.
4. Active Brake Assist may not be sufficient to avoid an accident. It does not react to certain stationary objects, nor recognize or predict the curvature and/or lane layout of the road or every movement of vehicles ahead. It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to be attentive to traffic and road conditions, and to provide the steering, braking and other driving inputs necessary to retain control of the vehicle. Drivers are cautioned not to wait for the system’s alerts before braking, as that may not afford sufficient time and distance to brake safely. See Operator’s Manual for system’s operating speeds and additional information and warnings.
5. Active Lane Keeping Assist may be insufficient to alert a fatigued or distracted driver of lane drift and cannot be relied on to avoid an accident or serious injury.
6. Rearview camera does not audibly notify driver of nearby objects and is not a substitute for actively checking around the vehicle for any obstacles or people. Images displayed may be limited by camera field of view, weather, lighting conditions, and the presence of dirt, ice, or snow on the camera.