3rd Generation of legendary Sprinter Van.

The latest Mercedes Sprinter van adds car technology and advanced fleet connectivity to its well-proven traits of durability and impressive load-carrying capacity. The Mercedes Sprinter has long been the van-of-choice for buyers looking for the very best offering in the commercial vehicle class, and now, this latest generation model, is set to attract even more buyers than ever before.

Third Generation Model;

As you would expect, the new Sprinter is an evolution of the van that came before it, but it now has a host of advanced connectivity technology, while features from the Mercedes-Benz car range have migrated across to the Sprinter, too. Now in its third generation, the segment founder, best-seller and innovation flagship has been reinvented once again. In terms of exterior styling, the front of the new Sprinter features slender new headlights (with optional LED lighting technology available) and a more upright windscreen, while blistered wheel-arches distinguish the new model in side profile.

However, it is under the skin where the most significant changes have been made. While the engine range is the same as before, with a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel unit in three power outputs (114bhp, 143bhp and 163bhp) and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 190bhp (the Sprinter is the only large van currently on sale to offer a V6), front-wheel drive is now offered for the first time. This helps to lower the Sprinter’s load floor by 80mm to help with loading and unloading, while 3.5-tonne versions of the FWD model are able to carry an additional 50kg of payload over the rear-wheel-drive variants. As before, the Sprinter AWD is also available with four-wheel drive and a raised ride height to give it some extra off-road ability. Gross vehicle weight (GVW) across the new Sprinter range are between 3.0-tonne and 5.5-tonne, while payloads range from 887kg to over 2,500kg depending on the model chosen.

Huge Versatility & Personalisation Options;

As standard, the Sprinter has a six-speed manual gearbox, while the rear-drive model has the option of a 7G-Tronic auto, and the FWD model features a new 9G-Tronic nine-speed torque-converter automatic for improved efficiency and performance. The new Sprinter is available as a Panel Van, Crew Van, Chassis Cab, Chassis Crewcab, Tourer and, for the first time, a Tractor Head Chassis which is specifically designed for Motorhomes. Further optional suspension variants and sector-specific solutions for bodybuilders and converters mean that the new Sprinter can be perfectly adapted for any task. For example, it is possible to configure vehicles with towing capacities up to 3.5-tonne, add a factory dropside body or choose from a diverse range of weight-saving measures such as a composite rear suspension system. The Sprinter Tourer models can accommodate up to 8 passengers plus the driver. With over 600 items of optional equipment, including special fleet and suspension solutions, the new Sprinter can be adapted precisely to individual requirements in order to be exactly 100% the van for you and your business.

Fleet Management Options;

Also included in the new Sprinter is ‘Mercedes PRO’ fleet management software. All Sprinters come with this software, but if you subscribe to one of the eight fleet management packages that Mercedes is offering, then you can manage your vans and drivers in minute detail to keep an eye on running costs. With claimed fuel consumption across the entire new Sprinter range as low as 6.6l/100km on an extra-urban driving cycle, the Sprinter will need to visit a filling station less frequently than ever before. Mercedes-Benz has gone all out with the new Sprinter’s load carrying ability. With four body lengths to choose from for the RWD model, and three lengths for the FWD and chassis cab models, plus high-roof options for both the RWD and FWD panel vans and crew cab options, there should be a Sprinter model to suit every need. Maximum load volume in the largest panel van is 17 cubic metres, and there is a maximum payload weight of 3,175kg offered, too. Twin rear wheels are offered in higher payload variants.

The panel van has a load area that features a large, flat floor, while the box wheel-arches have been strengthened and are able to carry as much weight as the load floor itself. In terms of electronics, the Sprinter now comes with electric power steering, so it’s able to make use of Mercedes’s latest safety systems from its car range. Distronic adaptive cruise control is optionally available and is now capable of bringing the Sprinter to a complete stop before driving off again, and it can cope with congested driving. Lane keep assist and a driver fatigue detector are optionally available too. These two systems can work in conjunction with each other. If the lane sensing system detects a lane change over broken white lines without the indicator being activated, then it will gently vibrate the steering wheel in the driver’s hand to make them aware. If the system detects the van is crossing a solid white line at the edge of the road, it will apply the brakes to that side of the van to bring it back into line.

The main rivals for the Mercedes Sprinter are the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Crafter (no longer related to the Sprinter), Iveco Daily, Renault Master, Opel Movano, Nissan NV400, Citroën Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato.

Test Vehicle;

My test vehicle was a new Mercedes Sprinter 314/43 (high roof, long wheel-base model) with a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 143bhp and 330Nm of torque for swift acceleration. The gross vehicle weight is 3.5-tonne, with a payload of 1,387kg available. Standard specification included a multi-function steering wheel, suspension for comfort and load protection, reversing camera, electric windows, remote central locking, radiator grille frame in vehicle colour, MBUX multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen, full length partition, MBConnect 5, Smartphone cradle, USB socket 5V, Crosswind Assist, headlight assistant, heavy-duty battery, PSM pre-installation electrical system, terminal strip for electrical connection, starting aid contact, dashboard-mounted charging package, electrically adjustable and heated exterior door mirrors, shelf above windscreen, cup holders, cruise control, ECO Gear 360 6-speed manual transmission, instrument cluster with colour display, 71-litre fuel tank, driver’s comfort seat with armrest and lumbar support, double passenger seat, driver’s airbag, 270-degree opening rear doors, rear door step, entrance handle on right hand rear corner pillar and an acoustic package.

Updated Cabin & Improved Sound-Proofing;

The real highlight inside the latest Sprinter is its updated cabin, where there are more concessions to luxury than ever before. There is more sound-proofing around the cabin, and this includes a flock finish for the roof lining and bulkhead behind the seats to reduce noise. The dashboard is well laid out and solidly built, while the rotary air vents are sourced from the Mercedes-Benz car range for a premium feel. As standard you get a seven-inch touchscreen with clear graphics, while Mercedes has ditched its Garmin-based navigation of old in favour of a system developed in-house. The multifunction steering wheel offers a convenient means of operating the on-board computer, vehicle functions, the multimedia systems and cruise control via touch control or steering wheel buttons, without the driver having to remove their hands from the wheel.

Overall, the new Mercedes Sprinter is a very capable, comfortable, technologically-advanced and efficient vehicle that can wear its Mercedes-Benz badge with pride. For every task, there is a Sprinter.

Competitive Pricing;

The new Mercedes Sprinter is on sale now, with prices starting at a very reasonable €21,950 + VAT for the front-wheel-drive 211/36 (short-wheel-base, low-roof) model with a 3.0-tonne GVW.

Visit www.mercedes-benz.ie for further information.