The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: the S-Class of vans

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter arrives with more performance, more variants to cover any need, and connectivity and equipment solutions typical of high-end passenger cars.

Fair enough, we are more of a car magazine. But when we were invited to test the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it seemed the perfect opportunity to check how far the technology the star brand applies to its passenger cars could be reflected in the true pioneer of the large van segment. Vehicles that have taken on vital importance in what is called “last-mile distribution”.

Mercedes Sprinter: third generation

In this category, the life cycles of a vehicle are much longer than those of passenger cars, so a change of generation usually brings major innovations. This is the case of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which represents the third generation… after 22 years on the market! The first was presented in 1995, the second appeared in 2006, and now it is the turn of the new Sprinter. Since then, Mercedes-Benz has produced 3.4 million units of the Sprinter, which is manufactured in Germany, Argentina, the USA, China and Russia, and sold in more than 130 countries.

To give an idea of the importance of the Sprinter range for the brand: last year, of the more than 400,000 vans sold by Mercedes-Benz Vans, more than 200,000 were Sprinters. And in Spain, one in three. Currently, the Sprinter range offers more than 1,700 derivatives, if we include body, engine, transmission, drive and equipment versions. For example, there are Panel Van, Combi, open platform, chassis cab, minibus or tractor-head bodies. There are also three transmission types to choose from, different body lengths, payloads up to 5.5 tonnes and 17 cubic metres of capacity, three different heights for the loading compartment…

The solutions cover variants for transporting all kinds of goods and also people, plus special versions such as minibus or ambulance. And as if that were not enough, in 2019 the electric version, the eSprinter, will arrive.

The highlights of the new Mercedes Sprinter

Among the main novelties that users of the Sprinter as a work tool will appreciate, beyond the design changes, are those relating to lower purchase and maintenance costs, its cargo versatility, the price compared with the previous version given the greater standard equipment, and everything the arrival of connectivity brings.

Aesthetically, details stand out such as the chrome grille, bumpers in body colour, LED lights or 17-inch alloy wheels. The equipment of all versions now includes electric power steering, push-button start, automatic lights and emergency braking assistant, as well as crosswind assist. But without doubt, one of the main novelties is the arrival of front-wheel-drive versions, which allow a loading floor 80 mm lower and reduce purchase costs. The second is the step forward that Mercedes takes with the Sprinter regarding connectivity.

Mercedes PRO connect: maximum connectivity

For the first time, the Mercedes Sprinter includes an on-board SIM card that enables online services and is the basis for new telematics solutions, in addition to making it possible to set up an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot.

There are two optional systems in addition to the standard radio: the MBUX 1 with a 7-inch screen, or the MBUX 2 with a 10.25-inch screen, which includes voice recognition. If in the images it reminds you of that of the passenger cars of Mercedes, such as the very same Mercedes A-Class, you are not wrong: it is exactly the same, and offers the same functions. Customisable, with high-definition graphics and simple touch operation, it places the Sprinter on a par with any passenger car in the range in this respect.

Under the name Mercedes PRO, a whole range of digital services is integrated that expands the possibilities for professional Sprinter customers. It includes assistance packages (managing repairs or breakdowns), enhanced navigation (live traffic information, online map updates), simplified fleet communication, digital records of journeys or drivers, efficiency management (anti-theft alarm, vehicle operation and monitoring) or remote vehicle control. Customers can enjoy these services during a trial period, and then purchase them through the website.

At the wheel: comfort and performance

Mercedes offers three turbodiesel engines across the Sprinter range: a four-cylinder 2,143 cm³ in 114 and 143 CV versions, and a powerful 190 CV V6, all optimised for efficiency and refinement, and combinable with the manual gearbox or the automatic gearbox. For the front-wheel-drive variants the gearbox is the seven-speed 9G-Tronic – a novelty in the range – and the rear-wheel-drive versions keep the 7G-Tronic.

We tested Panel Van and Mixed Panel Van versions with front-wheel and rear-wheel drive with the 143 CV engine, which proved very smooth and with strong pull from low revs, which should ensure good performance even when using its maximum payload. It takes no time to get used to the steering, which at first feels very light. And the level of finish of the cabin is surprising, especially in the top versions, with the MBUX system. After very few kilometres you feel almost as if you were driving a large MPV. Unladen, there are no uncomfortable suspension bounces, something that is usually typical of vehicles designed to work with a load. And the noise level is very well contained, both aerodynamic and rolling noise, as well as that coming from the resonating-box effect of the loading area.

Heated seats, wireless smartphone charging, multifunction leather steering wheel… These are just some of the elements that improve quality of life on board in a cabin in which Sprinter users will spend many hours, and they will value the ease of handling and the additional safety of new systems such as active lane change assist, the DISTRONIC active cruise control or the parking assistant, now with 360-degree camera and cross-traffic alert.

Range and prices of the Mercedes Sprinter

The price list (ex-works) starts at €23,532 for the 211 CDI front-wheel drive in the Sprinter 200 range, and €24,882 for the 311 CDI compact panel van in the 300 series. In this last series, the 311 CDI medium panel van with rear-wheel drive starts at €27,604, up to €39,434 for the 319 CDI Extra-Long Mixed. The 400 series starts at €26,179 for the 411 CDI Compact Panel Van with front-wheel drive (€28,910 with rear-wheel drive), up to €40,731 for the 419 CDI Extra-Long Mixed. And the 500 series starts with the 511 CDI Medium Panel Van, priced at €31,296, up to €42,477 for the Extra-Long Mixed.

The Sprinter Chassis is offered in the 200, 300, 400 and 500 series, with prices from €22,919 (compact front-wheel-drive chassis cab) up to €40,720 (519 CDI double-cab long-wheelbase rear-wheel drive)

As for the new Sprinter Tourer passenger van, available in the 300 range, it starts with the 311 CDI Tourer Compact from €29,927, and goes up to €47,249 for the 319 CDI in long Tourer version.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter image gallery