Mercedes-Benz reveals new Sprinter van

Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz Vans, has revealed its new Sprinter van, featuring a connectivity package that supports telematics applications.

"In the logistics and transport world of the future, adaptability to specific needs and the changing expectations of customers will be a defining success factor,” said Mercedes-Benz Vans Global CEO, Volker Mornhinweg – adding that just building a good vehicle is not enough. “The new Sprinter must be more than the sum of its parts. With new connectivity services, a new telematics generation and an unprecedented number of variants, it is a comprehensive system meeting an enormous range of commercial transport requirements.”

Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand CEO and Managing Director, Diane Tarr, said that since the Sprinter’s introduction in 1998, it has led the market with its first two generations. “With such a vast and configurable range of variants, we have provided sector-specific solutions covering a range from classic courier services over the last delivery mile, major motorhome manufacturers, service providers, eGrocery delivery, construction, manufacturing, rental, passenger transportation and of course ambulance services.

“Amazingly we are now adding even more, opening the Sprinter to new sectors through additional variants and features, whilst providing a far more intelligent, user-friendly and interactive Sprinter range. Not to mention we will further bolster safety through a range of new assistance systems, previously only found in the passenger car range,” she said.





It is possible to generate 1,734 different Sprinter variants just using the basic parameters such as body type, powertrain concept, cab configuration, body length, tonnage and cargo space height, according to Mercedes-Benz Vans.

“The proven powertrain concept around rear- and all-wheel drive is augmented by a new front-wheel drive,” Mercedes-Benz Vans said in a statement.

“With this version, for design-inherent reasons, the payload increases by 50 kilograms compared with rear-wheel drive, while an 80-millimetre lower loading edge makes for significantly more convenient loading/unloading and getting in/out of the vehicle.

“The technical highlights of the new Sprinter include two newly developed transmissions for front-wheel drive – a 9-speed automatic transmission with torque converter as an innovation in the large-van segment and a likewise newly developed 6-speed manual transmission.”

In-cab improvements for the Sprinter reportedly include ergonomically shaped seats with optional memory function and electric seat adjustments, keyless start, optimised air conditioning as well as a versatile stowage concept.

The Sprinter has loadable wheel housings and extended cargo space heights. Its maximum loading capacity is 17m³ with tonnage that reportedly extends as far as 5.5 tonnes.

“Super-single tyres as an alternative to twin tyres at the rear axle are now permitted for gross vehicle weights of up to five tonnes,” according to Mercedes-Benz Vans. “Whatever the model and tyres, the rear doors of the new Sprinter can be opened to the side walls even more easily. There is no longer a mechanically released catch in the 90-degree position, and the door can be conveniently opened with one hand.”

Sprinter safety features reportedly include Distronic radar-based cruise control, active break assist, active lane keeping assist, attention assist, and a modern package with 360-degree all-round visibility and a rain sensor with integral wet wiper system for optimal vision during windscreen cleaning.

Mercedes-Benz Vans said that there has been a leap in efficiency due to its state-of-the-art connectivity hardware and Mercedes PRO connect services, making the new Sprinter a part of the Internet of Things (IoT). “The innovations designed to make day-to-day work easier and more efficient include simpler fleet management and optimised communication between fleet manager and driver. This allows small and medium-sized fleets in particular to achieve a new quality of vehicle management.”