The third generation Mercedes Sprinter panel van is here with a complete redesign and the latest Mercedes-Benz technology features.
The all-new Mercedes Sprinter has been revealed. The new large van from Mercedes has been designed to offer technologically advanced delivery solutions for big and small companies alike, as well as offering a wide range of body, chassis and seating options to accommodate every kind of business requirement.
The new Sprinter goes on sale in the UK in June 2018.
It's clear that the Sprinter Mk3 is an evolution of the vans that have gone before it. While the new Sprinter was previewed by the Mercedes Vision Van, the production version has a boxier look than the concept.
Compared to its predecessors, there's a more distinct angle between the bonnet and the upright windscreen, but the large grille with vast centrally mounted three-pointed star remains in place. The Sprinter's new shape is designed to bring the cab forward to help boost carrying capacity in the back.
While the looks are an evolution, there's plenty of new technology under the skin. Mercedes is now offering front and rear-wheel drive options on the Sprinter, with the former offering a load floor that's 80mm lower to improve load volume and access.
This is ideal for courier fleets that don't necessarily need the heavy payload that a rear-wheel-drive van can offer. The front-wheel-drive van is lighter by up to 50kg, so fleet users can save on running costs by going for the smallest capacity engine available, but without compromising van flexibility.
Engines ranging from 113bhp to 188bhp will be available, while six-speed manual and optional seven-speed 7G-Tronic gearboxes will be offered. In addition, Distronic adaptive cruise control and a suite of safety electronics will come as standard on the Sprinter, making it one of the safest large vans on sale. Adaptive stability control and Crosswind assist, which will brake each wheel independently to prevent the van from rolling, are part of this.
The front-drive Sprinter is available in wheelbases up to 3.9 metres, while the rear-wheel-drive model is offered with a wheelbase of up to 4.3 metres. If a wide load area is needed, then the rear-drive model with single rear wheels offers a maximum width of 1.2 metres.
Mercedes has designed the new Sprinter to be easy to drive, and options such as a parking package with park assist are available to help drivers negotiate tight delivery destinations. Air-suspension will be offered for passenger variants, while the MBUX infotainment system that debuted on the new A-Class hatchback a week before the Sprinter will be available, too.
Body styles for the Sprinter will be varied. There will be standard, long and extra-long panel vans, different wheelbases, standard and high-roof variants, passenger versions, crew cabs and chassis cabs. These last two will be able to accommodate a wide variety of bespoke rear ends, including chilled storage and emergency service modules.
Step inside, and it's clear that the Sprinter takes plenty of details from the Mercedes passenger car range, including the familiar Mercedes-Benz electric seat adjustment buttons that mirror the shape of the seat itself and a keyless starter button. Perhaps most tellingly for UK buyers, the standard central dashboard module is fitted with a conventional-looking stereo. This set-up will be present on Sprinter vans that aren't ordered with the impressive MBUX touchscreen infotainment system, which is likely to be a pricey option.
The new Mercedes Sprinter model will equal or improve on the current van in terms of payload, volume and fuel efficiency, but Mercedes is pushing a new wave of 'connectivity' that will allow fleet users to monitor their vehicles, and an eSprinter electric variant will also join the range.
The 2018 Sprinter will feature a built-in communications module that will allow van fleet managers to monitor their vehicles as closely as they want, allow remote control of load areas and automatically schedule maintenance to ensure their vehicles are off the road for as short a time as possible.
This hardware will also be programmable by the user, as the Linux-based system is open-source, so third-party software can be developed to suit specific user needs, whether it's for chilled distribution, multi-drop deliveries or even the emergency services.
The communications module will directly link back to a fleet operator via Mercedes's own desktop computer software called Mercedes Pro, while telematics data from vehicles will also be sent back to Mercedes to monitor how each Sprinter is being used. The van hardware will be integrated with the GPS system, too. So for example, if a multi-drop courier has a hold-up on their journey, the navigation can re-route them so that they don't suffer serious delays.
The new module can be tailored to each fleet customer's needs, and Mercedes Pro is designed to work with sole traders with a single van, right up to the multi-vehicle fleets run by large courier companies. With the latter, the software can be tailored so that individual parcels can be tracked on their journey, while valuable cargoes can be locked away remotely until the van has reached its final destination.
Elsewhere, the Sprinter Tourer name plate will be used on passenger carrying versions of the new van. As well as a variety of body lengths and roof heights, luxury seating options will be offered, as will multi-zone climate control, USB charging ports throughout and built-in WiFi.
One interesting development is the electrification of the Mercedes range, including an eSprinter large van. This will use the same electric motor and battery system as the recently revealed eVito mid-sized van. It will be front-wheel drive with the batteries stowed beneath the cargo floor. This means load volume will not be affected by the EV system, although the eSprinter's payload has yet to be confirmed.
Something else that hasn't been confirmed is the eSprinter's battery range. However, Mercedes is planning to offer a fully integrated charging solution for commercial customers, and it claims that the battery pack used in the eVito and eSprinter can be fully charged in 30-60 minutes. A dedicated e-van version of Mercedes Pro will also allow fleet managers to monitor energy use of their vans, and manage overnight charging so that vans are fully charged ready for a day of deliveries, including pre-heating or cooling of the cabs.
Mercedes is also offering a useful app for customers undecided about whether an electric van is right for their work. Simply input a typical day's work for a standard diesel van, and the app can calculate if the same work is achievable by an electric model.
The Mercedes eSprinter is scheduled to go on sale in 2019, a year after the standard Sprinter.