Mercedes-Benz presents the third generation of the Sprinter

By MEq August 20, 2018 12:43

Legends are made by performance. Since its market launch in 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has given its name to an entire vehicle class thanks to its outstanding qualities. Earlier this year, the third generation of this best-selling van celebrated its world premiere in the newly constructed Mercedes-Benz logistics center on the Mercator island in Duisburg. The new eSprinter will enter the market in 2019. It is part of the strategy of Mercedes-Benz Vans for electrification of the commercial van fleet.

Constant control over the fleet with Mercedes PRO connect services
The third Sprinter generation impresses with its progressive design plus comfort and safety features at passenger car level. At the same time, it offers maximum cost-effectiveness thanks to lower total operating costs and customer-oriented features. Comprehensive internet connectivity is one of the most important new features. The new, networked services of Mercedes PRO connect combined with the likewise completely new MBUX multimedia systems (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) provide the perfect basis for all logistical and transport requirements. This begins with the complex management of a large fleet and ends with the small company fleet.

Even more variable, and at home in all sectors
Panel van, Tourer, pickup, chassis, bus or traction head as body types, three drive configurations, cab designs, body lengths, tonnages, load compartment heights and equipment features: these parameters alone allow a further increase in the number of possible Sprinter variants. More than 1,700 different versions can be configured as a result. This maximized modularity defines the core of the new Sprinter concept, reflecting both sector-specific requirements and different customer segments. The product range includes e.g. solutions for courier services on the last mile delivery, for goods transport over longer distances or for service technicians using their vehicle as a mobile replacement parts store.

Front-wheel drive and two new transmissions
The well-proven drive concept with rear and all-wheel drive is now supplemented with a new front-wheel drive system. For reasons inherent to the design, the payload of this version increases by 50 kilograms compared to rear-wheel drive. An 80 millimeter lower loading sill makes the loading/unloading of commercially used Sprinters and access/egress to and from the living and sleeping area of camper vans considerably more convenient.

The technical highlights of the new Sprinter include two newly developed transmissions for front-wheel drive. The nine-speed automatic torque converter transmission is a first in the large van segment. The gear ranges are graduated to give an optimum balance between low consumption and agile handling. Other virtues include a low noise level and outstanding ride comfort. The new 6-speed manual transmission impresses with maximum gearshift comfort and no irritating vibrations of the shift lever.

Practical interior and weights up to 5.5 tonnes
The driver’s workplace is uncluttered, practical and designed to meet the relevant transport requirements. The improvements include ergonomically shaped seats, keyless start and an improved air conditioning system. A variable stowage concept ensures that everything has its place. The load compartment also scores with clever detailed solutions. Loadable wheel arches and fully usable load compartment heights in combination with front-wheel drive increase versatility. The maximum load capacity is 17 cu. m., with tonnages up to 5.5 tonnes.

Mercedes-Benz Vans also raises the Sprinter segment to a new level where safety features are concerned. The assistance systems available for the new Sprinter include e.g. a reversing camera showing its image in the rear-view mirror, a modern Parking package with a 360-degree view, a rain sensor and wiper with an integrated Wet Wiper system ensure optimum visibility even during the wiping process.