ON TEST: MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER
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A few days behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter highlights just why it’s been at the top for so long, says Andrew Walker Mercedes Benz launched the third generation of its Sprinter in2018, with evolution the watchword rather than revolution. It now contains the brand’s Pro Connect advanced technology, accessed from a new centrally located 10.25” touchscreen. The interior features a new touch-capable multifunction steering wheel, natural voice control, a clearly laid-out uncluttered instrument panel, wireless charging for smartphones and some features from the Mercedes-Benz car range, such as the air-vents. It all gives Sprinter the most car-like interior of any van to date. The top of the dash features three closing storage cubby holes, the larger central one holding the USB connection. Further storage comes in the form of door pockets large enough to hold a couple of bottles, two storage spaces underneath the dashboard controls, shelving above both driver and passenger and two smaller spaces under the central air-vents. There’s a quality finish to the dash and the neat and tidy matt black interior. The lack of switches on the dash is a little disconcerting. The touchscreen and functions therein do take a little while to get used to, but it’s not as complicated as most modern cars. Once you’ve spent some time behind the wheel everything clicks into place, with the toggle heating controls, for example, becoming second nature to adjust. Everything you need is within easy reach from the driver’s seat as well. From the outside it’s still unmistakably a Sprinter. Subtle updates include slender headlights, with LED bulbs on higher spec vans, a more upright windscreen, blistered wheel arches and a softer profile. Both the inside and outside may be new but the engine range is the same as on the previous model. For the first time the Sprinter is offered with front wheel drive, powered by a 2.1-litre four-cylinder unit offered in three power outputs; 114hp, 143hp and 177hp, with the most powerful version exclusively reserved for the camper van. Rear wheel drive also features on the 2.1 litre unit and offers power outputs of 114hp, 143hp or 163hp. And, if you need one, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel FWD version is now offered for the first time. 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. As standard, the Sprinter gets a six-speed manual gearbox, while the rear-drive model has the option of a 7Gtronic auto. The FWD mode also features a new nine-speed torque converter auto for improved efficiency and performance. If you’re a buyer looking to reduce emissions, especially for last-mile 48 | December 2020 | Company Car & Van
The little extras keep latest Sprinter ahead of the competition deliveries in urban areas, the all-electric Mercedes eSprinter is also an option. If you’re looking for your large panel van to be just right for you, the latest Sprinter offers 1,700 variants, be it panel van, Tourer, dropside, chassis, bus or tractor head. Maximum load capacity is 17m3 and up to 5.5 tonnes. The addition of FWD increases payload by 50 kg and this model is also available with a 9-speed auto transmission. FWD also offers an 80 mm lower loading sill to make loading/ unloading and access/exit more convenient. The panel van comes in a variety of sizes, with four wheelbases and six body styles. The FWD version comes in two wheelbases (3,259mm or 3,924mm) and is offered in panel van, chassis cab or tractor head guises, the latter being designed for camper van conversion.
Go for the Sprinter RWD and you have a choice of three wheelbases in either panel van, chassis cab, crew cab or passenger carrying Tourer bodies, while the RWD version also offers a double-wheel option for loads up to 5.5 tonnes. The panel van has a load area that features a large, flat, plastic-trimmed floor, plus a plywood lining, which is now standard across the range. The box wheel arches have been strengthened and are able to carry as much weight as the load floor itself, while standard and high-roof variants are also offered. 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. Continued on page 50 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
