Mercedes Sprinter Van Range
It could be the athletic name, it could be the three-pointed star on the grille, it could be the vehicles native habitat of motorway overtaking lanes but, whatever the reason, the Mercedes Sprinter tends to be thought of as one of the quickest panel vans around. Its a reputation that is not unfounded and one thats served Mercedes well, differentiating their product in a competitive market sector, but the latest Sprinter is different.
Fear not, theres still a range of muscular engines that yield a satisfying turn of pace enough to embarrass the average repmobile on a long motorway incline. The nations maniac express delivery drivers can call off the search for alternative transportation. Its just that todays Sprinter has a different emphasis. Speed now shares top billing with safety, technology and refinement.
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Most businesses will wax lyrical in public about their far-reaching, multifaceted, no-stone-unturned approaches to safety but in many instances, theyre just covering their own behinds, guarding against any future day in court. Mercedes have found many customers reluctant to pay extra for optional safety features and so, they took the laudable step of giving the Sprinter a comprehensive safety specification as standard. Three point seatbelts with pretensioners and force-limiters are installed for all seats, a bulkhead is included on all panel van models, there are extensive impact protection measures and every Sprinter gets the advanced Adaptive ESP stability control system.
"Mercedes have moved the panel van game forward"
Adaptive ESP has huge potential for helping the Sprinters driver retain control in challenging road conditions and, ultimately, averting accidents. The system is comprised of ABS with brakeforce distribution and brake assist as well as conventional ESP stability control which can apply braking to any or the four wheels individually or cut power from the engine in order to maintain stability. Over and above this, the Adaptive part of Adaptive ESP can estimate the vehicles mass and centre of gravity, adjusting its responses accordingly. It delivers more precisely controlled braking and better traction when there are different levels of grip on each side of the vehicle.
It also reacts more precisely to understeer and oversteer situations by sensing the size and position of the load onboard. Its all clever stuff and testing the system on low friction surfaces really opens your eyes to the potential benefits. It would take a seriously committed driver to lose control of the Sprinter with adaptive ESP in attendance. The Mercedes Sprinter is a big step forward in terms of technology in light commercial vehicles.
Buyers with the cash and the inclination could specify a model that makes rivals look like the Mary Rose to the Sprinters Starship Enterprise. The options list harbours such delights as the AAS hill holder system that prevents you rolling backwards on hill starts, Parktronic manoeuvring assistance with its colour screen reversing camera and proximity sensors, bi-xenon headlamps that turn with the steering letting you see round corners at night and Keyless Entry and Slide which can unlock the van then open the electronic sliding side doors automatically as you approach with an armful of boxes. Most buyers, of course, will have at least one eye on their balance sheet and will opt for a fairly standard Sprinter but they shouldnt feel short-changed. There are over 1,000 different derivatives to select from with gross vehicle weights from 3 to 5 tonnes.
If we ignore the crewbus, pick-up and crewcab models and stick to the panel vans, the four body lengths, three roof heights and three weight ratings multiply out to give over three dozen options. Then youve got to pick an engine. Its the Sprinters rear-wheel drive layout and accomplished engines that forged its reputation as the speedster of the panel van sector and little has changed with the current model. There are two CDI diesel powerplants offered, a 2.
1-litre four-cylinder thats offered with 88bhp, 109bhp, 129bhp or 150bhp outputs and a range-topping six-cylinder with 184bhp. The sole petrol option is a 258bhp V6, included to offer greater refinement for minibus customers, but the vast majority of Sprinters will drink heavy oil. Theres a marked difference in character between the engines in the modern Sprinter and those in the previous generation van. The old five-cylinder CDI units in particular had a breathy, whining note whereas todays units sound gruffer, more like a diesel engine but quieter.
Whether its improved engine refinement or soundproofing, the Sprinters cab is now between 5 and 7 decibels quieter across the rev range. Performance is very much dependant on engine choice. The less powerful options are adequate for light duty work but struggle a little when extended. From the 129bhp engine upwards, theres plentiful torque for a more relaxed drive, with the mighty 184bhp V6 delivering a concussive 400Nm torque output at only 1,600rpm.
The van handles adeptly with light and accurate steering via a wheel thats mounted in a comfortable, upright position. The manual 6-speed gearbox could be a little slicker but its still superior to most rivals and the five-speed automatic is very smooth indeed. Inside, the links to Mercedes-Benz passenger cars are instantly apparent. The clear, classily penned instruments, the ventilation controls and the stereo installations are all borrowed direct from models like the B-Class and A-Class.
This means that the quality is beyond what weve come to expect in panel vans. Elsewhere, care has obviously been taken to keep things tough and hardwearing while retaining the plush ambience. Aside from the overhead shelving, there isnt too much storage space for really large items but plenty of small cubbies are included to keep stationery and mobile phones in check. The door pockets are a little narrow and the coat hooks behind the seats arent ideally located.
Mercedes have moved the panel van game forward with the Sprinter. The safety provision is exemplary, the cab has that upmarket feel common to Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and the drivetrain options are predictably capable. In the end, the level of the Sprinters success in the UK will hinge on whether van buyers are willing to pay for what is ultimately a premium product. The ones that do are unlikely to be disappointed.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Mercedes Sprinter range ENGINES: 4-cylinder CDI diesel 88, 109, 129 or 150bhp / 6-cylinder CDI diesel 185bhp / 6-cylinder petrol 258bhp. MAX PAYLOAD: 960kg (218 CDI SWB low-roof)/ 2,710kg ( 515 CDI SWB lo-roof) LOAD VOLUME: 7m3 17m3 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 3.0t, 3.5t, 3.8t, 4.
6t, 5.0t
