Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

Sprinters wear both the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Logo

here in the USA to appeal to different buyers.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

It is no surprise we are seeing so many Sprinter vans on US roads lately. Mercedes-Benz is not only a producer of luxury and performance vehicles, it is the world’s oldest truck producer, with the first 5 ton van in 1898. It seems natural for Mercedes-Benz to produce a van that is as well-designed and functional that can handle everything from flowers to heavy off-road work duty.

Mercedes-Benz Grill on a Sprinter

The Sprinters we see today wear a number of manufacturer badges, Mercedes-Benz, or Freightliner. Technically they are the same machine, just rebadged with different grills and logos. The reasoning for multiple brands, is that some companies feel using an American branded truck better befits their image, while others, like FedEx, feel their brand is aligned with Mercedes-Benz.

Freightliner Grill on a Sprinter

No matter the brand, the Sprinter box van and truck chassis that we see here in the USA are fully assembled in Germany, then disassembled in Dusseldorf for export to the USA. Once here they are reassembled outside of Charleston SC. You may ask, why? It is due to a 1963 trade dispute where USA put a 25% tax on agricultural products and light trucks imports in response to tariffs on the importation of US Chickens by France and Germany. While taxes were later dropped on potato starch, brandy and dextrin, they remain on light trucks today. Not just Sprinters, but any 2 seat truck body, van or pickup made overseas has to be reassembled in the USA to avoid the tax. Even with the extra step of reassembly on American shore, the vehicles are a profitable offering for the manufacturers. (This is not the same for Canadian bound Sprinters, as there is no tax on imports to Canada, as that is an US Tax.)

Crosswind Assist helps keep the Sprinter

On the road in adverse conditions.

Sprinters, like Daimler trucks are some of the most technology advanced and fuel efficient on the road, employing a lot of the technology found in Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. Technology such as Load-Aadaptive ESP, Crosswind Assist based on the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) (standard on the 2500 models,) keep the van stable at driving speeds above 50 mph during in high wind conditions. Other technology like camera based Lane Keep Assist, Highbeam Assist, radar based Collission Assist, Brake Assist and Blind Spot Assist, will be familiar to drivers of newer Mercedes-Benzs.

The 250 diesel engine is being adapted for use in a number

of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, like this GLK 250 SUV.

Sprinters come to the US with two BlueTEC diesel engine options; an optional V-6 3.0 liter six-cylinder (188hp, 325 lb-ft) or a standard 2.1 four cylinder turbo, (161 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque at 1,400-2,400 rpm.) just like the 250 you would find on an E-Class, GLK or ML-Class vehicle. The six is mounted to the 5-speed, while the 4 is mated to a 7-speed transmission. Both provide class leading fuel efficiency with plentiful power bands, even under heavy hauling conditions. One wonders if an AMG version will be developed, something that was not totally dismissed by MBUSA’s product management.

Sprinter has added a 4-wheel drive option for 2015.

A Four Wheel Drive option is new for 2015, making it a capable service vehicle in both off road operation or when road conditions have deteriorated and traction is necessary to get the work done. Full-fledged four wheel drive, which can be used in two or four wheel drive, with optional high range or low and high range transfer cases are available. Designed more for the heavy truck application than the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system found in the passenger vehicles. Four wheel drive Sprinter are as capable as any ML, and as easy to drive on or off road.

The dash of a Sprinter van is much like other Mercedes-Benz

vehicles.

Driving the Sprinter is more passenger vehicle like than one might expect, considering its truck hearitage. Turning radius is pure Mercedes-Benz, tight and secure, making a U-Turn, even with an extended wheelbase is easily accomplished in one smooth turn. A well-appointed passenger compartment with quality materials, as one would expect from the brand. Excellent visibility, even beyond sitting up in the van’s cab. The outboard mounted exterior mirrors provide good rear sight lines. In the case of the closed back Airstream, a small TV monitor using a rear mounted camera becomes the inside rear view mirror.

Airstream upfits M-B Sprinters.

Mercedes-Benz drivers will feel at home in the Sprinter, as it provides a well-engineered and versatile work truck that can be outfitted in any number of ways. Not just a van, outfitted it can become an ultra-luxury personal cruiser like the Airstream Autobahn or Interstate, a workhorse with tool boxes or with satellite uplink dish on the top as it is used by many TV stations, or as a multiple person transport bus.

The Metris Van, V-Class in Europe will be coming the US

in late 2015.  It too will be customizable depending on needs.

Sprinter vehicles, be they work or pleasure vans are available from selected Mercedes-Benz dealers around the country.  Airstream upfitted vans, like the Interstate are available from RV dealers, while the Autobahn, a luxury travel van with an interior like a private jet are available from selected Merecedes-Benz dealers.

Mercedes-Benz is bringing a smaller van to the US in late 2015, the Metris, about the size of a mini-van. Already on sale in Europe as a V-Class. It too will be customizable in a variety of formats for customers. Keep an eye out for it later in 2015.