Third generation Sprinter vans unveiled in Germany
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the latest version of Sprinter vans yesterday in Duisburg, Germany.
The new generation of light commercial vehicles will be available in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.
With a focus on connectedness, user experience and efficiency, Mercedes-Benz showcased their updated range of powertrains, interior technology and an all-electric offering.
The holistic systems approach taken for the new Sprinter saw the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) and telematics functionality better equipping the vehicle for commercial fleet use.
A high level of vehicle customisability is offered, with a total of 1,734 different variants offered based on combinations of body type, powertrain, cab configuration, length and cargo space height.
Ultimately, this allows for a better off-the-shelf fit for a range of commercial applications.
Two exciting new additions to the Sprinter lineup are front-wheel-drive models, and the all-electric zero-emission eSprinter.
The front-wheel-drive Sprinter is available as a 9-speed automatic and 6-speed manual and offers increased payload and lower-cost base models, adding to the manufacturer’s rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive staples.
In addition to the increased payload, the front-wheel-drive options have 80 mm lower loading edges, taking the strain off operators.
By van standards, the safety features on the new Sprinter are top notch, with Distronic radar-based cruise control, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, attention assist, rain sensor, and 360-degree visibility.
During the launch event, a point consistently mentioned was that Mercedes-Benz believes a vehicle represents a fleet’s image and so exterior design is an important factor.
The Sprinter was designed to perform, but also look the part and based on initial impressions it shares styling cues with the passenger car range.
The interior was a cut above on the new Sprinter, with a connected user experience generally reserved for high-end cars.
The third-gen Sprinter scores the MBUX multimedia system, which was only just unveiled on the new A-class, offering connectivity via a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen display.
Hardly technology you’d expect in a commercial vehicle, according to Mercedes-Benz, it’s all about providing a better user experience for drivers.
MBUX has voice control and something like running low on fuel means the system suggests nearby petrol stations and the best route to take.
A telematics-style system is also built into the range, called Mercedes Pro, offering vehicle and driver location, vehicle logistics, fleet communication, and maintenance management.
The all-electric eSprinter was a hit at the launch event, and will become available in some market for ordering from November 2019 – aimed at delivering unparalleled efficiency within the last-mile-delivery industry.
Mercedes-Benz Vans global CEO Volker Mornhinweg emphasises the importance of connectivity in modern commercial vehicles and says the Sprinter sets a new standard for commercial vehicles.
“In the logistics and transport world of the future, adaptability to specific needs and the changing expectations of customers will be a defining success factor,” Mornhinweg says.
“Just building a good vehicle is therefore not enough. The new Sprinter must be more than the sum of its parts.
“With new connectivity services, a new telematics generation and an unprecedented number of variants, it is a comprehensive system meeting an enormous range of commercial transport requirements.
“This means that the new Sprinter achieves precisely what its preceding generations demonstrated before it: it sets new standards.”