Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bags Van of the Year award

By Colin Windell

For the new Sprinter it has been a quick journey from launch to taking the ‘Van of the Year’ at the Auto Express Awards in London on May 3 – and it is the highly advanced technology embedded in the connected new Sprinter that impressed the judges.

The Sprinter’s ground-breaking on-board technology, including MBUX multimedia system (which is only the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle to benefit from this) and Mercedes PRO connect, enable simpler fleet control with a new level of vehicle management, and received high praise from the Auto Express team.

The new Sprinter took the ‘Van of the Year’ honour with judges commenting: “For the all-new Sprinter, it is a case of evolution and revolution rolled into one.

“The evolution comes with the smoother lines outside, improved payload volumes, better fuel economy, lower emissions and a smarter interior. The revolution starts in the cab with the MBUX voice-controlled infotainment system and the standard fitment of Mercedes PRO Connect.

“With more than 1 700 variants, the new Sprinter has all bases covered in the large van sector to suit most needs.”

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, added: “The connective technology in the New Sprinter is something the commercial vehicle industry has never seen before.

“We always strive to be pioneers within the commercial vehicle industry and could not be more humbled to receive an accolade which represents our brand, people and products with such honour.”

Like previous generations of the Mercedes-Benz workhorse it has notched a succession of technological ‘firsts’ including the ESP stability system, Crosswind Assist, the Euro VI emissions standard, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist and collected more than 80 industry awards.