Sprinter goes high-tech

By Colin Windell

The all-new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range, just launched in Germany, celebrates the marques 20-year anniversary by bringing on board new levels of technology.

The new Sprinter offers customers in a diverse range of industries more specific possible applications than ever before. It comes in more than 1 700 variants – depending on body type, drive system, cab design, body length, payload, cargo-space height and equipment versions. The variety of seats offered ranges from two individual seats in the cab of a commercially used vehicle to up to 20 seats for 19 passengers plus driver. Maximum cargo volume is 17 cubic meters, with payloads of up to 5,5 metric tons.

Likely to be launched locally in 2019, the specific derivative options for the local market are not yet finalised.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, says: “Our new Sprinter is the first van of a new type – a fully connected integral system solution. We have made it even better with regard to its traditional strengths and have supplemented it with intelligent products and services.”

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, added: “More than 20 years ago, the Sprinter established the segment that bears its name today. Since then, it has set new benchmarks for large vans through innovation time and again. No wonder it’s one of the bestsellers in Daimler's portfolio.”

The current model of the Sprinter has been on the market since 2006. The new Sprinter is available for order now and will be launched in the European market starting in June 2018. The other markets will follow gradually.

“As a world van, the Sprinter is on the roads in more than 130 countries and has now been sold more than 3,4-million times. It has also fully lived up to its reputation as a bestseller in its last year of the current model: In total, we sold about 200 500 Sprinter vans worldwide in 2017 – more than ever before.

"Our new Sprinter is the first van of a new type – a fully connected integral system solution. We have made it even better with regard to its traditional strengths and have supplemented it with intelligent products and services. This makes the Sprinter an integral part of the value chain. So we are unlocking a new dimension in terms of efficiency, flexibility, connectivity and profitability for our customers. And we are doing it precisely tailored to each particular industry.”

Mercedes-Benz Vans is expanding its position in the growth market of camper vans with the new Sprinter. The new model will be available for the first time also with front-wheel drive to meet demand in this segment even better.

As a result of the new design, the possible payload of this variant has been improved. A lower floor makes getting in and out of the living and sleeping area of camper vans – but also the loading and unloading of commercially used vehicles – considerably more convenient.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans now offers the new Sprinter on this basis also as a tractor head, where the powertrain, fuel tank and all other major components are located in front of or under the cab.

This gives bodybuilders completely free rein to design the rear vehicle section and further increases the possible applications of the new Sprinter. The new tractor head in the class with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 5,5 metric tons creates additional leeway for the development of new concepts in the field of high-quality and high-comfort camper vans.

Two combined digital systems make the new Sprinter fit for every conceivable logistics and transport requirement in a connected world.

On the one hand, the new Sprinter is equipped with Mercedes PRO connect, a connectivity system for fleet customers from micro-enterprises to key account customers. The web-based service links fleet managers with all vehicles and drivers in the fleet via the Vehicle Management Tool.

At the market launch of Mercedes PRO connect as an ex-factory solution, eight packages will be introduced with central fleet, vehicle, driver and location-based services. These will include for example Vehicle Supervision, Vehicle Operations, Fleet Communication, Maintenance and Repair Management and a digital Driver's Logbook. Vehicle Supervision displays all relevant vehicle data as well as the usage of the vehicle over a defined period.

Vehicle Operations includes accessing the location of vehicles almost in real time or providing information about when a vehicle enters or leaves a defined area (geofencing). Sending messages, addresses or contact details between the Vehicle Management Tool and the Mercedes PRO connect app improves fleet communication, while information about upcoming vehicle servicing facilitates maintenance management.

Furthermore, the new MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is available in the new Sprinter. It was presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early January.

The system also provides the access to Mercedes PRO connect. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the system is capable of learning, has a 10,25-inch display with HD resolution, and is controlled either with touch-enabled steering wheel controls, the  touchscreen, or an all-new voice control system. It offers the driver maximum convenience to allow him to focus on his actual task.

With the new Sprinter, many optional safety and assistance systems are now available from Mercedes-Benz Vans that were previously the preserve of the passenger car series. These include the radar-based distance control system DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST.

The optional Parking package with 360-degree camera makes another important contribution to relieving driver workload. If the optional Blind Spot Assist is on board in addition to the Parking package, this recognizes traffic and pedestrians crossing behind the vehicle and can also brake autonomously in an emergency.

Crosswind Assist is of course also on board as standard, as it makes van journeys considerably safer, especially at higher speeds and on motorways for example. Traffic Sign Assist draws additional attention to speed limits, no-entry and no-overtaking restrictions and their cancellation.

The technical highlights of the new Sprinter include two newly developed transmissions for front-wheel drive. The nine-speed automatic torque converter transmission is a first in the large van segment.

The gear ranges are graduated to give an optimum balance between low consumption and agile handling. Other virtues include a low noise level and outstanding ride comfort. The new 6-speed manual transmission impresses with maximum gearshift comfort and no irritating vibrations of the shift lever.

The driver's workplace is uncluttered, practical and designed to meet the relevant transport requirements. The improvements include ergonomically shaped seats, keyless start and an improved air conditioning system. A variable stowage concept ensures that everything has its place.