2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Review

The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has arrived in Australia with a tweaked design, more safety features, a stack of options and a modern infotainment and telematics package designed for today’s transport operator.

Mercedes-Benz told us at the launch in Adelaide this week that more than 1700 different Sprinter variants can be generated by combining body types, engine and transmission configurations, cab designs, body lengths, tonnages and load compartment heights.

This variability makes the new Sprinter adaptable for a wide range of transport needs and sectors. The bandwidth ranges from a construction site vehicle to a luxuriously equipped minibus that will become available next year.

Prices range from $46,808 to 69,505 for the van range and from $41,238 to $69,232 for the cab-chassis variants that are available in both single- and dual-cab forms.

The van and cab-chassis variants will launch this month, followed by the minibus and “tractor head” versions early in 2019. The tractor head versions are front-wheel drive with the fuel tanks and transmission integrated into the cab so all you’re buying is the front section of the truck with nothing – not even a chassis – behind the B pillar.

Tractor head versions are designed for markets such as the campervan sector, so the body builder can have a more versatile platform to work with. According to Mercedes-Benz, one big European company has already ordered “a four-figure number” of these.

The current rear and all-wheel-drive models are now supplemented with a new front-wheel-drive system.

The payload of the front-drive version increases by 50 kilograms compared with the previous model, and an 80 millimetre-lower loading sill makes loading and unloading, and access and egress, more convenient.

Technical highlights of the new Sprinter include two new transmissions for front-wheel drive models; a nine-speed automatic torque converter transmission that is a first in the large van segment, and the likewise newly developed standard six-speed manual gearbox. With the optional nine-speed automatic transmission, drivers are able to intervene in the current shift profile via a "Drive Select" manual mode and steering wheel shift paddles.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van will offer four vehicle lengths: short, medium, long and extra-long wheelbase with three roof heights consisting of standard, high and super-high. The next choice is from front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive options, with load compartment volumes up to 17 cubic metres.

GVM ranges from 3.55t, 4.1t, 4.49t and 5.0t with a maximum payload of up to 2.646t.

The Sprinter cab-chassis will have two vehicle lengths, medium and long wheelbase, and buyers can choose from single or dual cab versoins. These are also offered in front-wheel, rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations, and come with a tray area of up to 9.2 square metres.

Again GVMs range from 3.55t, 4.1t, 4.49t to 5.0t.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has equipped the Sprinter with a full range of safety gear. The standard safety equipment includes Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist (not applicable for cab-chassis variants), reversing camera (not applicable for cab-chassis variants), Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist and front and curtain airbags for driver and front passenger.

Optional safety equipment includes Mercedes-Benz’s radar-based distance control system called Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and the Parking Package with 360 degree camera. Crosswind Assist continues on board as standard, as it makes van journeys considerably safer, especially at higher speeds on freeways.

The MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has a 7.0-inch HD touchscreen display as standard with an optional 10.25-inch alternative head unit, and is controlled either via the touch-capable steering wheel controls, the touchscreen already mentioned or a completely new voice control system.

If satellite navigation is optioned, the voice recognition system is operated using keywords such as “Hey Mercedes”, and the system will also register turns of phrase in everyday speech.

Next year, we’re told, a full telematics suite called MBUX Pro will be launched, and will be compatible with the new multimedia system.

The most powerful diesel engine in the range, a narrow-bank V6, comes with a displacement of 3.0 litres and delivers 140kW, and 440Nm between 1600 to 2600rpm. It will hold a place in the large van segment as the only six-cylinder available.

The smaller four-cylinder diesel engine has common-rail direct injection. From a displacement of 2.1 litres and with rear-wheel drive, this engine generates a choice of three outputs: 84kW, 105kW or 120kW from either single (84kW, 105kW) or twin (12-0kW) turbochargers. With front-wheel drive, the outputs available are 84kW or 105kW and there’s a motorhome segment-exclusive 130kW option.

The existing optional 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission can also now be controlled using Drive Select. This is immediately available for all rear- and all-wheel-drive variants. The transmission impresses with smooth gearshifts, low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.

It’s a fairly high climb up to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s cabin, but it’s aided by good-sized steps and well-placed hand-holds.

Once up in the cab, the Sprinter offers keyless start and a very comfortable pair of seats. There’s plenty of vision for the driver and excellent wing mirrors.

The optional electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function for the driver are new to Sprinter. They store the seat and exterior mirror settings for up to three drivers, which is convenient for vehicles used by several drivers.

It’s very car-like inside with multiple steering-wheel controls, clear and concise instrumentation, and that big central screen that that you can use as a touchscreen, or on many variants, use the steering wheel controls like a mouse on a computer.

There are other hints back to the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars such as auto headlights, cruise control, a speed limiter, climate control air-conditioning and a decent stereo that make the Sprinter quite a pleasant work environment.

Our Sprinters for the launch were loaded with about 500kg, which is well short of their maximum loads but enough to smooth out the ride and settle the vehicles on secondary roads.

The Mercedes-Benz people weren’t shy about setting us a drive program around Adelaide that included some of the iconic hills around the city.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinters I drove were the larger variants with GVM up around 5.0 tonnes. The four-cylinder engine’s flat torque curve was evident in the lower rev range and I didn’t have to wring its neck to get it to go up the steeper hills. The auto gearboxes were smooth and provided good engine braking when needed.

Steering was light and precise and I often found that I forgot I was driving a fairly large van. Noise levels inside were good and even though we didn’t have a bulkhead in the big van, it didn’t seem to boom as much as other large vans do when virtually empty.

On the trip home, I chose a 516 CDi cab-chassis fitted with a very good-looking tray. The 516 sports a 2.1-litre 120kW twin-turbo engine with the optional six-speed auto gearbox. It was a great combination that certainly didn’t drive like a truck with a 4490 GVM.

It really was quite a pleasurable drive and had me thinking that with the extensive range of options and sizes, and the driveability of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it’s no wonder they have such a large chunk of the market.

All Sprinters have service intervals up to a maximum of 40,000 kilometres or two years. Warranty is for three years or up to 200,000km. Standard roadside assistance is offered during the warranty period.
There is also a range of ServiceCare pay-as-you-go and pre-paid capped priced servicing options.

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 CDI cab-chassis pricing and specifications (as tested):
Price: $68,026 (plus on-roads)
Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Output: 120kW/360Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 12.8L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 208g/km
Safety Rating: N/A

WHAT WE LIKED
>> Comfortable, well-appointed interior
>> Ease of driving
>> Engine/transmission

NOT SO MUCH
>> A bit pricey
>> Base models offer few luxuries
>> Could do with a bit more storage