Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new third generation Sprinter van at a global launch in Duisburg, Germany overnight boasting new drivetrain options an all new look and n higher levels of safety and ergonomics.
The much anticipated Sprinter according to the Benz pr4ess release material can be configured up to 1734 different ways using the basic parameters such as body type, powertrain, cab configuration, body length, tonnage and cargo space height.
Given Daimler and the rest of the automotive industry’s embrace of electric drivelines Daimler says an eSprinter will be available from 2019 following the company’s launch of its smaller eVito in November last year. Benz says it is already fielding strong demand for electric vans citing its pilot project with Hermes in Europe where it will be adding 1500 electric vans to its fleet in Germany in the next two years.
Benz says the new design, safety features, cost-effectiveness, customer and industry-oriented details and its connectivity package which it believes takes infotainment systems and telematics applications into a new era are all factors that will make the new gen Sprinter a hit globally.
“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,” said global CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans Volker Mornhinweg,
“Just building a good vehicle is no longer enough and the new Sprinter must be more than the sum of its parts,” he added.
“New Sprintern is a comprehensive system meeting an enormous range of commercial transport requirements which means the new Sprinter sets new standards.”
Locally Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand CEO Diane Tarr, said the vast configurable range of Sprinter variants, has provided specific solutions from courier services to last delivery mile, major motorhome manufacturers, service providers, eGrocery delivery, construction, manufacturing, rental, passenger transportation and Ambulance services.
“Since its introduction in 1998 we have lead the market with the first two generations of the Sprinter and now we are adding even more, opening the Sprinter to new sectors through additional variants and features, while providing a far more intelligent, user friendly and interactive Sprinter range. Not to mention further bolstering safety through a range of new assistance systems, previously only found in the passenger car range,” said Dianne Tarr.
Joining the traditional rear drive and all wheel drive configurations is a new front wheel drive configuration. The front drive version offers a 50kg increase in payload compared to rear-wheel drive, while an 80-millimetre lower loading edge delivers significantly more imnproved loading/unloading and entry and egress from the van.
The new front drive Sprinter include two newly developed transmissions – a 9-speed automatic with torque converter and a newly developed 6-speed manual, a new cab chassis variant is available allowing a wider scope designing and fitting bespoke bodies.
Benz says the new Sprinter is ergonomically optimized as well as being safe and comfortable with new ergonomically shaped seats and optional memory function with electric seat adjustments, keyless start and optimised air conditioning. It also says there is a versatile stowage concept ensuring everything has a place.
Benz says the new Sprinter offers up to 17 cubic metres of load space with front-wheel drive configuration with maximum weights of around 5.5 tonnes.
The new Sprinter includes DISTRONIC radar based cruise control, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Parking Package with 360-degree all-round visibility and a rain sensor with integral wet wiper system for optimal vision during windscreen cleaning.
The third-gen Sprinter gets a completely new MBUX multimedia system with 10.25-inch HD touchscreen display and optimised voice control activated by keywords registering everyday speech. Fior instance Benz says The infotainment system responds to the statement “The fuel tank is empty” by suggesting
