It could be the three-pointed star on the grille, it could be the vehicles native habitat of motorway overtaking lanes but, whatever the reason, the Mercedes Sprinter tends to be thought of as one of the quickest panel vans around. Its a reputation that is not unheard of and one thats served Mercedes well, differentiating their product in a competitive market sector, but the latest Sprinter is different.
Fear not, theres still a range of muscular engines that yield a satisfying turn of pace enough to embarrass the average repmobile on a long motorway incline. The nations maniac express delivery drivers can call off the search for alternative transportation. Its just that todays Sprinter has a different emphasis. Speed now shares top billing with safety, technology and refinement.
The Sprinter has grown-up. The problem Mercedes have faced with the Sprinter is its status as a premium brand product in a market sector where cost, or rather cutting costs, is king. Pointing to their vans superior residual values will only get Mercedes sales personnel so far when buyers from the smallest sole trader to the largest fleets are being tempted with cheaper and significantly-discounted rivals.
One response could have been to drop the product down market to meet the challenge head on but that wouldnt have been very Mercedes-Benz of them, would it? Far more fitting is the approach the marque decided to take, endowing the Sprinter with a level of sophistication never before seen in a humble panel van.
Most businesses will wax lyrical in public about their far-reaching, multifaceted, no-stone-unturned approaches to safety but in many instances, theyre just covering their own behinds, guarding against any future day in court. Mercedes have found many customers reluctant to pay extra for optional safety features and so, they took the laudable step of giving the Sprinter a comprehensive safety specification as standard.
Three point seatbelts with pretensioners and force-limiters are installed for all seats, a bulkhead is included on all panel van models, there are extensive impact protection measures and every Sprinter gets the advanced Adaptive ESP stability control system. It also reacts more precisely to understeer and oversteer situations by sensing the size and position of the load onboard.
Its all clever stuff and testing the system on low friction surfaces really opens your eyes to the potential benefits. It would take a seriously committed driver to lose control of the Sprinter with adaptive ESP in attendance. The Mercedes Sprinter is a big step forward in terms of technology in light commercial vehicles.
Whether its improved engine refinement or soundproofing, the Sprinters cab is now between 5 and 7 decibels quieter across the rev range. Performance is very much dependant on engine choice. The less powerful options are adequate for light duty work but struggle a little when extended. From the 129bhp engine upwards, theres plentiful torque for a more relaxed drive, with the mighty 184bhp V6 delivering a concussive 400Nm torque output at only 1,600rpm.
This means that the quality is beyond what weve come to expect in panel vans. Elsewhere, care has obviously been taken to keep things tough and hardwearing while retaining the plush ambience. Aside from the overhead shelving, there isnt too much storage space for really large items but plenty of small cubbies are included to keep stationery and mobile phones in check. The door pockets are a little narrow and the coat hooks behind the seats arent ideally located.
Mercedes have moved the panel van game forward with the Sprinter. The safety provision is exemplary, the cab has that upmarket feel common to Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and the drivetrain options are predictably capable. In the end, the level of the Sprinters success in the UK will hinge on whether van buyers are willing to pay for what is ultimately a premium product. The ones that do are unlikely to be disappointed.
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