SPRINTER FOR THE LONG HAUL (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedessprinter_2018

By Jonathan Crouch

Mercedes-Benz looks to mark the current state of the art in full-sized vans with its third generation Sprinter range. Jonathan Crouch reports

Ten Second Reviewword count: 48

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been the byword for excellence and performance in the full-sized van sector. The MK3 model range builds on efficiency and safety in significant ways, adds some style inside and out but remains focused on sheer practicality. There's a now-revitalised full-electric eSprinter version too.

Backgroundword count: 128

In many ways, the Mercedes Sprinter has come to define the large van sector. It's by far the best-selling LCV across Europe, tracing its lineage back to 1995, with a second generation design appearing in 2006 and this third generation model being launched in the Spring of 2018. This time round, the availability of front-wheel-drive has extended the available options. Plus Mercedes introduced a range of fresh connectivity choices that business buyers will like, as well as improvements to safety and running cost efficiency. In 2020, an all-electric version, the eSprinter, arrived with a front-driven powertrain energised by a 55kWh battery. In late 2023, the eSprinter was completely re-engineered, switching to rear wheel drive and being made available with gutsier motor and a range of three longer-ranging batteries.

Driving Experienceword count: 317

Front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive - the diesel version of this MK3 Sprinter covers all three drive variants, and can therefore be optimally configured for the relevant transport requirement and operating profile. The front-wheel drive format especially shows its inherent advantages when the vehicle is lightly loaded or in slippery conditions. In the rear-wheel drive variants, thanks to separation of the drive and steering, the classic advantages lie in optimum ride comfort, a smaller turning circle and more agile handling. Rear-wheel drive also allows more control when towing a trailer and at the limits of the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight. The optional all-wheel drive system improves traction, particularly in difficult weather conditions or poor road conditions, thus enhancing driving safety and driving dynamics. Gear reduction is additionally available for demanding operations. As for engines, well not too much has changed here. Most will continue to choose the brand's four cylinder 2.0-litre diesel powerplant, offered in either Euro 6d or Euro VI forms with either 150hp, 170hp or 190hp and available with either 6-speed manual transmisssion or a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed auto gearbox. In its latest re-engineered form, the alternative all-electric eSprinter model comes only in rear-driven guise. At the back, there's a completely new rear axle containing an electric motor putting out either 136hp or 204hp, depending on your preference. The vehicle's high voltage components and control systems now lie in the front portion of this van. While the battery packs sit in the middle under the floor and are now made of lithium-ion-phosphate and contain no nickel or cobalt. In place of the original model's old-tech 55kWh pack, there's now a choice of two available batteries: an entry-level 81kWh unit and the top 113kWh battery that can take this Mercedes as far as 271 miles. Both the available motors put out a gutsy 400Nm of torque, one reason why the eSprinter can pull a 2,000kg trailer.

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