The Best Sprinter of all time

Safer, economical, environmentally friendly and more attractive than ever!

As the undisputed number one in its class, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is now even more economical, safer, environmentally friendly and attractive. After seven years and sales totalling around one million vehicles, the new Sprinter is set to further bolster the successful model’s leading position. Nicolette Lambrechts, brand manager for vans at Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), says: “It is with a great sense of pride that we usher in the market the new Sprinter. We will officially launch this vehicle at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) in October this year. We are confident that the Sprinter will continue to solidify its leading position in the large vans segment.” She adds: “Unfortunately, due to the inadequate availability of cleaner fuels in South Africa, we will not be introducing the Euro 6 engine. We will continue to offer our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Euro 4 and 5 standard engines, which are already the cleanest in its class.”

New safety features raise the already exemplary standard of safety to an even higher level. And last, but not least, drivers of the new Sprinter can look forward to a further enhanced cockpit with new electronic features and particularly dynamic and at the same time comfortable handling.

A new Sprinter with striking new looks
Visually, the new Sprinter immediately makes a clear-cut and striking impression. Fully in keeping with the current Mercedes-Benz design line, the radiator grille appears more upright and self-assured, lending the new Sprinter a more imposing presence. The three radiator louvres are swept back from top to bottom and are perforated. This increases the air flow and clearly establishes a close visual link to a consistent design line from other Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. The Mercedes star now rests on a vividly highlighted base. A bevelled surround highlights the signature Mercedes-Benz radiator grille.

Ancillary equipment fine-tuned for maximum efficiency throughout
“The exceptionally low fuel consumption of the new Sprinter is not attributable solely to the engine technology. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have also fine-tuned the Sprinter’s ancillary equipment for maximum economy,” Lambrechts says. Intelligent generator management ensures that the alternator gives priority to charging the battery during braking and on the overrun. During acceleration and cruising, the full engine output is available to the drive system.

The electric fuel pump controls the fuel supply for the Sprinter according to requirements, i.e. with a variable delivery rate. Also, the compressor of the optional airconditioning system incorporates a free wheel so that it is only active when the air conditioning is on.

An excellent track record right from the word go
Right from its market launch, the new Sprinter has an excellent track record to its name. It has demonstrated its reliability in comprehensive trials, from endurance tests at top speed to extreme short distance tests with a high proportion of idling and a large number of stops. All in all, the new Sprinter has covered around eight million kilometres in endurance tests, including tough deployment by customers in real-life traffic. These operations spanned a highly diverse spectrum of driving profiles, including service with a company that covers up to 280 000 km annually, using alternating drivers in a relay system.

Lambrechts interpolates: “The Sprinter has evolved greatly since its initial introduction in 1995. Always ahead of the curve, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers the class-leading features that enable owners to find their edge. No surprise from a brand that has authored automotive history for over a hundred years.”

The current engine range of 4-cylinder OM651 and OM642 V6 remains unchanged and will be available as Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission, respectively. These engines output range from 85 kW up to 140 kW for the 3.0 CDI V6.

“A key focus in developing the new Sprinter was on a whole range of new assistance systems, including world premieres in the van segment. New features to be premiered with the new Sprinter are standard Crosswind Assist and optional Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist,” says Lambrechts.

The new Sprinter is the first van in the world to feature Crosswind Assist, which is standard specification for 3.55 t panel van variants. Crosswind Assist essentially compensates for the effects of strong winds on the vehicle by using the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Optionally, the Sprinter offers Collision Prevention Assist which warns the driver of impending collisions. It warns the driver when the distance from the vehicle ahead is too small and when there is an acute danger of collision. The new optional feature Blind Spot Assist – another first for the van segment – that helps the driver by warning him of other vehicles in the so-called blind spot during lane changing.

The new Highbeam Assist feature is another first in the Sprinter’s class. It guarantees optimum illumination of the road by automatically switching high beam on or off according to the given situation.

Even more dangerous than careless lane changing is involuntary lane changing – when the driver is distracted or inattentive, for example. The optional Lane Keeping Assist function is now available to provide a timely warning. “This array of new optional assistance systems underscores Mercedes-Benz vans’ pioneering role in safety technology and as a driving force behind innovative developments,” Lambrechts concludes.