Duisburg, a city north of Dusseldoft in western Germany, and about 4 hour drive from Stuttgart, is the new home of Mercedes-Benz’s logistics facility, and the venue for the launch of the all-new Sprinter. This third-generation version aims to right the faults of its predecessor while ushering a more versatile and connectivity-minded product into the hands of buyers.
While doing this, the new Sprinter also seeks to expand its appeal by introducing front-driven variants, addressing the traction needs some some low weight commercial haulers, while maintaining its existing range of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants.
The FWD effort should also see benefits in load capacity and a lower load height thanks to the omissions of a longitudinal driveline, the reduced complexity also resulting in potentially more affordable Sprinter permutations.
European-spec Sprinters will continue to be powered by the 2.1-litre OM646 four-cylinder turbodiesel that’s seen action in other Benz products in varying degrees of tune, with the ability to cater to the needs of any of the 3 drive configurations. In the 3rd-gen Sprinter, these are confirmed to run from 84kW to 130kW.
A range-topping 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is also on the cards, the same engine slated arrive in the most powerful Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute, with power expected to be within the 150kW mark. The transmission options seem to be more dependent on drive layout, with the 6-speed manual being standard on the 4-pot with the option of a 7-speed auto. The V6, when it does arrive, will come solely with an automatic gearbox.
More interestingly, the German automaker has also announced that a fully electric version of the new Sprinter will be making its way to market in 2019. Called the eSprinter, there isn’t much information out there other than the fact that it’s forthcoming.
It’s possible that Mercedes-Benz will offer it with either a single or dual electric motor set up, but the main question surrounds battery capacity and predicted range when loaded or unladen as these workhorses are expected to be relied on over long periods that would otherwise be wasted should long charging periods be factored in.
The interiors of the combustion-powered Sprinter and future eSprinter are likely to not bear many changes, though. Benz have incorporated much of its digitally oriented driver experience from its luxury cars into the commercial space with some higher-end Sprinters being fitted with the brand new MBUX multimedia and infotainment system.
A large 10.25-inch touchscreen is integrated into a wider centre console that also envelopes the central climate control vents, allowing occupants to access advanced navigation, voice control, and connectivity features previously unseen in this category.
Presumably, Mercedes-Benz will also include some its more cutting edge driver aid systems as well. Confirmed features include DISTRONIC radar based cruise control, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, a modern Parking Package with 360-degree all-round visibility and a rain sensor with integral Wet Wiper System.
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