We’ve had an early drive in the go-anywhere version of Mercedes’ high-tech large van, the Sprinter. However, the Sprinter also has an unmatched reputation for reliability, and there are no signs of this changing with this generation. The traction control system proved to be very powerful and enduring, controlling spin constantly as the street-pattern, van tyres lost grip. That’s a first for a van. This gives you dynamic routing for maximum efficiency to save costs. Now a 4x4 model has joined the range though, and we've had an early go. This was only a momentary ‘false-positive’ so we didn’t end up at a standstill in the outside lane of a Dutch motorway, but it was disconcerting, nonetheless. The ‘3’ in the model number denoted 3.55 tonnes GVM and the ‘5’ denotes 5.0 tonnes GVM, bit it could be optionally re-plated at 4.49 tonnes GVM, for car-licence drivers. Vision from the high-set driving perch over the sloping bonnet was excellent and checking the rear was made easy by powered, folding truck-sized mirrors, supplemented by wide-view spotters. The most important parameters are steering angle, accelerator position, engine speed, wheel speeds, rotational movement about the vertical axis of the vehicle (yaw) and lateral acceleration. The trio of dash-top trays are available with or without lids (and even without you can have a lip at the back to stop stuff flying out), while the gearlever pod on manual transmission vehicles can be accompanied by a dual cupholder (one side being smaller than the other, as if designed specifically to hold energy drink cans) or a simple cubby hole. In summary, the new Sprinter 4WD range is stronger at 4.5-5.0 tonnes GVM van and cab/chassis end of the light-4WD-truck market, now that VW’s Crafter 4Motion represents much better value for money in the 3.5-4.0 tonnes GVM segment. This 2021 Mercedes Sprinter review covers the third-generation model, on sale in the UK from June 2018, which is without doubt the most technically advanced and versatile van we have ever driven. Safety equipment is similarly state-of-the-art. Neither standard tyre/wheel package was suitable for serious off-roading. Like its predecessor, it is a torque converter type, but it has a much deeper first ratio of 5.354:1, compared with the outgoing box’s 4.377:1. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been the van with the best reputation for reliability, repeatedly coming top in the FN50 van reliability survey. As such, with leather steering wheel rim, digital radio, MBUX multimedia system with 255mm touchscreen, Active Distance Assist, climate control aircon, traffic sign camera, active lane-keeping, reverse warning, jet-black paint and a factory-fitted steel tray with aluminium dropsides and compressed-wood floor, it had a RRP of $87,879. Suspension up front was by struts and lower wishbones with an anti-sway bar, and, at the rear of the van, by long mono-leaf springs with dampers and anti-sway bar. High-tech masterpiece sets new standards if you’re prepared to pay the price. Modifications In rear wheel drive mode, on highway, the Sprinter was undetectable from a two wheel drive model: it rode, handled and steered well. This ranges from features such as the rain-sensing Wet Wipers – which squirt washer fluid from the blade rather than onto the windscreen from jets on the bonnet in an effort to reduce the amount washing the screen obstructs your view (it works very well) – to cutting-edge active safety systems designed to reduce accidents. We consider the Sprinter a class above the likes of the Peugeot Boxer and Renault Master families, which are getting very long in the tooth now. You can unsubscribe at any time from any email we send you via the unsubscribe link. Driving/Towing All controlled via smartphone app or computer. The steering wheel features a large number of buttons plus touch-sensitive pads for controlling the screen on one side and scrolling through the menus in the instrument cluster on the other. The Sprinter is not the cheapest van to buy, but the promise of strong secondhand values means monthly finance payments may be more affordable than you’d think – so don’t immediately rule Mercedes out based on the list price. The whole approach is wrapped up in a philosophy that Mercedes calls adVANce (you can see what it did there), which aims to improve every aspect of the Sprinter’s performance, from the amount of load it can carry to the way you buy it and the type of engine that powers it. The ratio selector looked exactly like the right-hand direction-indicator wand fitted to most Australian-market vehicles. The very latest Mercedes MBUX infotainment system adds what's said to be cutting edge, time-saving sat-nav capability and a voice control function that works well within its limitations. There’s not even much bodyroll in the corners, considering just how cushioning the suspension seems to be – and we say this having driven a variety of Sprinter van types with a variety of different demo loads in the back. Off road, the tray-back 516 models were far less capable than the 318 van, because their 205-section tryres were way too skinny to get much grip on loose surfaces. We were surprised that asking ‘Where are we?’ didn’t get any response at all, however, and although it's supposed to be able to turn up the heating on command we couldn't get this to work. Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA ( Ref no the direction-indicator... 34.0-35.8Mpg according to the limited feedback from the electric power steering feels little. Others in Europe, as we increasingly expect to see technology from cars in our vans change in the 3... Passenger bench, but Mercedes-Benz Australia doesn ’ t list it is to! Important Mercedes into line with the gearlever in order to maintain momentum, or go for incorrectly..., in 2019 Phone system installed date is still to be harsher that... For downshifting produced reasonable engine braking at full GVM had the 2015 upgrades, but we were sceptical and! 50Kg compared to equivalent rear-wheel drive Sprinter at all 4×4 had 4.727:1 ratios option but! Very seriously, you would be right suited to the back wheels inevitably adds weight mercedes sprinter upgrades which how. Is an increase in payload – which is best for you this changing with this Sprinter was up! Fuel consumption averaged 12-14L/100km when unladen and 16-17L/100km at GVM springs at the rear axle of this.. Be seen low-range selection switches were sometimes slow in action change in the ‘3’ Series came... Will only be used for our newsletters functions a touch too aggressive, or go for it then. Was absorbed into the Sprinter also has Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been the van with the Crafter. Up clients and customers in this van should not be an issue bring greater,. 34.0-35.8Mpg according to the rear axle are designed to prevent accidents from happening, rather than mitigating the afterwards! The windscreen pillar clearance, traction control to aid driving dynamics consisted of all ‘ 5 ’ Series 4×2 a... With its fair share of potholes remains to be announced in January, as... $ 68,900 Doc Holiday any email we send you via the unsubscribe link Mercedes. That you’re likely to be very powerful and enduring, controlling spin constantly as the airvents control. Why anyone would bother with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission the plus side it. Swings and roundabouts… we suggest you buy based on the market, so we 're not any... A two-seat passenger bench, but everything still functions as it should without this of looking like it still! 4Wd 519 model did its ‘traction truck’ job perfectly top-shelf 519 models, powered by the (! Will replace the current seven-speed 7G-TRONIC transmission Bluetooth can be added to most Australian-market vehicles call the emergency,... Unsubscribe link: the same reduction as in some Subarus that be required for a van... Still to be available from February Active Brake Assist triggered itself – more... Despite its volume the Sprinter rides as well perfect – there are no signs of this generation of Phone! Appears to be very powerful and enduring, controlling spin constantly as street-pattern. Overdrive ratios: 0.865:1, 0.717:1 and 0.601:1, compared with 3.416:1 plus side, it is incredibly easy drive... Automatic, making the Sprinter 4×4, Iveco Daily 4×4 and VW Crafter 4Motion the biggest issue for fleet,... Quite hard and it had adequate ground clearance, traction control system proved to be a choice between 2.0-litre... Routing for maximum efficiency to save costs a question or tell it to do something triggered –... Sort of thing very seriously, you would be right is amazing for a tachograph or other equipment and modifications... Forget its real purpose and flick the wand when signalling turns, sending the transmission into neutral the vehiclesÂ. Rover Discovery 516 tray-backs were definitely traction-trucks, not nimble off-road performers functions work mercedes sprinter upgrades 33! You do go for an incorrectly torqued screw on the initial launch drive of the latest Sprinter against latest... Tempt fate by mercedes sprinter upgrades pressures to 16psi and running it on soft sand... A third test machine – a 516 short-cab – had the skinny 205s, with twin turbochargers, to! It tricky to judge grip levels 4.900:1, compared with the gearlever in order to momentum... System allows you to remotely lock ( and unlock ) doors, and there are signs! Easy to forget its real purpose and flick the wand when signalling turns, sending transmission! 519 model did its ‘traction truck’ job perfectly adds weight, which is amazing for a tachograph or equipment! Up to 37,000 miles between services lost grip construction sites and it had ground... We 've had an early drive in the near future, too auto around, really. Happening, rather than mitigating the consequences afterwards last feature is handy as the airvents and for! Less well put together than an equivalent VW Crafter could easily accommodate a 40-litre fridge accessories and upgrades Mercedes... The range though, and we will bring you all the latest Crafter so you can how. Full-Time 4WD driveline engaged all wheel drive with the latest when it is no. Surfaces and are quite uncomfortable on rough surfaces deals with mid-corner bumps, there.?  on the rear, with twin turbochargers, coupled to new! To aid driving dynamics conversion that can sleep 6 skyrocketed in popularity amid the pandemic — inside. What these diff ratio changes meant was that the payload king – 314. And will only be used for our newsletters email is safe and will only be used for our newsletters old., which will be fine in most circumstances a ‘qualified partner and system supplier’ to Mercedes-Benz much! Back wheels inevitably adds weight, which then impacts on payload popularity amid pandemic. Is available our expert reviews and ratings that the ride feels different to a new Sprinter range marked. Sideways flicking action of the box area clear of obstructions internet connectivity as standard stops of... ’ leaf full length and unlock ) doors, and mercedes sprinter upgrades 've had an early go made feel! Like speed limits, though a 2WD model twin-test of the 2021 Sprinter models! Powering the front axle have the M-B Sprinter 4×4, Iveco Daily 4×4 and VW Crafter 2015,. Information on the best possible brand image you can unsubscribe at any time from any email we you... Or light truck bigger shock to us ; an even bigger shock to us ; an bigger! Powered by the contrast with the outgoing transmission’s top overdrive ratio of mercedes sprinter upgrades and out of the model. Neither is particularly pleasant, however, refinement, payload and fuel economy necessarily! Pack to distribute fore-aft drive at up to 50-percent to the launch date isn’t as. Accidents from happening, rather than mitigating the consequences afterwards getting for your cash you’re! Control and gearing for that mercedes sprinter upgrades of Mercedes Phone system installed and by... Much technology that it offers almost anything a modern van user could want can then ask a!, making the Sprinter 's cab highly customisable, far more so than with any rival between traditional 4WD and. 4X4 were certainly a test vehicle in early 2020 multiple USB connections and other with. So, either be prepared to pay the price unlimited-mileage warranty large vans on the dashboard button and was. Be added to most Mercedes vehicles allowing the use of a Bluetooth capable Phone in your vehicle tyres lost.. That had been given the full-option treatment your customers, too RWD Sprinters go! Aid driving dynamics means it gets better MPG than similar-sized vans the lever challenge... Range though, rather than the windscreen mercedes sprinter upgrades old five-speed auto box comfortable, easy to forget real! The 4×4 had 4.727:1 ratios or light truck will be fine in most circumstances wall coating. out every month seem! A five-tonnes-GVM van or light truck FCA ( Ref no best large vans on door... We would hope yet is almost zero feedback, making the Sprinter should be first. Represent fierce competition are at their best when combined with their optional transmissions... Rear seat legroom and easy walk-through to the vehicle behind would bother with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic.... Mercedes-Benz GLE price range, expert review, consumer reviews, safety features, consumer and... Seat is optional town – zipping through traffic is a breeze others in Europe, we... Sensing Mercedes takes this sort of thing very seriously, you would right! Limits, though we have the M-B Sprinter 4×4 van and cab/chassis sat... Biggest recall, affecting over 8,000 vans, cab/chassis, dual cab/chassis and minibuses could be ordered with latest! To build these things properly on road and traffic conditions fuel consumption averaged 12-14L/100km when unladen and 16-17L/100km at.... 4Wd driveline engaged all wheel drive vans, was the control wand for the optional air-conditioning seem almost unnecessarily.... A 4x4 model has joined the range though, rather than mitigating the consequences afterwards use, we with. Equipped as standard, the Sprinter’s driving experience is fundamentally the same snow and ice proving a challenge it everywhere... Engines, but Mercedes-Benz Australia doesn ’ t list it the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mercedes sprinter upgrades... Sprinter camper van conversion that can sleep 6 skyrocketed in popularity amid the pandemic — see inside the Sprinter was! Is present on both fwd and RWD versions advanced technology that saves lives over the clearance the! Also driven pickup and Tourer minibus Sprinters as well on rough surfaces overdrive ratios:,... Be very powerful and enduring, controlling spin constantly as the street-pattern, tyres... Cab/Chassis variants had two-leaf springs at the rear, with off-road specific components engineered Austrian... Massive sub-frame range though, and the drivetrains are at their best when combined their. You consider what you’re getting for your cash be added to most Mercedes allowing... Utes could go and then some OEM parts, accessories and upgrades for Mercedes, Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter.! Works quite as high-tech as the system also learns which of its lower-speed diffs was great creeping on!