Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Years of manufacture	1995 to present
Length	5.9 to 7.7 metres
Width	1993 millimetres
Power/Fuel	Diesel or Gasoline

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a commercial vehicle platform for cargo or passenger van, minibus, and chassis applications. The Sprinter is built and sold globally.

Various minibus configurations are available: a conventional passenger van (known as the Sprinter Transfer), a tour bus (known as the Sprinter Travel), a paratransit bus (known as the Sprinter Mobility), and a low floor transit bus (known as the Sprinter City).

In Canada and the United States, Mercedes-Benz offers a variant of the Sprinter minbus. It retains the form of the Sprinter Transfer, but features a taller, two-piece door immediately following the front passenger door. It was marketed by Daimler Buses North America and initially branded as Dodge. The Dodge brand had been in use for the Sprinter in Canada and the United States since 2003.^[1] When Daimler sold its remaining Chrysler shares in the summer of 2009, they announced a new subsidiary known as Daimler Vans USA would market the Sprinter under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands.^[2] Sprinters were no longer branded as Dodge beginning in 2010.

Design history

The first generation Sprinter was launched in 1995 as the replacement for the Mercedes-Benz T1 Van. The early sprinters had squared off edges and consistent body lines. Electronic stability control became standard on the Sprinter in 2004.^[3]

The second generation sprinter was introduced in 2006 and featured a lighter, aluminum body with longer front end to enhance safety.^[3] The body features softer edges, swept lines, and larger headlights encompassing projector beams. It was fitted with improved electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. The second generation Sprinter was launched in North America in 2007.

A 4-wheel drivetrain was added as an option in 2011.

The 2014 model-year Sprinter uses the Mercedes OM651 four cylinder, two-stage turbocharged diesel engine that complies with Euro 6 legislation. This engine is also used in Sprinters built for Canada and the United States, where the OM642 V-6 engine is available as an option. The front fascia was redesigned with a more upright radiator grill with three perforated, swept louvers to increase airflow. The new headlights have sharper lines and can be equipped with integrated LED daytime running lights. A higher hood improves protection for pedestrians. Bold contours and lines gives the face of the Sprinter a more striking and dynamic appearance.

The third-generation Sprinter was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year. It features more an aggressive front styling with new headlights and grill. The new Sprinter also offers a front-wheel drive option in addition to the existing rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. New assistance systems include a self-cleaning rear-view camera in the rear-view mirror, a 360-degree view parking camera system, and a rain sensor with an integrated Wet Wiper system. Inside, the new Sprinter has improved ergonomics, including a new seat design.