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• New Sprinter for SA in 2018
• New design
• Eight packages with new connectivity services
• Major improvements inside
Duisburg - Mercedes-Benz debuts the third-generation of its best-selling van, the new Sprinter, at its newly constructed logistics centre on the Mercator island in Duisburg.
The new Sprinter will be available in South Africa in 2019. A new eSprinter version will also enter the market in 2019, part of the strategy by Mercedes-Benz Vans for more electric commercial fleets.
Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "The Sprinter continues to embody the traditional attributes that have made it so successful worldwide since its market launch – flexibility, robustness and economy.
"At the same time it impresses with unrivalled modernity, for example with its connectivity and incomparable variability.
"This makes it the first end-to-end system solution for commercial fleets, both for Mercedes-Benz Vans and for the entire industry."
Watch the reveal as it happened:
Mercedes PRO connect services
The new Sprinter generation receives a progressive design, improved comfort and safety features. Mercedes said: "At the same time it offers maximum cost-effectiveness thanks to lower total operating costs and customer-oriented features."
PRO connect and MBUX
The van benefits from new networked services of Mercedes PRO connect, combined and MBUX multimedia systems (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).
Mercedes-Benz said: "This begins with the complex management of a large fleet and ends with the small company fleet. Mercedes PRO connect links the fleet manager with all the vehicles and drivers in the fleet. This enables assignments to be managed online, and vehicle information such as location, fuel level or maintenance intervals to be retrieved almost in real time."
Eight packages, with central fleet, vehicle, driver and location-based services will be introduced for the market launch of Mercedes PRO connect. These include e.g. Vehicle Supervision, Vehicle Operations, Fleet Communication, Maintenance Management and a digital Driver's Logbook.
Many van variants
For 2018, many derivatives increase in the number of possible Sprinter variants; Panel van, Tourer, pickup, chassis, bus or traction head as body types and three drive configurations. New cab designs, body lengths, tonnages, load compartment heights and equipment features add to its versatility. The automaker said: "More than 1700 different versions can be configured as a result. This maximised modularity defines the core of the new Sprinter concept, reflecting both sector-specific requirements and different customer segments."
The new Sprinter can also be put to work as a camper van or bus, and can be used as an ambulance by rescue services.
Front-wheel drive, two new transmissions
The drive, rear and all-wheel drive, is now supplemented with a new front-wheel drive system; the payload of this version increases by 50kg compared to rear-wheel drive. An 80mm lower loading sill makes loading/unloading of more convenient.
The technical highlights of the new Sprinter include two newly developed transmissions for front-wheel drive. The nine-speed automatic is a first in the large van segment. Other enhancements include a low noise level and outstanding ride comfort.
Practical interior, weights up to 5.5 tonnes
Cabin improvements include ergonomically shaped seats, keyless start and an improved aircon. The load compartment also scores with clever detailed solutions. Loadable wheel arches and fully usable load compartment heights in combination with front-wheel drive increase versatility. The maximum load capacity is 17cu. m, with tonnages up to 5.5 tonnes.
Mercedes-Benz Vans also raises the Sprinter segment to a new level where safety features are concerned. The assistance systems available for the new Sprinter include e.g. a self-cleaning reversing camera showing its image in the rear-view mirror, a modern Parking package with a 360-degree view, and a rain sensor with an integrated Wet Wiper system for optimum visibility even during the wiping process.
