Mercedes-Benz presents the new Sprinter for 2018 - 2019

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The new Sprinter in figures:

17 cubic metres of load volume, a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, four lengths, three heights and wheelbases, three drive concepts, up to 20 seats.

The new Mercedes Sprinter will be presented at the end of June 2018. The third generation starts at 19,990 euros net (23,680 euros gross) for the chassis with front-wheel drive and the least powerful diesel (114 hp). The panel van with front-wheel drive and the 2.1-litre base diesel engine starts at 29,910 euros net (34,880 euros gross).

Practical with front-wheel drive

Thanks to the fast-growing online business, the vehicle from Germany is in high demand. Around three billion parcels were delivered in Germany in 2016, and forecasts for 2021 point towards four billion. The front-wheel-drive version is aimed first of all at courier services, express operators and service providers.

A front-wheel-drive vehicle can carry up to 50 kilograms more than the rear-wheel-drive version. Mercedes has also made this version slightly lower. The step boards sit eight centimetres lower than on the rear-wheel-drive model. If you climb in and out of the vehicle several hundred times a day, you will notice the difference.

Digital fleet management.

To improve profitability further, Mercedes now offers its customers the “Pro Connect” tool. It is part of the mobility offering. The aim is to make everyday work easier and cut down on paperwork. Fleet managers and drivers, for example, get access to vehicle management, servicing and repairs or a digital logbook. The digital offering is modular. Depending on the needs and size of the fleet and the customer's financial position, there are eight individual solutions.

The manager can track every vehicle in the fleet at any time thanks to a GPS tracker. He sees whether a Sprinter is low on fuel or tyre pressure, whether the battery is running down or the oil is missing, and can inform the driver. This is done either through an app function on the driver's smartphone or as a message sent straight to the vehicle system. You will agree that this makes it much easier to keep your fleet in perfect order.

For example, a delivery driver receives an additional order on the smartphone while on the road. The address is easily entered into the navigation system by voice command through the new MBUX multimedia system. Alternatively, the manager can send the address straight to the system.

As a special feature, MBUX also has the “what3words” addressing system. It needs no street names or postcodes but uses a coordinate grid that divides every piece of land into 3-metre squares and assigns three words to each square as its address. Say these three words and the address is set. An ingenious system that helps, for example, on large construction sites, where the new vehicle from Germany can be guided to exactly the right spot, metre by metre.

Talking to the vehicle

Speaking of talking: MBUX helps in other situations too. The voice command “Hey Mercedes, I'm hungry!” brings up a search for nearby restaurants. Commands such as “Turn on the seat heating”, “Set radio station XYZ” or “Call contact ABC” work as well. The same system is available in the new A-Class.

The steering is very smooth, and the new six-speed gearbox shifts precisely. As an alternative, Mercedes offers the Neungang torque-converter automatic transmission (2,104 euros / 2,504 euros) for the front-wheel-drive models.

There is also a choice of safety systems. The range runs from the radar-based Distronic assistant to Active Brake Assist, the Traffic Sign Assist road sign recognition system and active lane departure warning. The important safety systems are standard. The parking package with a 360-degree camera costs (1350 euros net / 1,606,60 euros gross). Among the many clever ideas in the Sprinter is a “wet wiper” system with rain sensor, which prevents dry wiping and scratches on the glass and ensures good visibility.

On request, drivers and passengers are always online in the new vehicle from Germany. This is provided by an optional Wi-Fi hotspot and USB charging functions for a smartphone, laptop or tablet.

The mid-range engine (143 hp, 2.1 litres) provides ample reserves of power and 330 newton metres of torque. For city deliveries the 114 hp base diesel is enough. Anyone who needs more power chooses the 2.1-litre diesel with 163 hp or the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 190 hp. An electric version of the Sprinter will be available in summer 2019.

Thank you for reading. The Destacar team