24 | MILESTONE
Silver Lining for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in reaching 25 years
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or a quarter-century now, the name Sprinter has been synonymous with an entire class of vehicles. Highlighting the attributes of the current generation and to mark its 25th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is taking a journey through time reflecting on the success story of the Sprinter van whose predecessors entered service as far back in 1955. In the third episode of Meet Mercedes DIGITAL, Norbert Kunz, Head of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Benjamin Kaehler, Head of eDrive@VANs (pictured), presented the large van’s development and highlighted the features of the current Sprinter generation, which includes the fully electric eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans urban ‘last mile delivery’ vehicle. “The secret of the Sprinter’s success is its versatility which has been our top priority next to the focus on safety since its market launch in 1995. Thanks to its wide
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range of variants, it is also the fi rst choice when it comes to solutions for up-fitters (bodybuilders),” stated Norbert Kunz. Part of the versatility of the van is that it has always included a wide range of engine, transmission and drivetrain variants. “The eSprinter continues the Sprinter’s tradition of offering diversity in terms of powertrains as well as the consistent electrification of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ product portfolio,” Benjamin Kaehler explained. “It offers the possibility of delivering goods, driving to the construction site or carrying out service work - and all in a future-oriented, locally emission-free manner.” The third Sprinter generation has combined practical, modern design with comfort and safety features normally only found in passenger cars. The comprehensive online connectivity options are revolutionary for the commercial environment: The services of Mercedes PRO connect and the
multimedia system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) create new possibilities for the management of large fleets as well as for small to medium business enterprises. For example, orders can be controlled online and vehicle information such as location, fuel level or maintenance status can be checked almost in real time. Eight module packages with centralised services are available for Mercedes PRO connect. The Sprinter’s selection of models and versions are impressive. More than 1,000 different variants can be assembled from the possible combinations of bodies, chassis, drive concepts, gross vehicle weight capacities and equipment details alone. For generation 3, more options are also offered for the powertrain with front-wheel drive available for the fi rst time and two newly developed transmissions including a 9-speed automatic torque converter transmission. With these drivelines and the different panel van and cab types, including chassis cowl, the so-called tractor head, the current Sprinter is ideal for conversion to a mini/midi-bus and campervan/motorhome - options that numerous up-fitters are taking advantage of in this expanding segment. The eSprinter introduced into the range at the end of 2019 is already making an essential contribution in turning the vision of locally emission-free delivery traffic into reality. “It is just as economical, reliable and flexible as before when it comes to distributing goods, visiting construction sites or going out for service work - but performs these tasks with zero local emissions. Its electric front wheel drive delivers up to 85 kW (peak performance) with a torque of up to 295 Newton meters,” added Norbert.
