Milestone

Sprinter in reaching 25 years

For a quarter-century now, the name Sprinter has been synonymous with an entire class of vehicles. Highlighting the att ributes of the current generation and to mark its 25 th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is taking a journey through time refl ecting 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. Th anks to its wide range of variants, it is also the fi rst choice when it comes to solutions for up-fi tt ers (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. “Th e eSprinter continues the Sprinter’s tradition of off ering diversity in terms of powertrains as well as the consistent electrifi cation of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ product portfolio,” Benjamin Kaehler explained. “It off ers 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.”

Th e third Sprinter generation has combined practical, modern design with comfort and safety features normally only found in passenger cars. Th e 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 fl eets 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 diff erent 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 off ered 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 diff erent 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-fi tt ers are taking advantage of in this expanding segment.

Th e 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 traffi c into reality. “It is just as economical, reliable and fl exible 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.

A variable charging and batt ery off ering takes individual needs into account: Option 1 has a usable batt ery capacity of 47 kWh, an average range of 168 kilometres with a maximum payload of 891 kilograms. A second batt ery option has a usable batt ery capacity of 35 kWh, generating a range of 120 kilometres. In return, the maximum payload increases to 1,045 kilograms. Flexibility is also provided with the integrated fast-charging function which allows the batt ery to be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent within approximately 25 minutes. Th e top speed of the eSprinter can also be confi gured to suit the purpose: to a maximum speed of 80 km/h, 100 km/h or 120 km/h.

For many fl eet operators, it is important to precisely analyse feasibility, economy and effi ciency before switching to electric drives. Typical driving profi les, operating times, ranges as well as loading times are decisive parameters and require a holistic approach. As part of its eDrive@VANs strategy, Mercedes-Benz Vans has taken this need into account and established an ecosystem for this shift in individual mobility. Key aspects of the service include consulting and supporting apps and tools for selecting the vehicle and the required charging infrastructure, for determining driving profi les and for considering the total cost of ownership.

Since 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been a front-runner in the 3.0 and 5.5 tonnes GVW segments globally. Sold all over the world, almost four million units have been built and sold in more than 130 countries. In recent times, the Sprinter has contributed to the transition to e-commerce: at a time when hardly anyone could have envisaged the depth of online trade we have today, the Stutt gart brand continues to evolve the Sprinter to ensure operational effi ciency for the logistics challenges that lie ahead.

Each generation has set standards, particularly in terms of safety, ergonomics, effi ciency and comfort. As an example, Mercedes-Benz was the fi rst van manufacturer to introduce the anti-lock braking system ABS as standard equipment in 1995. Other fi rsts included Electronic Stability Program ESP in 2002 and Crosswind Assist in 2013.

1995 might have seen the arrival of the fi rst Sprinter, but that model was itself created from 40 years of van expertise at Mercedes-Benz, harking all the way back to the Mercedes-Benz L 319 which debuted in 1955. As the fi rst van with the triple-pointed-star on its radiator grille, it had a gross vehicle weight of 3.6 tons and was powered by the 43 hp diesel engine of the 180 D passenger car.

In 1967, the T2 series, known as the “Düsseldorf Transporter” was launched. In production for almost 30 years, it revolutionised the van market of that era. Power steering, even an automatic transmission and up to 130 hp diesel engines as well as noticeably bett er soundproofi ng brought comfort and ergonomics into focus. Th e “Bremen Transporter” or T1, introduced in 1977, is considered the direct descendant of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. For the fi rst time, the series was equipped with front disc brakes. Later, ABS and air conditioning systems represented further innovations in the commercial vehicle segment.

“For a quarter-century now, the name Sprinter has been synonymous with an entire class of vehicles. With the highlights of the current generation and the eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans has once again set standards for urban delivery traffic,” concluded a proud Benjamin.