Third-gen Sprinter to set the standard

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was launched to South Africa this week, and by all accounts it looks set to redefine the large-van segment.

The range consists of 12 panel van variants, eight freight carrier variants and the all-new Inkanyezi 22-seater for the long-distance taxi market.

Importantly, a new 3,49-t  gross vehicle mass (GVM) Sprinter allows drivers with a Code B (Code 8) licence to drive it without licence or weight restrictions.

The range offers customers a diverse array of customisable applications. Maximum cargo volume is up to 15,5 m³, with a GVM of up to 5,5 t.

The Sprinter Inkanyezi, meanwhile, aims to continue the dominance of its predecessor within the long-distance taxi market and comes in three different grades. These can be fitted with various options ranging from the basics like three-point safety belts on every seat, through to USB ports, free-flow rear air-conditioning, rear speakers and many more additions, including an electric sliding door at the top end.

At its heart, the new Sprinter is designed to for improved total cost of ownership (TCO). For example, the Sprinter 516 CDI is claimed to record 8,5 percent improved fuel consumption and 4,5 percent reduction in terms of cents per kilometre (CPK).

Powering the Sprinter range are two 2,2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines with two output levels of 84 kW/300 Nm or 120 kW/380 Nm. There is also a three-litre, six-cylinder that produces 140 kW and 440 Nm. New six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Among the Sprinter’s drawcards are its high levels safety and convenience equipment. The standard assistance systems available for the new Sprinter include rain-sensing wipers, Active Brake Assist that warns the driver of oncoming danger, Cross Wind Assist and Hill Start Assist.

Buyers can optionally spec Distronic, Lane Keeping Assist, a reverse camera that shows the vehicle’s image in the rear-view mirror, and a Parking Package with a 360° camera.

Another new optional feature is Active Distance Assist Distronic, which automatically regulates the distance from the vehicle ahead. In the event of the vehicle in front decreasing speed, the system will slow the vehicle down, even to a complete stop.

The new sprinter is also one of the few Mercedes-Benz vehicles currently available locally with the advanced MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, which uses artificial intelligence to offer the driver maximum convenience.

It’s available with either a seven or 10,25-inch HD display and is controlled either with touch-enabled steering wheel controls, or an all-new voice control system.

The in-cab environment has also come in for significant revision, being uncluttered and practical with ergonomically shaped seats, keyless start, air-conditioning, wireless charging facilities and Type-C USB ports.

The new Sprinter range starts from R461 783 and includes a five-year/100 000 km service plan (service intervals are 20 000 km).

Look out for a full report is Issue 5 of FOCUS.