Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its new, third-generation Sprinter, which it says “marks the start of the digital age in this vehicle segment”.
The Stuttgart-based automaker describes the new Sprinter as the “first fully connected integral system solution”, complete with new connectivity services, electric drive (the brand says it will later add the all-electric eSprinter, pictured below, to its line-up) and individual hardware solutions for the cargo space.
Expected to arrive in South Africa in 2019, Mercedes-Benz says the new Sprinter comes in more than 1 700 variants, with variations in terms of body type, drive system, cab design, body length, payload, cargo-space height and equipment.
The new range includes models with two individual seats in the cab of a commercially used vehicle through to those with as many as 20 seats. Maximum cargo volume is a claimed 17 cubic metres, with payloads of up to 5,5 metric tonnes.
The new MBUX multimedia system that debuted in the new A-Class will also be available in the new Sprinter. As previously reported, this system features artificial intelligence (and is thus “capable of learning”) and has a 10,25-inch high-definition display.
Interestingly, the new Sprinter will be available for the first time with front-wheel drive (in addition to rear- and all-wheel drive), a configuration that boosts this variant’s possible payload (thanks mostly to a lower floor). In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to offer the Sprinter as a so-called “tractor head”, too, where the powertrain, fuel tank and other major components are located in front of or under the cab.
In camper van guise, the new Sprinter features an “interface module” that creates the basis for intelligently connecting the basic vehicle with the camper body and its functions. This will enable all the camper van functions to be controlled from one place, either via the infotainment system or smartphone.
