Since its international market launch in 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has offered outstanding handling characteristics, leading safety levels and unrivalled comfort features. With the third generation Sprinter, this is taken to the next level with €2.5 billion worldwide investment in the Sprinter’s development, production network, sales and after-sales support.
The third generation of the Sprinter demonstrates the journey from purely a vehicle manufacturer into a provider of complete transport and mobility solutions. Today, as part of its third-generation South African launch, the Sprinter is proving that it can be 100% anything and everything, to everyone.
“The South African operating environment is one of the toughest, and despite this, the Sprinter has been a leader in various applications and a class-leader in the industry. The new Sprinter will continue where its predecessor left off by embodying attributes that have made it so successful: flexibility, robustness and being economical,” said Nadia Trimmel, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.
“The new Sprinter impresses with increased safety levels, unrivalled features and increased versatility for all the industries it serves. That is how it backs its claim of ‘100% For You’. The Sprinter is not only ready for any job in one of the most demanding countries, but it is also poised to impress in a manner we refer to as #ThatSprinterSpirit. All this means is that there is no task that it cannot do effortlessly,” added Trimmel.
A Sprinter for every customer’s needs
Configured either as a panel van, people carrier or freight carrier, the Sprinter offers a number of variants for countless industries. These include taxi, trade, service and logistics, as well as other applications in the form of mobile homes and speciality conversions. This unmatched versatility means that there is a sector-specific solution for any requirement, especially for new business owners.
The Sprinter offers customers in a diverse range of industries, more customisable applications than ever before. It is available locally in a number of variants – depending on body length, payload, cargo space, roof heights and equipment options. The variety of seating configurations offered, also makes it easily the most versatile large van in the country. Maximum cargo volume is up to 15.5 cubic metres, with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of up to 5.5 tonnes.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Inkanyezi legacy continues with the new Sprinter, as the taxi that dominates the long distance market and is set to cater to the needs of the everyday commuter, even more precisely than before. The new Sprinter Inkanyezi conversion comes in three different grades, with options ranging from the basics like three-point safety belts on every seat, through to USB ports (type-A) in the rear, free flow rear air conditioner, rear speakers and many more customer required additions, including an electric sliding door at the top end.
Increased safety levels
Mercedes-Benz Vans also raises the large van segment to a new level where safety features are concerned. The standard assistance systems available for the new Sprinter include Cross Wind Assist – which makes van journeys considerably safer, especially in adverse conditions on any terrain – and Hill Start Assist, which makes it easier to start up hills from a stationary position.
The list of optional features is extensive, making the Sprinter one of the safest large vans on South African roads. These include DISTRONIC, Lane Keeping Assist, a reversing camera showing its image in the rear-view mirror and a Parking Package with 360-degree camera that makes another important contribution to improving driver precision. Another new optional feature is Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC – this system takes a lot of work away from the driver and 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 up to a complete stop.
A rain sensor and wiper with an integrated wet wiper system, also ensures optimum visibility even during the wiping process.
Active Brake Assist (ABA) is perhaps the most important highlight, as the system aims to reduce road traffic accidents. In an emergency situation, ABA warns the driver of the oncoming danger, and depending on the distance and size of the obstacle ahead, sends out an acoustic or visual warning to alert the driver.
Upgraded engine, smoother gear shifts
The well-proven and trusted 2.2 litre, four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM651 diesel engine is once again called on to deliver the power, performance and efficiency expected, with two output levels: 84kW and 120kW.
The economical 84kW engine offers 300Nm of torque and is the perfect entry-level solution for businesses in the ever increasing courier express and parcel segment.
In the new Sprinter, the 120kW variant – with 380Nm of torque – benefits from an increase of 10kW as compared to its predecessor.
For more demanding applications, the three-litre, six-cylinder OM642 is the perfect engine. Delivering a punchy 140kW and 440Nm, it ensures there is not much that the new Sprinter cannot do.
More importantly for operators, the Sprinter’s engines reduce fuel consumption, which has a positive effect on its total cost of ownership.
Linked to these unmatched engines is the Sprinter’s new transmission, which offers smooth gear changes and a comfortable ride. The transmission combines a high level of smooth-running and a long service life.
Thanks to the large overall ratio of the transmission, the engine revving speeds remain as low as possible in all driving situations, which further contributes to fuel-efficient driving.
Improved Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
“The new Sprinter boasts even better running costs than its already economical predecessor,” said Trimmel. The new Sprinter 516 CDI records improved fuel consumption of 8.5% (in accordance with prevailing prescribed measuring process Regulation (EC 715/2007) of the European Parliament; and a cents per kilometre reduction of 4.5%. A definite bonus across all industries and applications.
Equipped to meet any purpose, including an all-new 3.49 tonne variant
Bodies, engines or drive configurations: the new Sprinter is hard to beat when it comes to variety. The sectors and applications in which this iconic van is at home, are as universal as the Sprinter itself.
There are various customer segments and applications that pose various challenges, and the Sprinter is always poised to provide a number of solutions. With the new 3.49 tonne GVM Sprinter, the vehicle allows drivers with a Code 8/Code B licence to pilot the commercial vehicle.
With the introduction of the new 3.49 tonne GVM Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans is giving customers who previously could not drive this exceptional vehicle – due to licence or weight restrictions – a great transport and business solution.
Superior comfort for passengers
Passengers not only wish to be transported from A to B, but also want to make good use of their time in the Sprinter, in the greatest possible comfort. The interior concept of the new Sprinter is perfectly tailored to passenger needs, boasting features including wireless charging facilities and USB ports (Type-C in the front) for uninterrupted connectivity.
Updated interior: comfortable and ergonomic
The driver’s workplace is uncluttered, practical and designed to meet the relevant transport requirements. The improvements include ergonomically shaped seats, keyless start and an enhanced air-conditioning system.
Various stowage compartments ensure that everything has its place, resulting in the driver and co-driver being able to perform their duties efficiently and consistently.
MBUX multimedia system with touchscreen and voice control
Furthermore, the new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system is available in the new Sprinter. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the system is intuitive and offers two options: a 7-inch and 10.25-inch display screen with HD resolution, both controlled either with touch-enabled steering wheel controls, or an all-new voice control system. They offer the driver maximum convenience to allow for ultimate focus on the road.
This makes the Sprinter an integral part of the value chain, unlocking a new dimension in terms of efficiency, flexibility, connectivity and profitability for customers across various industries.
Attractive Pricing
With the launch of the third-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the large van’s competitive pricing ensures that it’s even more successful than its all-conquering predecessor.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is now available for order at the below attractive prices: (See price list attached)
For more information on the new Sprinter and authorised selling outlets, visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/vans
Provided by Mercedes-Benz SA
