Design Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Design Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

In Germany, autobahn lane discipline does not mean staying in one lane all the time, but rather moving to the right when you are finished passing. But in recent years, adherence to this lane discipline has declined.

Fast drivers frequently need to slam their brakes as slow drivers pull out due to blissful ignorance or a determination to teach a lesson in eco-friendly, low-velocity motoring. However, chances you'll be taught such an unwelcome lesson are greatly diminished when piloting a vehicle of substantial size and heft. Imagine, if you will, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter barreling down the left lane of the autobahn at 100 mph. That's three tons of metal approaching rapidly in the rearview mirror.

First launched on the European market in 1995, the Sprinter redefined the van segment by virtue of its modern design, carlike performance, and low operating cost. In the U.S., it served as the forerunner of a phalanx of modern, space- and fuel-efficient vans.

During the Daimler-Chrysler era, it replaced the ancient Dodge Ram Van/Wagon. Today—cost notwithstanding it easily outclasses the gas-guzzling Ford E-series and GM's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana twins. (The existing domestic vans are to be replaced by Sprinter-like Euro-style vans, however, perhaps closing the gap.)

The 2014 Sprinter can still be had with its familiar 188-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel, but adds a 161-horse, 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The V-6 stays with its current five-speed automatic transmission, while the smaller engine receives a seven-speed gearbox. No manual transmission is available on the U.S. market. Maximum torque for the V-6 is rated at 325 lb-ft, while the four-cylinder engine well-known from Benz's passenger-car lineup makes 265 lb-ft of torque.

We drove both versions on German turf and can report that the difference between the four-banger and the V-6 is primarily felt at velocities of 80 mph and beyond which are unattainable by U.S. customers anyway. Of the pair, the V-6 sounds slightly more sophisticated, but given that the four comes with the wider-ratio transmission with more cog choices, it is the better option for virtually any application.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2–12-passenger, four-door van

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.1-liter diesel inline-4, 161 hp, 265 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter diesel V-6, 188 hp, 325 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed automatic, 7-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 144–170 in

Length: 232.5–289.2 in

Width: 79.7 in Height: 96.3–107.9 in

Curb weight (C/D est): 5300–6000 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):

Zero to 60 mph: 11.2–11.8 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 18.2–18.9 sec

Top speed: 82 mph