Evolution not revolution for the minicoach stalwart, but versatility at lower weights is increased and connectivity becomes king as Mercedes-Benz eyes burgeoning demand-responsive minibus market
Daimler launched the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on 6 February, and as a base vehicle it is more versatile than ever.
Externally, the Sprinter receives an updated frontal area with a larger grille and restyled headlights. The rest of the exterior is little changed.
Maximum GVW remains 5,500kg, and the manufacturer has confirmed that unladen weights are no more than the previous model on a like-for-like basis.
Engines stay the same, with the four-cylinder OM 651 complemented by the OM 642 V6. Daimler says that friction losses have been reduced in the OM 651, which will benefit fuel consumption.
In the most significant departure, a front-wheel drive option has been introduced. Such Sprinters have a maximum GVW of 4,100kg, giving potential for use of the type as a smaller full low-floor minibus.
Gearbox choice in rear-wheel drive Sprinters is a six-speed manual or 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic. The latter has paddle shifting on the Plus variant.
Front-wheel drive is also offered in a ‘tractor head’ layout, to which bodybuilders mate their own chassis and body unit; front-wheel drive models have an optional nine-speed automatic gearbox that is not available on rear-wheel drive variants.
Although February’s launch focused on vans, Daimler is already talking about factory-converted passenger-carrying models. 19 seats will be the maximum in its own minicoaches, but key to the new Sprinter is connectivity, various aspects of which are relevant to passenger applications.
The new MBUX multimedia system, with a seven- or 10.25-inch touchscreen dash monitor, creates an internet connection to allow the operator to communicate with the Sprinter, checking items such as fuel levels and sending messages to the driver.
A later addition particularly relevant to demand-responsive transport will be the MBUX unit’s ability to work with ride-sharing apps.
A passenger’s ‘call request’ will be sent to the Sprinter automatically, and the navigation system’s route planning will take the pick-up into account, along with traffic conditions.
In a potentially revolutionary step, Daimler will later also add seat sensors to count the number of passengers already aboard and reconcile ride requests with available capacity.
Additionally, the new Sprinter comes with various safety functions. They include a reverse camera that displays via the rear-view mirrors, a parking package with a 360-degree view, and Distronic, which is an automatic distance-keeping programme that works in conjunction with a radar unit and Active Brake Assist.
Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Lane Keeping Assist are even Traffic Sign Assist are all available as Daimler pitches the Sprinter as the safest vehicle in its class, and variable electric power steering is standard.
The manufacturer also showed the first battery-powered eSprinter. That model will be available from 2019, although more precise details of range and carrying capacity are awaited.
