Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van and cab chassis models are to receive a range of new equipment and safety upgrades, with the company also adding an all-electric variant to the range.
The overhaul for 2024 includes thorax-protecting airbags as standard, supplementing existing frontal and side head-protecting airbags for both driver and passenger. Active safety now includes Active Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, Rain-sensing wipers and automatic tyre pressure monitoring, and there’s a Parking Package available offering standard rear-view camera on all models apart from the 311 MWB panel van, which has reversing camera only.
Also available is Moving Off Information Assist, which utilises a camera mounted in the radiator grille, plus six ultrasonic sensors, to monitor an area 3.7 metres in front of the steered direction of the vehicle and 0.5 metres to the side. This is automatically activated at startup, and remains active up to 10 km/h. The 2024 Sprinter range also includes Sideguard Assist, which provides extended detection in the blind spot on the passenger side of the Sprinter.
A new leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel incorporates touch pads and hands-off detection. Fuel tank capacity, meanwhile, is up from 71 to 93 litres.
Key comfort and convenience upgrades see all models fitted with the new MBUX multimedia system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. This system, Mercedes said, can be optionally upgraded to add navigation and seven years of map updates, boosts computing power and performance and offers improved voice control via the ‘Hey Mercedes’ command, as well as increased functionality over vehicle functions and improved compatibility with mobile devices.The combustion-engine Sprinter range offers a choice of 2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines configured to different models and body styles:
- 311 Panel Van 84 kW/300 Nm
- 315/415 Panel Van 110 kW/340 Nm
- 317/417/517 Panel Van, 517 Cab Chassis 125 kW/400 Nm
- 319/419/519 Panel Van, 519 Cab Chassis 140 kW/450 Nm
All variants drive power to the rear wheels via a nine-speed auto transmission, have an ECO start/stop function, and include a heavy-duty battery and 22-litre AdBlue Tank.
The new all-electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Australian customers can now opt for an all-electric drivetrain with the new eSprinter in a choice of two panel van variants – an eSprinter MWB Van (81 kWh battery), and an eSprinter LWB Van (113 kWh battery).
The electric range of the eSprinter LWB Van, based on a European simulation using the WLTP cycle, is up to 440km.
The simulated range based on the WLTP city cycle is up to 530km. Cargo capacity is up to 14 cubic meters.
The electric powertrain features a motor and electric rear axle. In either eSprinter model, the motor provides 150kW of peak output and delivers torque of up to 400Nm.
Three different drive modes allow for customisation of performance and energy consumption. Comfort mode delivers the best performance and torque. Economic mode limits engine power for increased range, and Maximum Range mode further reduces engine output by limiting the use of features such as climate control. Regenerative braking also helps to maximise range.
An optional Navigation with Electric Intelligence feature calculates an optimised route, including charging stops, in real time.
Mercedes says the eSprinter has an on-board AC charger for maximum charging power of 11kW. Fast charging with up to 155kW can be done at DC fast-charging stations. The company says fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 42 minutes for the 113kWh battery.
Pricing for the eSprinter models sees the 81kWh MWB variant come in at $104,313 while the 113 kWh LWB model is priced at $121,041.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2024)
31 July 2024