2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
First Drive Review

In Germany, autobahn lane discipline doesn’t 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 on 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 some three tons of metal approaching rapidly in the rearview mirror.

Of course, U.S. customers will be prevented from sharing this experience by virtue of an 82-mph governor setting on all Sprinter models sold here. And a U.S. Mercedes executive confided in us that fleet customers have asked for even lower governor speed settings.

A New Kind of Deliverance

First launched in 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, the Sprinter 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, 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; the smaller engine receives a seven-speed gearbox. No manual transmission is available in the U.S. market. Maximum torque for the V-6 is rated at 325 lb-ft; 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 V-6 is primarily felt at velocities of 80 mph and beyond—speeds 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.

The Sprinter is a tall-profile vehicle, yet it remains remarkably stable in high-speed corners. The van’s indirect steering doesn’t encourage corner carving anyway, and the standard stability-control nanny system kicks in sufficiently early to prevent mischief or mishaps. To add even more high-speed stability, Mercedes is offering a crosswind-stabilization system that is supposed to keep the slab-sided van in its lane during sudden gusts of wind. We felt the system kick in forcefully in a simulated storm environment, but it didn’t always manage to keep the van reliably on its path. Some fine-tuning is in order, but the effort is praiseworthy. By the time the system reaches the U.S. market for the 2015 model year, the flaws should be ironed out. The blind-spot and lane-departure systems in the Sprinter van we tested, however, performed impeccably.

Totally Industrial

The Sprinter serves as the basis for several conversion vehicles, and its commercial-vehicle focus is underscored by the ultratall seating position and somewhat industrial appearance of the interior, slightly upgraded for 2014. But these are characteristics the Sprinter shares with its direct competitors, the Fiat-based Ram ProMaster and the E-series–replacing the Ford Transit. The Sprinter, we think, is nicer.

The 2014 model year is also distinguished from the previous year’s models by its restyled headlights, grille, and front fascia. Large headlights mirror the grille’s contour and thus resemble those of the Mercedes CLA and 2014 S-class. The front bumper loses its “smiley face” look for a tougher appearance, which Mercedes van chief Volker Mornhinweg calls “AMG-like.” He should know, as he headed Daimler’s performance brand in the past. If the speed governor on the Sprinter were lifted, the meaner appearance could actually be put to good use promoting lane discipline.

The 2014 Sprinter will be sold from 2014 onward as 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models; two wheelbases will be offered, as well as standard and high-roof versions. Prices for the V-6 will begin close to the current $36,290; the four-cylinder model will be less expensive by several thousand dollars.