Mercedes-Benz eSprinter joins updated local range

MERCEDES-BENZ has opened the Australian order books for its updated Sprinter van range, offering more standard safety features, improved technology and, for the first time, two all-electric models to bolster the existing diesel line-up.

While late to introduce the eSprinter locally, some five years after its European market debut, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the latest generation to Australia offering a bigger battery and more range.

An e-axle up back sends 150kW and 400Nm to the rear wheels, powered by either an 81kWh (MWB models) or 113 kWh (LWB models) battery. The eSprinter can receive up to 11kW AC or 115kW DC charge, which Mercedes-Benz says will take it from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes.

A driving range of up to 530km and cargo capacity of up to 14 cubic metres, with a GVM of up to 4250kg, gets the latest eSprinter model close to its petrol counterparts from a productivity standpoint.

Combustion-powered models all use 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines, with options ranging from 84kW/300Nm right up to 140kW/450Nm, running through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Sprinter also gets a larger fuel tank, up from 71 to 93 litres.

Visual changes are understated, but beneath the surface Mercedes-Benz has added more operator-focused technology like easy lane change indicators, tyre pressure monitoring, headlight assist and an optional digital rear-view mirror.

The interior is more car-like than ever, too, with the latest MBUX system running through a 10.25-inch touchscreen and, for the first time in a Sprinter, wireless smartphone connectivity is included.

The Sprinter gets more standard safety technology than ever before – a model already known for its strong safety credentials – with new features like active lane keeping, traffic sign assist and rain-sensing wipers.

Existing standard safety technology remains, which includes adaptive cruise, active brake assist, attention assist and work-ready features like understeer control, load adaptive control, roll-over mitigation and trailer stabilisation.

A new Moving Off Information Assist system uses a camera and ultrasonic sensors to monitor an area 3.7 metres in front and 0.5 metres to each side of the vehicle, which watches for obstacles up to 10km/h.

Sideguard Assist – a common feature in full-size trucks – has also made its way into the 2024 Sprinter. The system monitors an extended blind spot area on the passenger side of the vehicle, offering visual and audible alerts if a risk is detected.

Mercedes-Benz offers a five-year/250,000km warranty for diesel models, while the eSprinter gains an eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Vehicles also come with a 24-hour roadside assist package.

Mercedes-Benz is now taking orders for all new Sprinter models, with the first customer deliveries expected from August this year.

2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.