Second-gen Sprinter

In October 2013 Mercedes-Benz gave its top-selling Sprinter heavy van a mid-life update with a new nose design and the addition of a suite of segment-first optional safety technology.

Mercedes’s offering still had amongst the broadest range of variants, with SWB and LWB layouts, different roof heights, single and dual rear wheels, and four different diesel engines (70kW/250Nm, 95kW/305Nm and 120kW/360Nm 2.2-litre turbo and 140kW/440Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo units) available.

Mercedes also offered a 12-seat Sprinter Minibus from $79,990 and a host of dual-cab cab-chassis versions priced the same as the regular vans, which can house tray backs or special-fit body add-ons such as motorhomes.

Standard features across the range included a multi-function steering wheel, USB, Aux and Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, a single sliding side door and a lockable glovebox are all standard.

The German-made load-lugging range also received trickle-down gadgetry from Benz’s passenger range, with passive tech such as audible and visual early brake warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam and lane assist.