New Euro 6 compliant Sprinter van to offer new safety systems

The new overhauled Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van has made waves in the commercial vehicle world this week. It's the first Euro 6 van out of the gate and everyone is talking about it. With an enhanced exterior and interior, plus new safety systems, this van is ready to compete for the number one spot.

This van boasts of an excellent low fuel consumption of 44.4 mpg, making it the most efficient and economical vehicle in its segment. It will come with several van firsts, including five new assistance systems that will help reduce the number of accidents even further in the new Sprinter. Crosswind Assist, which is fitted as standard, and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and Blind Spot Assist, which are both optional. Other new features are Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The developers at Mercedes-Benz are convinced that these electronic assistants will play a key role in helping to reduce accidents in the van sector. In the wake of the Euro NCAP rating of just three stars for their brand new Citan, hopefully the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can fare a lot better with these safety features.

The new Sprinter has a lower chassis to allow for improvement in the van’s drag and fuel consumption and also makes it easier to load and unload cargo. Mercedes say that this van meets the future Euro VI emissions standard in all of its engine variants and achieves the strict limits with the help of its BlueTEC engine and SCR technology that injects AdBlue into the exhaust gas. The performance of the diesel engines has remained unchanged, encompassing four- and six-cylinder units with outputs ranging from 95 hp (70 kW) to 190 hp (140 kW). In addition, alternative to the diesel engines, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is also available with a Euro VI compliant supercharged four-cylinder natural gas engine featuring direct injection. The engine generates 156 hp (115 kW) from a total displacement of 1.8-litres.

The changes made externally are more striking, more in line with Mercedes-Benz’ current design. The van’s dynamic radiator grille is now more vertical, as the three slats are perforated and wedge-shaped to increases the airflow. The headlight are more angular, the new hood is higher, and comes with more distinctly shaped bumpers incorporating finely worked lower edges similar to those found on SUVs.

Internally, a thicker steering wheel makes gripping easier, new upholstery and seat coverings are on offer, plus the Sprinter is also fitted with a new-generation radio system that equips the van not only with state-of-the-art electronic entertainment features and Bluetooth telephone equipment (including a telephone keypad and phonebook), but also the Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.

This van certainly has a lot to offer. In the larger van segment, the Sprinter has to compete with the likes of the mighty Ford Transit and the VW crafter vans, but so far looks well equipped and up for the challenge. The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter becomes available for order in June 2013 and deliveries to commence in September. Pricing and further specs on this model should be released closer to the launch date. I will keep you posted.