Review

The Mercedes-Benz The Sprinter is a comfortable workhorse that offers a splash G-wagon ability. With its wide range of configurations, it can meet the needs of both delivery and outdoor adventurers. However, its starting price is noticeably higher than its full-size van rivals, such as the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. The Sprinter is sold with three four-cylinder engine options — two turbodiesels and one turbocharged gasoline engine, each mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission and the van’s optional 4Matic all-wheel drive system are similar to those found in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars such as E-class and S550. The Merc dump truck can be had with a dual rear wheel axle, different roof heights and three different body types: cargo, crew and passenger. Technical offerings include a 10.3-inch touchscreen and various driver assistance systems. Ample interior space means there’s plenty of room to fit the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into your next work van, off-road AirBnB, or anything in between.

What’s new in 2023?

The Sprinter van engine lineup has changed for 2023 and includes only straight fours: turbodiesels with a capacity of 168 or 208 hp. and a 188-horsepower gas engine. The 188-horsepower V-6 has been discontinued. All engines are now equipped with a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces the old model’s seven-speed box. The revised 4Matic all-wheel drive system uses a longer first gear for better acceleration and smoother operation. Power distribution is changed to 50-50 between the front and rear axles instead of the previous 35-65 percent split in last year’s Sprinter.

Pricing and which one to buy

With so many variations and price points, the best Sprinter we can offer is the one that fits your specific needs. However, we recommend saving a little money for optional packages that include available van safety systems. We recommend the Driver Convenience package (blind spot monitor, driver attention monitor, power exterior mirrors, etc.) and the Premium package, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and more .

Engine, transmission and performance

All Sprinter cargo, passenger and van models are offered with a choice of three engines. The standard powerplant is a 188-hp four-cylinder gas turbo. with 258 lb-ft of torque. Other options consist of a four-cylinder turbodiesel with a capacity of 170 hp. with 295 lb-ft of torque and a more powerful 211 hp twin-turbo diesel. with 332 lb-ft of torque. Each engine uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. While that’s not a lot of power for such a large vehicle, it’s more than enough to handle lighter loads. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on every Sprinter van. By comparison, the Ford Transit is also offered with all-wheel drive.

Towing and load capacity

Mercedes-Benz has yet to release towing and payload capabilities for the new Sprinter engine lineup. We can only assume they’re similar to the Transit, which has a 4,000- to 6,800-pound towing capacity and a 2,880- to 4,550-pound towing capacity. We will update this space as such information becomes available.

Fuel economy and real mpg

Fuel economy is not rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 8,500 pounds. The last Benz van we tested was a 2019 Sprinter 3500XD with the now-discontinued 188-horsepower turbodiesel V-6 and seven-speed automatic. In our 75 mph highway fuel economy test, it got 15 mpg.

Interior, comfort and cargo

The Sprinter offers a more refined interior than its full-size van rivals. Its interior and features like an available leather steering wheel and large 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen put it a notch above the Ram ProMaster, Chevrolet Expressand GMC Savana. The attention Mercedes pays to reducing the noise level in the cabin helps to save the brain during long journeys and reduces the strain on the hearing in everyday use. The Sprinter’s seats have the right shape, so they don’t break your back after a few hours behind the wheel; an available swivel seat package makes getting in and out easier. The Sprinter offers more interior space than some New York City apartments — as much as 533 cubic feet in Cargo versions. That’s more than you get in the biggest version of the Ford Transit. Passenger versions of the Sprinter with a 144-inch wheelbase can seat 12 people comfortably, while versions with a 170-inch wheelbase can seat 15 people.

Infotainment system and communication

In-cabin entertainment is rarely a high priority in this class, so Mercedes keeps the fanciest interior equipment as optional extras. The standard audio system is a basic AM/FM radio with a small LCD screen, Bluetooth and a single USB-C port. The Premium package includes an updated system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while the Premium Plus package includes a 10.3-inch screen, navigation and a bar for wireless phone charging. Both optional packages also include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety features and driver assistance

Mercedes provides the Sprinter list driver assistance technology, but most of the suggested systems are optional. For more information on Sprinter crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Road Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features include:

  • Standard automatic emergency braking
  • A blind spot monitor is available
  • Lane Keeping Assist is available

Warranty and maintenance

The Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty on the Sprinter is typical for this class. However, its transmission range is longer than most. Mercedes also does not pay for scheduled maintenance.

  • The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
  • The transmission is warranted for five years or 60,000 miles
  • No free scheduled maintenance

Technical characteristics

Technical characteristics

2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van
Vehicle Type: Front Engine, Rear or All Wheel Drive, 2-Passenger, 5-Door Van

PRICE
2500 standard roof, 144-inch wheelbase, rear-wheel drive, gas, $46,795; 2500 High Roof, 170″ Wheelbase, AWD High Power Diesel, $64,635

ENGINES
turbocharged intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0L diesel inline-4, 170 hp, 295 lb-ft; DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 188 hp, 258 lb-ft; 16-valve 2.0L DOHC turbocharged intercooled inline 4 diesel engine, 211 hp, 332 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 144.0 or 170.0 inches
Length: 234.0, 274.0 or 290.0 inches
Width: 80.0 inches
Height: 96.0-111.0 inches
Cargo volume: 533 feet3 max
Curb weight (C/D estimate): £5,500-£6,000

EFFICIENCY (C/D EST)
60 mph: 12.0-13.5 sec
1/4 mile: 18.0-20.0 sec
Top speed: 90 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Exempt from EPA testing and labeling

More features and specifications

https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/a27700644/sprinter/

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