Sprinter Passenger Van

Segment
Van

The humble van doesn't get nearly enough recognition. Back in the 1970s, US van fans were modifying these vehicles beyond recognition, but the craze soon died down. Fast forward to 2021, and it seems like the van is making a big comeback.

With the Covid-19 pandemic still far from over, people have started taking to the open road in campers, caravans, and mobile homes, and vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have proven to be a popular choice for those looking for a comfy time. We've seen these vehicles being turned into executive offices, and there are even a few heavily armored examples rolling around, but Thor Motor Coach believes that it has built the perfect companion, and it's called the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 4×4 platform. On the outside, this off-road camper has handy features such as a 190-watt rooftop solar panel feeding a 1,000-watt inverter, a rear-door bike rack, and ladder, and even a retractable power patio awning with integrated LED lighting. Powering this camp on wheels is the standard 188-horsepower turbodiesel V6 engine that sends its power to all four wheels. But it's inside the cabin where things start to get interesting.

There are two-floor plans on offer: the $148,680 19P which features a rear bench seat/fold-out bed, or the $151,060 19L which offers a fixed double bed. Both models feature a full kitchenette with a built-in refrigerator, a gas cooktop, sink, and microwave.

A toilet, shower, wet bath, and sink are also included, along with a 72-liter fresh water tank and Truma Combi water heating system. The Sanctuary entertains with a 24-inch TV, JBL sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 4G Wi-Fi connectivity. Sure, for $150k you can have quite a vacation, but with the Sanctuary, that vacation never has to end.