As small businesses and adventure-loving families awake from their covid-induced slumber, the economy is once again starting to boom, and for thousands this means getting behind the wheel of a van. The US enjoys a massive variety of options, with models such as the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter being some of the more popular choices.
The van market is quickly starting to change however, with electrification knocking on the door, and President Biden's multi-billion dollar electrification plan looking like it's going ahead. This is all great news, but for now, manufacturers are honing what they've got, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van just got a whole lot more impressive.
The Sprinter received a massive update which includes a new engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, and a comprehensive technology update. The new engine is a 2.0-liter OM 654 diesel engine mated to the well-known 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission which replaces the outgoing 7G-Tronic Plus system. Depending on emissions restrictions, this engine can deliver between 114 and 190 horsepower.
The new AWD system can distribute 100 percent of available torque between the front and rear axle depending on the traction requirements, and turns the Sprinter into a truly-capable overlander. One feature that business owners will get excited over is the new 'Speed Delivery Door' sliding door system, which uses an automatic sensor to open and close the double swiveling door on the passenger side, making it easy to load and unload goods on the go.
"In the latest evolution stage of the Sprinter there is more passenger car driving comfort than ever before thanks to an extensive technology update. And that is not only on highways, cross-country drives or in city traffic; but also on gravel roads, the Sprinter will soon offer a particularly relaxed driving experience and therefore more safety," said Dr. Ulf Zillig, head of development for Mercedes-Benz vans. "In this way, the Sprinter achieves once more what has always characterized the model series: setting new standards for the large van segment!"