Although not well known here in America, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been widely successful across Europe, with approximately 1.3 million units being sold.

Next year, Mercedes is planning to launch a new Sprinter, which "represents a flawless blend of form and function and whets the appetite for the innovative and practical technology under the surface."

Or, if you prefer our translated version, the new Sprinter "has a face that only a mother can love."  We can't really fault Mercedes for its lack of aesthetically pleasing good looks, however - it is, after all, a cargo van.

Once you look past the Sprinter's misshapen appearance, the new Sprinter is actually an extremely functional van.  To fulfill the needs of a wide variety of customers, the Sprinter will be available in three wheelbases, four body lengths, and three roof heights, as well as a host of body options.

The engines of the Sprinter will be equally as diverse - customers will have their choice of four or six-cylinder CDI diesel engines ranging from 88 horsepower to 184 horsepower, or they can instead opt for a V6 petrol engine that pumps out 258 horsepower.

And finally, to top it all off, Mercedes has equipped the new Sprinter with a host of safety features.  A few highlights include thorax airbags (in addition to front airbags and window airbags), the new Mercedes Adaptive ESP system, an improved braking system, and optional bi-xenon headlamps.

So when will the new beast will be unleashed?  Mercedes has announced that the redesigned Sprinter will be officially launched at the end of March 2006. For more info, you can check out the full press release and photos below.









OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


The New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Even More Versatile, Safe And More Comfortable

Stuttgart, Nov 22, 2005

For ten years now the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has led the way in what has long been known as the “Sprinter class” in Europe. With some 1.3 million units sold, the Sprinter’s record as the market leader for vans with gross vehicle weights of around 3.5 t speaks for itself. A new Sprinter is due for launch in the spring of next year and will once again set the benchmark. Its emotive design represents a flawless blend of form and function and whets the appetite for the innovative and practical technology under the surface.
Versatile: body and engine variants to meet all requirements

With three wheelbases, four body lengths ranging from 5243 mm to 7343 mm, three roof heights and a wealth of body options, the new Sprinter is even more flexible than its predecessor. The new range includes variants between 3.0 and 5.0 t gross vehicle weight and, as a panel van with a load capacity of 7 to 17 m³ for example, it meets almost every conceivable requirement.

The same is true of the engine variants. The powerful, cutting-edge four and six-cylinder CDI diesel engines with outputs ranging from 65 kW (88 hp) to 135 kW (184 hp) respond to every need. All of the Euro 4/EU 4 diesel engines are fitted with a particulate filter. The V6 petrol powerplant, meanwhile, delivers exceptional levels of comfort and effortless performance with its output of 190 kW (258 hp).

Among the many innovations of the new Sprinter are a variant with 4.6 t gross vehicle weight and space-saving Super-Single tyres for the rear wheels.

Safety first: ADAPTIVE ESP® for all models, strong brakes, bi-xenon head-lamps

The already exemplary safety features of the outgoing Sprinter have been improved on still further in the new model. Various different bodyshell measures have taken the vehicle’s crash responses to a whole new level. Added to which, thorax airbags are now also available in addition to the driver’s and front passenger airbags and windowbags fitted in its predecessor. Another highlight is the standard addition on all models of ADAPTIVE ESP® - the latest generation of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®). Its extended functionality allows this system to, among other things, measure the weight of the vehicle’s load, calculate the centre of gravity and adapt its responses precisely according to these factors.

The Sprinter’s chassis is even more agile than before and now offers even greater active safety. Included as standard on all models are 16-inch wheels with a highly effective and durable braking system, including disc brakes all round, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution and hydraulic Brake Assist (BAS).

Safety is further enhanced by the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the additional Add-Light System and cornering light function - a new dimension in light and therefore safety technology for vans.

Convenience-enhancing: extensive standard equipment, innovative extras

Convenience is also an important issue in a van and the new Sprinter ticks this box with standard-fitted power windows and central locking with radio remote control. Another noteworthy feature is the new interior concept with even better ergonomics and a substantial increase in stowage areas inside the driver’s cab. This is another area in which the Sprinter raises the bar in its class – and the same applies to the large number of new individual options headed by the innovative access system, Keyless Entry and Slide. This system provides automatic locking and unlocking of all doors and automatic opening and closing of the sliding load compartment door.

The launch of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will begin at the end of March 2006. The new van will be produced at the plants in Düsseldorf (panel van and crew-bus) and Ludwigsfelde near Berlin (pickups and chassis incl. crewcabs).

Copyright © 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG