Sprinter ups the pace

Logistics, the trades, service providers, construction companies, local authorities, fire brigades, the long-distance taxi industry, rescue services and bus companies are among the sectors that require maximum payload to master their given tasks as effectively as possible. The new addition to the Sprinter range is also suitable for small and medium-sized companies in the craft and business sectors, and fleet customers in parcel services, car rental and commerce.

"As Mercedes-Bens Vans, we pride ourselves on always being in constant communication with our customers," says Vusi Vusani, product and marketing manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans. "We know that some of them operate in weight-sensitive areas and they have often expressed a demand for a version with a higher payload. That is why we are launching a new Sprinter variant to include a permissible gross vehicle weight of 5.5 tonnes."

Closing the gap

The new weight variant closes the gap between the company's vans and light-duty trucks. The Sprinter with a gross vehicle weight of 5.5 tonnes already offers the payload of a light-duty truck. At the same time, it benefits from the convenient entrance, the seat positioning and the driving dynamics of a van.

The higher permissible gross vehicle weight is accompanied by a corresponding rise in permissible axle loads. The maximum permissible front axle load on the Sprinter rises from 1,950kg for the previous reinforced variant to a current level of 2,100kg. The maximum rear axle load increases from 3,500kg to 3,600kg. This provides the Sprinter with adequate axle-load reserves, even in the event of uneven weight distribution.

The increase in permissible gross vehicle weight from five tonnes to 5.5 tonnes benefits the vehicle's payload, which rises by 400kg in all variants.

As a chassis with cab, it attains the substantial loadbearing capacity of about 3,400kg. As a panel van with high roof and standard wheelbase, the 5.5 tonne Sprinter with a six-cylinder diesel engine attains a payload of up to 2,900kg - no other panel van in this weight class is able to carry a higher load.

The 5.5 tonne Sprinter 519 CDI engine boasts an output rating of 140kW (190hp). This engine is paired as standard with the Eco Gear six-speed transmission to transfer the power to the driven rear axle. The 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with torque converter is available as an option.

Safety at heart

The Sprinter has always had safety at its heart. This was already true of the first generation with ABS, airbags and the standard deployment of the ESP electronic stability program. The 5.5 tonne Sprinter has similarly adopted the role of innovation flagship and pioneer with Adaptive ESP, Trailer Stability Assist, Collision Prevention Assist and Adaptive Brake Assist as standard. From April 2017, blind-spot assistance, lane-keeping assistance, high beam assist and crosswind assistance will also be available as standard.

The approach to safety is all-embracing and includes the cabin, where the Sprinter offers drivers a spacious and ergonomic cockpit, as well as a suspension that is safe and comfortable.

The company has also included the CharterWay Service BestBasic five-year/105,000km integrated service plan package as standard. This plan has been created to assist operators to concentrate on their business' core requirements, by offering guaranteed vehicle availability and reduced administration.

As an all-inclusive integrated service plan package, it covers all items prescribed by the Mercedes-Benz service schedule for the stipulated mileage and/or period of the contract.

The plan is an industry-first from Mercedes-Benz. Not having to pay for a service allows operators to concentrate fully on their business.

Source: Business Day