Whether you’re shopping for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for business or personal use, reliability and quality are always priorities. This distinctive vehicle has become the go-to choice for companies and individuals looking for rugged and capable hauling—whether the cargo is people or goods.
Prudent car shoppers appreciate the value that comes from a Mercedes Sprinter auction. It’s an approach that can lead to finding a van at a bargain. But, not every auction goer is familiar with the Sprinter. With this in mind, let’s explore what draws van buyers to the Sprinter and how this Mercedes is different from other vans you might encounter at an auction.
What Can the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Be Used For?
- Sprinter buyers come to the table with many reasons for wanting a van. The Sprinter is great for:
- Businesses: From package delivery firms to airport shuttle companies, the Sprinter can easily be configured to meet most businesses’ needs. Service providers like plumbers and electricians also find the Sprinter’s cavernous space an asset to their operations.
- Families: Families and others that need to transport larger groups of people appreciate that the Sprinter offers an easily configurable interior with a capacity of holding up to 15 passengers.
- Adventurers: The Mercedes Sprinter has gained a foothold among outdoor enthusiasts who use their vans to venture beyond the pavement. An adept four-wheel-drive system makes this possible. Plus, multiple configurations make the Sprinter easily adaptable to individual preferences. Interestingly, many third-party companies specialize in customizing Sprinters for off-road use.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Configurations
The appeal of the Sprinter comes from the availability of different configurations, such as the:
- Cargo Van: The basic Sprinter comes with two front seats and open cargo space in the back. In most cases, this is indicated by the van having no windows behind the front row.
- Crew Van: The Sprinter Crew Van adds a second row of seats accompanied by side windows. Cargo space is still available behind the seats for a van that can easily haul people and things.
- Passenger Van: The Sprinter Passenger Van is designed for transporting people in either a 12-person (four-row) or 15-person (five-row) version with lots of side windows. There’s still a modest amount of cargo space accessible through the rear doors.
- Chassis Cab: Mercedes also makes the Sprinter for more customized use where the chassis is exposed behind the front row. A cargo box or other specialized body is installed to maximize the Sprinter’s capabilities.
Added to the Sprinter’s versatility are different wheelbase/body lengths and roof heights (which vary by body style). For the third-generation Sprinter, which debuted in 2019, Mercedes offers 144-inch or 170-inch wheelbases and a standard or high roof. Depending on the configuration, elongated bodies accommodate more cargo space or extra passengers.
Powertrains for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes streamlined the Sprinter’s engine lineup for the 2023 model year. This means those wanting the gutsy turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder Diesel engine will have to head to the used market. The torque-heavy powerplant had been a mainstay in the Sprinter lineup since 2007.
Otherwise, newer Sprinters come with four-cylinder engines, one gas-powered and two Diesel options (including a high-output version).
While rear-wheel drive has always been the standard Sprinter drivetrain, four-wheel-drive came to the U.S. in 2015. This optional system is only available with a Diesel engine.
Understanding Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Trims
Your auction explorations for a Sprinter will include vehicle descriptions with different trim levels or what Mercedes calls “classes.” The 1500 is the base Sprinter, while the 2500, 3500, and 4500 indicate an increased cargo capacity. Some years are available as the 3500XD (which slots between the 3500 and the 4500 trims).
It’s worthwhile to remember that not every trim (or class) comes in every body style, wheelbase, and powertrain configuration. Keep this in mind if you’re set on a particular Sprinter type or just be flexible about what’s available.
Infotainment in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Depending on the equipment, newer Sprinter versions can come with MBUX, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system with a large touchscreen and access to voice controls and smartphone integration. Other add-ons include navigation.
Because Sprinters can be built to be everything from a basic work van to a luxury people mover, double-checking what’s included with a Sprinter up for auction can help with valuations and bidding. In other words, don’t assume the Sprinter under consideration has or doesn’t have a particular piece of equipment.
The same can be said for all options beyond the infotainment system.
Advanced Safety Features of the Sprinter Van
Given Mercedes’ penchant for safety, it’s unsurprising that the Sprinter is built to enhance occupant protection. Beyond the anti-lock brakes and airbags standard in recent models, the company made several advanced driver-aids available.
Depending on what Sprinters you come across at auction, you might find a Mercedes van equipped with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, or even “Crosswind Assist” (an especially useful feature for a large and boxy vehicle).
Some Sprinters have the Mercedes PRE-SAFE system, which can detect potential accidents and prepare the vehicle by tightening seatbelts, adjusting seats, and closing windows to protect those inside. Driving a van isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but features like these enhance driver confidence and peace of mind.
Final Words: The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Is a Top Van Choice
To wrap up, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the ideal van for businesses and individuals looking for a vehicle that’s versatile, efficient, and reliable. Its range of configurations, equipment, and features set the Sprinter apart from other vans you might encounter at auction.
At the same time, with more knowledge under your belt, you can head into a Mercedes Sprinter auction with much more confidence. Thanks to a well-thought-out design, it’s a van perfectly suited for businesses or personal use.