Mercedes has opened orders for the new eSprinter, which delivers more range, technology and safety features for operators.
Now in its second generation, the new version of the brand’s heavy van has a WLTP combined range of up to 271 miles and also gets several industry firsts to ensure optimal uptime.
The eSprinter line-up includes two battery sizes, two motor outputs, two lengths, two trims and two body styles, all arriving in the UK in 2024.
Sitting above the eVito and eCitan, the new model arrives ahead of the introduction of the Mercedes Van.ea platform in 2025, which will form the basis of future large electric vans.
A complete portfolio with several upgrades to standard specifications will be on offer to customers, including van and chassis body styles in N1 or N2 vehicle class.
Lengths comprise L2 (long) or L3 (extra-long) variants, while there’s a choice of 81 or 113kWh battery capacities and, for the first time, a choice of two motors, with either 136hp or 204hp output. Trim levels span Pro and Select designations.
The longest-range version is the 113kWh 414 Van L3 model, which bears the headline 271-mile electric range – more than double the previous model.
Orders are now being taken for L3 panel van models with the 113kWh battery, which are priced from £73,260, excl. VAT in Pro trim and with the smaller motor. This rises to £74,320 with the higher output motor and £76,920 in Select guise. New eSprinter models are also expected to be eligible for the OZEV Plug-in Van Grant, giving businesses up to 35% off the purchase price, up to a maximum of £5,000.
The first customer vehicles are expected to land in May. Orders for 81kWh battery vans and all other variants will take place later this year and specification and pricing details will be revealed then.
Charging data for the 113kWh panel van variants reveals the 11kW onboard charger gives a 0-100% charge in 11 hours. The eSprinter can also charge at up to 115kW DC at a public fast charger, giving a 10-80% charge in around 42 minutes.
Drivers can choose from three driving programmes – Maximum Range, Economic and Comfort – which control engine power, engine torque and climate control. Regenerative braking also helps to optimise real-world range, along with features such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) with heat pump, heated seats and active thermal management.
Trimlines cover the new Pro and Select designations, now being used for all models from Mercedes-Benz Vans to make ordering simple for operators.
Specification highlights for the 113kWh panel van include the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) multimedia system with a 10.25-inch display and improved menu navigation. Customers can use their Mercedes Me account to access a wide range of free digital services, including telediagnostics and maintenance management; accident recovery and roadside assistance management; remote vehicle locking and unlocking; pre-entry climate control, and map info on charging stations and available range.
New, optional digital services include Navigation with Electric Intelligence, which calculates optimised routes and charging stops in real-time and also calculates the best possible charging strategy.
Features can be updated over the air and optional new services installed without dealer trips.
Standard safety features include active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, attention assist drowsiness warning, intelligent speed assist with cruise control, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, an anti-theft protection package with a double-lock system and, for panel van models, reversing camera.
Moving-off information assist, which helps avoid collisions with other road users in front of the vehicle when moving off, and sideguard assist, which helps to better perceive pedestrians and cyclists in a defined area on the passenger side, are both standard for vehicles with N2 approval and optional for N1-approved variants.
An optional parking package is also available with a 360-degree camera and a new 3D display.
Aftercare services include an integrated service package (ISP) as standard, which covers the costs of the first four services within the first four years, up to 30 years of roadside assistance, including out-of-charge cover and two options for battery capacity warranty.
