The new Sprinter is the world’s first van to meet the future Euro 6 emissions standard in all of its engine variants. Euro 6 drastically reduces the emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx), total hydrocarbons (THC), and particulate mass.
Thanks to its BlueTEC engine and SCR technology that injects AdBlue into the exhaust gas, the Sprinter meets the future Euro 6 standard in all engine variants. Mercedes adds that the technology has already proven its worth in more than 100,000 commercial vehicles from the brand.
The diesel engine range, which remains unchanged, also sees reduced fuel consumption and combustion noise thanks to optimised injection and combustion processes as well as boosted pressure. The engineers also adjusted the drive system and the ancillary components to enhance fuel efficiency. This applies to the transmission and the rear axle as well as an intelligent generator management system.
As an alternative to the diesel engines, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is also available with a Euro 6 compliant supercharged four-cylinder natural gas engine featuring direct injection. The 1.8-litre engine generates 156PS.
Power is transmitted either by the ECO-Gear six-speed manual transmission or the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission with lock-up clutch, which is the only system of its kind to be found in a van.
Mercedes adds that all the new changes have reduced fuel consumption to a minimum of 44.4mpg (NEDC combined), which is a record value for the Sprinter segment.
Efficiency is also helped by the inclusion of the SSYST maintenance calculation system as standard in Europe. Thanks to this system, the van’s maintenance intervals, which were already long, have been extended to up to 37,000 miles.
The new model also sees the introduction of five new assistance systems, including several world firsts in the form of Crosswind Assist, which is fitted as standard, and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and Blind Spot Assist, which are both optional. Other new features are Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
In addition, Mercedes-Benz has improved the Sprinter’s handling even further. The lowering of the chassis has improved the van’s drag and fuel consumption and makes it easier to load and unload cargo.
The model also offers an enhanced exterior, with a new grille, headlights, bumpers and tail lights. The interior has also been revised with features including new upholstery and seat coverings while the Sprinter is also fitted with a new-generation radio system that equips the van with electronic entertainment features and Bluetooth telephone equipment (including a telephone keypad and phonebook), as well as the Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.
The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is available to order from June 2013, with deliveries commencing in September.
