The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is powered by a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 engine making 188 horsepower and 325 lb-feet of torque, which provides strong acceleration, even with a full load. The V6 is paired with a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes-Benz says that the powertrain gets 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine and complies with the most up-to-date emissions standards from the EPA and California Air Resources Board. An optional 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is available paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination is good for 188 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque, with the extra two cogs in the transmission helping maximize power and efficiency.
The Sprinter's upright body, with its nearly vertical side walls and a low loading floor, is very spacious inside, leaving several feet above most occupants' heads and plenty of legroom no matter the row. There's a choice between standard and high-roof models, as well as a 144-inch or 170-inch wheelbase. With the tall roof option, occupants up to 6'-4" can stand in the cabin. There are four rows of seating, with configurations available to carry up to 12 passengers. Entry and exit are quite easy, thanks to a wide-opening sliding door that opens to an amazing 4'-3" wide and six feet high. The standard rear doors open to 270 degrees for easy cargo loading as well.
The Sprinter has an instrument panel that's more like a car's than other full-size vans, and its seating position is quite upright. Thanks to an independent, coil-spring front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, the Sprinter drives with a confident, planted cornering feel than might be expected from such a tall vehicle. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist and 16-inch wheels are standard.
Adaptive ESP, a special stability control system that uses Load Adaptive Control to adjust to any additional weight in the van, is standard on all Sprinter Passenger Van models. Several safety technologies have been carried over from Mercedes' passenger car side and are available on the Sprinter, including Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. Side thorax front airbags and side-curtain bags are available, and they are standard on 2500 and 3500 models.
Standard features on the Sprinter Passenger Van include climate control, front-seat armrests and power front windows. Options include cruise control, roof rails, a self-leveling system, bi-xenon HID headlamps, a heated windshield, auxiliary rear heating and a rearview camera system. Available Park Assist helps drivers to safely back the vehicle into position. Several packages are also offered, including a Cold Climate Package, Mobility Package and Trailer Hitch Package. So-equipped, the Sprinter can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Available safety features include a windshield-wiper cleaning system, rear cross-traffic alert, drive-away assist, active lane-keeping assist, active cruise control with distance assist, parking assist with rearview camera, active braking assist, a new windshield-wiper cleaning system, blind-spot assist, trailer-stability assist and a revised crosswind-assist system.
