Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday revealed a redesigned Sprinter van and
confirmed it for sale later this year, as a 2019 model.
The design has trodden down a high-tech path, which Mercedes
says will lead to simpler fleet controlling and optimized communications
between fleet manager and driver. Key to this are new levels of connectivity
plus new telematic systems grouped under the Mercedes
PRO heading.
The new systems that Mercedes PRO offers mostly mimic
existing ones from the likes of Fleetmatics, Enterprise, Verizon, and others.
While most offer real time in-van inventory monitoring and driver/manager
communication, Mercedes PRO has the advantage of being more integrated with the
workings of the van itself, specifically with the in-built MBUX
infotainment system.
The technology doesn’t end there, though. Numerous
electronic driving aids are available, along with a fully electric model, the
eSprinter, confirmed for a launch in 2019. Other powertrains include various
gasoline and diesel units with outputs up to 187 horsepower, though these are
dependant on the market. Drive is also to the front wheels for the first time
though rear-wheel drive will also be offered, and buyers will be able to choose
from either a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic.
Externally, the design of the new Sprinter seems to follow
the motif of 2016’s
Vision Van concept. Overall, it's a more streamlined and fluid appearance
than the outgoing van's frumpier looks.
What buyers will be more interested in is space. With
wheelbases of up to 170 inches (rear-wheel drive) or 154 inches (front-wheel
drive), and a load compartment volume of almost 600 cubic feet plus a gross
vehicle weight rating of over 12,000 pounds, the new Sprinter looks to be even
more versatile than its predessscor.
The other big news surrounding the Sprinter is Mercedes’
new Charleston, South Carolina assembly plant. Sprinters sold in the
United States will be built at the all-new facility. Currently, due to the
chicken tax, Mercedes assembles the Sprinter in Germany, then disassembles them
for shipment to the U.S. where they are reassembled.
Full specifications for the 2019 Sprinter in the U.S. will
be announced close to the market launch later this year.
source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114123_2019-mercedes-benz-sprinter-revealed
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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