Mercedes-Benz Vans has taken steps to improve driver comfort in its Sprinter vans, including a new engine, new transmission, and new all-wheel-drive system with a comprehensive technology update. In addition to these improvements, the OEM added a new door, dubbed the “Speed Delivery Door,” which aims to improve on the van’s safety features as well as its ergonomic design.
At the heart of the update is the 2.0-liter OM 654 diesel engine from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio. The four-cylinder unit will shortly be available for ordering in up to four output categories. The Sprinter will then also adopt the comfortable 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission in all its variants from the passenger car range of the brand with the star, supplementing the 6-speed manual transmission. The third new technical feature, also having its sales start in September, is a new all-wheel-drive with a Torque-on-demand system in the Sprinter 4×4. It will replace the current engageable system.
"In the latest evolution stage of the Sprinter, there is more passenger car driving comfort than ever before thanks to an extensive technology update,” Ulf Zillig, head of development at Mercedes-Benz Vans, said. “And that is not only on the motorway, cross-country drives, or in urban traffic; even on unsurfaced roads, the Sprinter will soon offer a particularly relaxed driving experience and therefore more safety. In this way, the Sprinter achieves once more what has always characterized the model series: again it is setting new standards for the large van segment."
Speed Delivery Door
According to Mercedes-Benz, the new Speed Delivery Door sliding door system, which will be available ex-factory, is an automatic, sensor-controlled double swiveling door on the co-driver's side, which replaces the side sliding door to the load compartment on request.
A light barrier detects the driver as soon as they enter the load compartment from the driver's seat. The Speed Delivery Door is then automatically unlocked and opened, saving time and relieving the burden on drivers, as they can leave the vehicle with the parcels in their hands without having to touch anything else and the door automatically closes behind them. It is not necessary to put down the goods and pick them up again, as is the case with conventional sliding doors. Automatic locking will be available to order as an extra option.
A further advantage for greater safety: the Speed Delivery Door is transparent from the interior. Drivers, therefore, have a view of the pavement before they climb out. Mercedes-Benz noted that the risk of collision with passers-by, in particular cyclists, is significantly reduced.
